Dear Family,

We are thrilled to gather together to celebrate the legacy of our beloved family, especially as we honor the incredible life of our matriarch, Johnnie Ophelia Smith-Harden, and all of her children. This reunion is a chance to reconnect and reflect on the strength, wisdom, and love that echoes through generations.

Join us for a three-day celebration of family, love, and memories!

Day 1: Friday, June 20
Welcome Night BBQ- Maywood, IL

Day 2: Saturday, June 21
Picnic | Knolls Community Park- Lombard, IL
Formal Evening Soirée | Embassy Suites- Lombard, IL

Day 3: Sunday, June 22
Church & Downtown Excursion (optional)

To ensure we can plan an unforgettable experience for everyone, we kindly ask for a $50 deposit per person and a registration form to confirm your attendance. This deposit will help cover immediate event costs, including the venue, meals, and activities. This deposit will go toward your final balance.
The final cost and remaining balance per person will be sent out on March 1, 2025 (pending fundraisers)

Estimated Amount: $225 per adult, $175 per child (if we have 100 guests)
Deposit Amount: $50 per person (will be deducted from your final balance)
Deadline: May 1, 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!