Dear Family,

Dear Family,

We are excited to gather for a joyful celebration of legacy, love, and the Echoes of Excellence that define our family.

This reunion honors our matriarch, patriarch, their children, and every generation since.

Together, we’ll reflect on our roots, celebrate our journey, and create lasting memories.

Join us for three days of connection, laughter, and love

🎉 ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE

✨ 2025 Family Reunion — Final Itinerary ✨

This is more than a reunion — it’s a celebration of everything we are. From first hugs to last laughs, here’s your all-access guide to a weekend of joy, legacy, and full-on FAMILY VIBES 💙

⸻

🗓️ FRIDAY, JUNE 20

📍 Herbert’s House — 1637 S 16th Ave, Maywood, IL

🕔 5:00 PM – Fish Fry Kickoff!

We’re starting strong with full plates and full hearts! Come ready to hug your people, swap stories, and vibe all evening long.

📍 Hillside Bowl

🕔 TBD

🎳 Optional Bowling Night Out — For the night owls ready to strike up more fun after dinner!

⸻

🗓️SATURDAY, JUNE 21

📍 Maywood Park — 132 Oak St Maywood, IL

🕘 11:00 AM – Family BBQ & Field Day

We’re taking over the park with games, music, and a whole lot of family love. Think tug-of-war, kickball, spades, and that one cousin who thinks they run the grill! Wear your Tshirt !!

📍 Yours Café & Bistro — 1115 S 5th Ave Maywood, IL

🕔 6:00 PM – Formal Family Dinner

This is the night to shine ✨. Come dressed to impress for an evening filled with laughter, love, and legacy.

📍 TBD Location – Final stop of the night

🕗 After Dinner – Grown Folks Social

If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, join us for some laughs and cocktails at a nearby spot. Nothing too wild — just good music, good drinks, and even better company. We’ll announce the location at dinner!

⸻

🗓️SUNDAY, JUNE 22

⛪ 11:00 AM – Family Worship Service

📍 TBA – final church location will be sent soon!

We’ll wrap the weekend with gratitude, prayer, and a whole lot of love.

🌆 📍 Downtown Chicago

🕐 2:00 PM – Explore the City

After church, transportation will be provided to and from downtown for those who want to take in the sights, snap a few last photos, or just enjoy the city at your own pace.

There’s no set schedule — lunch and activities are completely up to you. Take this time to relax, explore, and soak in the last few hours of a beautiful weekend.

⸻

📸 Reunion shirts? Grab them now!!

📷 Group photos? Absolutely.

💸 Final payments? Due NOW!

Let’s make this reunion one for the books.

💙 #EchoesOfExcellence | #FamilyReunion202

To ensure we can plan an unforgettable experience for everyone, we kindly ask for $150 per person, and a registration form to confirm your attendance.

Deadline: June 10, 2025
Payment Options:

• (A) Electronic Payment & Online Registration
  Zelle: smithhardenfamilyreunion@gmail.com (or scan the QR code)

  -AND-

  Complete the online registration form
  

• (B) Traditional Payment & Mail-In Registration
  ​Check or Money Order payable to: Smith-Harden Family Reunion
  -AND-
  ​Mail your registration form and payment to:
  FAMILY REUNION
  1420 S 15th Avenue
  Maywood, IL 60153

  You may find the printable registration form here: REGISTRATION FORM PDF

SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR OUR REUNION !

We’ve secured a special group rate for the Smith Family Reunion 2025 at the EMBASSY SUITES.
This hotel offers free breakfast, a free shuttle to our picnic venue, and free parking.

Enjoy comfort and convenience while staying close to the action! Our formal evening dinner will take place at this hotel.

• Hotel: Embassy Suites Chicago - Lombard \ Oak Brook

• Address: 707 Butterfield Rd, Lombard, IL 60148

• Rate: $169 King; $179 Double Queen

• Dates Available: Friday, June 20, 2025- Sunday, June 22, 2025

• Booking Deadline: June 1, 2025

To reserve your room, call 630-969-7500 and mention Smith-Harden Family Reunion or book online using
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CHILMES&groupCode=CESSHR&arrivaldate=2025-06-19&departuredate=2025-06-22&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

ADDITIONAL HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Rates are subject to change*

Hotel: The Westin by Marriott- Chicago Lombard
Address:70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148
Rate: $257 King; $275 Double Queen

Hotel: Hyatt Place Chicago - Lombard/Oak Brook
Address: 2340 South Fountain Square Drive, Lombard, IL 60148
Rate: $176 King; $184 Double Queen

Hotel: SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Chicago Lombard
Address: 222 E 22nd Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148
Rate: $135 King; $125 Double Queen

REUNION FUNDRAISING

To help make the Family Reunion unforgettable! We’re hosting a Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser to offset event costs. The popcorn is delicious and award-winning!

Our fundraising window begins on February 01, 2025, at 6:00 AM and goes until February 05, 2025, at 6:00 AM.

We will each share the link/flyer below with our friends and loved ones!

https://popup.doublegood.com/s/qk8832ul

Interested in creating your own pop-up store to track your orders?

Before the fundraiser begins:

1. Download the Double Good app

2. Enter our event code TBAGVK in the app

3. Create your Pop-Up Store

Our Double Good fundraiser is a collective effort to help make the reunion more affordable. The funds raised will reduce the overall cost per person, ensuring more of us can attend and enjoy this special gathering. Please note that the money raised is not distributed individually based on sales—it’s a group effort to benefit us all. Your participation and support make a big difference in helping everyone come together for this memorable event. Let’s make this reunion amazing for all!

FAQs:

1. Who can attend the reunion? Is it only for immediate family?
   Everyone in the family is welcome—immediate and extended! This reunion is about celebrating all branches of our family tree.

2. When is the registration deadline?
   The deadline to register is May 1, 2025. Make sure to secure your arrangements before it’s too late!

3. Can I pay in installments?
   Yes, installment plans are available to make it easier for everyone. Contact smithhardenfamilyreunion@gmail.com to arrange a payment plan.

4. Is there a discount for children?
   Yes! Discounts are available for kids under 5 years old. Contact us for specific pricing details

5. Are transportation arrangements being made for attendees?
   We have arranged a shuttle service with the Embassy Suites to transport our family to and from the picnic venue!

6. Will there be activities for kids?
   Yes! We’ve organized activities for kids, such as bouncy houses, games, and crafts.

7. Are there options for people with dietary restrictions?
   Absolutely. When you register, let us know about any dietary restrictions, and we’ll ensure everyone has options.

8. Why are fundraisers being held for the reunion?
   Fundraisers help reduce costs and make the reunion more affordable for everyone. Every little bit helps create an amazing event

9. Can I make a direct donation?
   Yes! Direct donations are always welcome. Contact us directly to contribute.

10. How is the money raised being used?
    Funds cover expenses such as the venue, meals, decorations, vendors, and activities to make the reunion memorable for everyone.

11. Is there a dress code for the reunion?
    We are asking our family members to dress in semi-formal attire for Saturday evening.

12. Can we submit family photos for a slideshow or keepsake?
    Yes! Please send your photos to smithhardenfamilyreunion@gmail.com by June 1, 2025, so we can include them.

13. Will there be a photographer or videographer at the event?
    Yes, we’ll have a photographer/videographer to capture the special moments. Be sure to smile!