Coalition spotlights upcoming resource and volunteer events: Scott Bennett Day, A Cry for You gala and Shine the Block

Several community organizations used the coalition meeting to announce upcoming public events and volunteer opportunities. Bud from the state’s attorney’s office reminded attendees that the third annual Scott Bennett Family Resources Day will run at Lincoln Square Mall on Friday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with about 40 organizations participating. The event is designed to connect residents with community services. Shalanda Weatherall of A Cry for You, a grief support group for mothers of gun‑violence victims, announced the group’s second annual gala on Sept. 28 beginning at 3 p.m.; tickets are $40, and raffle tickets will be sold. She said event information was on the meeting’s back table. First Followers and partners announced a “Shine the Block” neighborhood cleanup and community‑building event at Oakwood Trace Apartments this weekend from about 1 to 5 p.m., with trash pickup, landscaping, partner resource tables and a barbecue. Why it matters: the events offer direct services (Scott Bennett Day), fundraising and survivor support (A Cry for You), and neighborhood beautification and resident engagement (Shine the Block); organizers asked coalition members to attend, volunteer and spread the word.