Fun Fridays and Financial Fitness
Written by Tim Buckley, August 2026
Anyone who has attended one of the 20 Fun Fridays in the past few years knows it is brimming with things to do. It brings to mind an old toast: “eat, drink and be merry!”
Aside from games and dancing, having a meal together and awaiting the outcome of very popular raffles, there was a midway of more than 50 community partners at this year’s Fun Fridays. Hundreds of families lined up to learn more about life-enhancing resources available for little to no cost.
In last month's newsletter, a wide array of those partners described their experience at Fun Fridays. Two other partners agreed to answer questions about their experience this year and explain how they make learning about financial fitness fun.
Daylee Howard, Community Engagement Officer at Willamette Valley Bank said that this was the second year her employer has been active at Fun Fridays. Here’s what she said about the events:
What was your impression? Attendance was incredible! We are so impressed by how many community members came out to support their neighborhood, and the atmosphere and activities were just as strong. Volunteers, vendors, and attendees are very welcoming and appreciative, and the vendors did a great job providing engaging activities for kids.
Why did your organization choose to attend?Willamette Valley Bank chose to attend and sponsor because supporting our communities is important to us. We value opportunities to meet people where they are, in a relaxed setting where they feel comfortable asking questions about banking and financial resources we provide.
What resources or information did you provide the people stopping by your table?We shared informational flyers about our products along with promotional items. These materials were helpful, but the “passports” CBEL provided were especially effective in making attendees feel more comfortable approaching booths and starting conversations, since walking up to a table can feel intimidating.
Did you find the effort useful, for those who stopped by, and for your organization?Yes, the effort was valuable. It gave attendees a chance to learn more about Willamette Valley Bank while also helping us connect with the many other vendors involved.
Overall, what is your opinion of the organization and offerings that CBEL had?We are consistently impressed by the organizations and resources that come together to support Fun Fridays. It is a meaningful event for the neighborhoods it serves, and its impact is easy to see.
Betsy Steinberg, VP - Community Relations Officer, Pioneer Trust Bank said that this was the first year the bank has joined in the Fun Friday event.
What was your impression? The event seemed to be very well attended. There was a nice representation of the surrounding neighborhoods in attendance; I was especially impressed by the number of multi-generational families. Although I didn’t have much of an opportunity to walk around, the surrounding atmosphere was very much that of a block party, complete with games, food, music and dance.
Why did your organization choose to attend? It was a great opportunity for us to be present in the community and show our support for the neighborhoods. We chose the Hallman & Washington neighborhood Fun Friday because one of our employee volunteers grew up in the Washington neighborhood and his sister is on the Neighborhood Council. We had the pleasure of meeting her and several of his (our employee’s) extended family.
What resources or information did you provide the people stopping by your table? We set up an interactive financial learning activity on Saving and Budgeting, designed for kids. Participants were given $2.50 in play money to spend in our booth, and were taught three lessons:
Why should they save money. Kids participated in a money quiz and were asked why they think they would like to save money. Each was given a piggy bank and $0.45 in real coins to start them saving.
Budgeting for “wants” vs “needs”. Attendees had to decide whether to spend their money on “wants” (toys) or “needs” (healthy snacks). There were some tough choices!
Spending money to help others. Everyone was given the opportunity to donate a portion of their money back to CBEL to help other kids play; we promised to match every play dollar collected with a real money donation.
Kids were given a take-home packet with activity sheets that recapped the lessons. We estimated about 260 attendees went through our booth; we had a constant line. Out of the $650 in play money distributed, we collected $107 in donations, which was a 16% donation rate; outstanding! Parents loved it; many commented that the lesson was effective because their children had to make real money choices.
Did you find the effort useful, for those who stopped by, and for your organization? Yes; this is the third time we have set up this activity booth at a community event. Not only do participants seem to like it, but our volunteers also enjoy it as well! I loved watching the parents and families helping their kids shop and teach them the lessons! We were even approached by a few educators asking if we could do the activity for their school or community organization.
Overall, what is your opinion of the organization and offerings that CBEL had? The Family Council and CBEL Volunteers were awesome! Not only were they very organized and helpful throughout the entire event, they expressed genuine gratitude for our presence and our support.
When asked whether their organization would plan to be back again next year, Daylee Howard (Willamette Valley Bank) answered “Yes!”
Betsy Steinberg’s (Pioneer Trust Bank) answer was more nuanced. She said: It depends upon my resources; perhaps something on a smaller scale. We usually do events like this on weekends, and it was difficult finding volunteers because the event was during a workday. Combined with summer vacations, it was a struggle ensuring we had adequate support staff in the office to cover.
CBEL’s effort - helping families outgrow the adverse conditions in their lives and neighborhoods - would not be successful without the continued enthusiastic engagement of the Salem and Keizer business community, nonprofits and for profits alike. Thank you to all of you for helping to build resiliency for everyone living in our community.