The four hour event started at 9 a.m. The first 500 people to arrive were able to park, enter the zoo for free, and enjoy a free lunch. Sen. Lightford also provided free school supplies, including backpacks, to local families.

"We had the event at the Brookfield Zoo because it’s important for children to learn that school and education can be fun," Lightford explained. "Zoos are educational and fun at the same time, so I thought this was the perfect setting. I also thought this visit would be a treat for many children whose families can’t otherwise afford to visit these attractions."

Last year, Lightford worked with a variety of sponsors to distribute free school supplies to children across her district. She attended five to six events hosted by local park districts, and gave out more than 1,000 backpacks full of school supplies to 20 different groups. Seeing how much children and families appreciated the school supplies inspired her to host this year’s event at the zoo.

"I wanted to take distributing school supplies one step further," Lightford said. "I wanted to give these children a fun day and encourage them to try hard at school. I also thought the event would help get parents and families more involved in their children’s education."