Last night, Eden Prairie celebrated community and giving through their annual Night to Unite event. Residents across 163 neighborhoods threw block parties, not just for the sake of camaraderie but also to rally behind a benevolent cause. The evening’s dual purpose shone clearly as nearly 9,000 pounds of food were collected for PROP, a local charity effort by People Reaching Out to People. As reported by the City of Eden Prairie, the community's generosity was apparent as they rounded up a staggering 8,962 pounds of donations.
Communal efforts were further sweetened with a friendly competition this year, rewarding the neighborhood that went the extra mile. Every block party tipping the scales past 200 pounds of food donations was entered in a drawing for a prize as cool as ice cream—quite literally. Neighbors on Fairway Drive outdid themselves, tipping in almost 400 pounds, and were duly crowned winners of an ice cream social, courtesy of the Eden Prairie Police and Fire Departments.
The event, which is no stranger to local tradition, counted on the warmth of the residents who opened their doors to city officials. In a gesture of gratitude, organizers thanked those providing snacks and engaging in conversation. "Thank you to everyone who welcomed us to their neighborhood parties, offered us snacks and took a few minutes out of their evenings to chat with us," stated the City of Eden Prairie in their blog posting. The sentiments of appreciation are not in short supply as the organizers already look towards the horizon of next year’s Night to Unite.
Lasting more than an evening, the impact of the Night to Unite reverberates through the kindness it kindles. For those interested in seeing the memories made during this year's event, more photos are available to peruse on the City's official blog. The camaraderie fostered by this annual event, it seems, holds a mirror to the shared values that make a neighborhood, a community, and society stronger and united—not just on one night—but in the countless days that follow.
