Last Friday, August 23, we hosted our 6th annual Victor Rojas Block Party outside Castle Gardens. Each year, participants, their families and other community members celebrate the end of summer and honor the memory of Victor Rojas, a beloved member of the Fortune community.   

At the block party, Victor Rojas Jr., joined by his family, shared a few words about his father. As a former resident of the Castle, the block party offers a place for Victor’s loved ones to reflect on his life and his lasting impact on the community he loved so much.  

This year, attendees enjoyed games, music and dancing, free food and refreshments, school supply giveaways and more. Children raced up and down the street chasing bubbles and playing catch, wearing inflatable animal ears and crowns provided at the party. Others spent the day in front of the DJ booth dancing with friends and family.   

A crowd favorite, this year’s musical chairs tournament attracted players of all ages. The game began with a round for the children and concluded with an adult-only match, including some Fortune staff members. Doris, a member of the block party’s planning committee, shared that musical chairs is one of her favorite parts of the day.   

“The kids love musical chairs, and the adults do, too. The best part of the day is seeing the kids and their families having fun together, laughing and playing.” 

The block party also presents an opportunity to give back to Fortune participants and their families. With the day’s festivities, Fortune staff members also offered resources and information about our programs and services, including housing opportunities and employment assistance, at tables stationed at the party.  

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this joyful, fun-filled day with family and friends. We loved celebrating with you, and we can’t wait to do it again next year!