Several hundred community members from Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, and beyond gathered on Labor Day weekend for the 25th Annual Sunrise Rocks at Lake Bluff’s Sunrise Park to support two local youth-based foundations.
Originally, the event was scheduled for May 26 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., but was postponed due to the rain.
Sunrise Rocks is a longstanding event dedicated to raising funds for local organizations. Over the past 25 years, it has supported the Alliance of Excellence, which aids teachers and students in the community.
This year, the focus shifted to benefiting the Zachary Porter Foundation in honor of Zach Porter’s impact on the surrounding community.
The Zachary Porter Foundation celebrates the life of Zach Porter by creating experiences for children that mirror the activities he loved that they might not have access to.
Porter was an admirable young man who left an immense impact on his community and peers. Lake Bluff was everything to Zach; he was so appreciative to have grown up in such a close community.
Porter wanted kids to be able to have the same experiences he had in his childhood. Sunrise Rocks helped make that possible.
There were a variety of activities, including face painting, live music, food stations, and lots of yard games. Local families were able to gather on blankets and lawn chairs to socialize and listen to great music.
“I volunteered as a face painter at sunrise rocks and I really enjoyed connecting with the Lake Bluff community. It was such a wholesome event and I loved the music,” junior Kacey Busam said.
The festival highlighted some of Porter’s passions: music, Lake Michigan, the outdoors and sports. Families living in Lake Bluff had the opportunity to experience a life like Zach’s at Sunrise Rocks.
Lake Bluff residents were able to reconnect and speak with friends, as well as meet many new families. Everyone gathered together with a common goal of uniting as a community and to raise awareness and money for other organizations.
Pinerary was one of the many sponsors at Sunrise Rocks; Lake Bluff resident, Annie Pezza, was the founder of the community business.
“As a local startup in the neighborhood, we want to support endeavors that align with our values, especially those nearby and close to our hearts,” Pezza said. “The Zach Porter Foundation is doing so much good for local families struggling to get by, who want their kids to enjoy the same advantages many in our area can easily afford. You could feel the love and support we share for our community and the Porter Family.”
