Give Chances at Chuseok K-Fest 2025
A day of meaningful cultural exchange, where Give Chances youth leaders, DDartists, and volunteers came together to share Korean heritage with the community.
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| Jersey City Chuseok K-Fest, October 19, 2025 |
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This past Sunday, Give Chances participated in Jersey City’s annual Chuseok K-Fest in partnership with Jersey City and the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce – Korean Chapter. Held at City Hall Plaza, the Chuseok festival welcomed thousands of visitors, gathering to honor Korean culture and heritage, and celebrate the gratitude that define this holiday.
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Give Chances was proud to host four interactive booths, each designed to highlight different aspects of Korean culture while showcasing the creativity, leadership, and inclusion at the heart of our mission.
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DDartists Exhibition and Booth
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The exhibition featured original artwork by DDartists—artists with developmental differences—whose designs were displayed and sold on greeting cards and T-shirts. Visitors enthusiastically supported the artists’ work, engaging with Give Chances’ broader mission to create inclusive platforms for creative expression and independence. Our DDartists' work brought color and meaning to the plaza, inspiring conversations about the power of art to connect us all.
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Children and families participated in hands-on experiences with beloved Korean traditional games. Participants painted and decorated their own wooden gonggi and pengi (tops), and tried their hand at jegichagi (Korean shuttlecock kicking). The booth offered a joyful introduction to Korean play traditions that have been passed down through generations. These traditional Korean games showed that joy transcends generations and cultures—reminding everyone that laughter is a universal language.
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At the Kimchi-Making Booth, Chance Maker students led participants through the process of making kimchi. As students introduced the ingredients and stories behind Korea’s most iconic dish, participants discovered not only its flavors but also the deep sense of community and care that kimchi represents in Korean homes. The activity fostered meaningful exchanges between youth leaders and community members, emphasizing the value of cultural exchange and education, and leadership in action.
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The K-snack booth added a sweet touch to our Chuseok celebration. Guests sampled a variety of beloved Korean treats, many for the first time, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the diverse and evolving world of Korean cuisine. Incorporating this modern taste into the Chuseok festival allowed participants to experience Korea's past as well as its present.
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The day concluded with a proud moment as one of our Junior Chance Maker students stood on the steps of Jersey City Hall to share Give Chances’ mission with the crowd—an inspiring reminder of how young leaders can carry forward cultural pride and community spirit.
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| This year’s Chuseok K-Fest was more than a festival—it was a celebration of belonging. Through every booth, every shared smile, and every story told, Give Chances reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusion, cultural understanding, and youth empowerment. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jersey City and the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce – Korean Chapter, and our volunteers whose support made this event possible. Together, we are working to build bridges of understanding and opportunity through education, creativity, and community engagement. |
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✨ We’re proud of our Chance Makers, DDartists, volunteers, and community members for coming together to create fun, educational, and meaningful experiences! ✨
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Your support helps us continue creating opportunities for children, youth leaders, and artists with developmental disabilities to share their talents and voices. If our mission and work resonates with you, please consider donating today.
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