Students in the Newhart Middle School Green Club, the ASB (Associated Student Body), and the Newhart PTA are taking the lead in hosting an Earth Day festival to raise community awareness of the importance of going green.
The festival is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22 in the middle school’s courtyard at 25001 Veterans Way.
The fun-filled event will feature live entertainment, delectable food, carnival games, a silent auction, arts and crafts and more to complement its educational theme. The City of Mission Viejo, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Air Quality Management District and others will also take part in an effort to make the community greener. Admission is free.
The idea for the event grew from the efforts of the Newhart Green Club and its founder Sarina Rubin. The club, which has more than 40 students, was formed last year to draw attention to what students could do to make a difference.
“They’re a great group of kids, and their message is one that we can all learn from,” said Activities Advisor Lauren Robinson. “That’s why we’re so excited to be holding this festival and bringing that message to the greater Mission Viejo community.”
According to Rubin, a portion of the festival’s proceeds will be donated to World Land Trust to help buy acres of rainforest in needed areas.
“Our hope is to raise enough money to buy more than 11 acres this year,” she said.
For more information about World Land Trust, visit http://www.worldlandtrust-us.org/index.php?page=donate. Information about the festival is available by calling 949-243-2877 or e-mailing Rubin at sarinafun@earthilnk.net.

I will be there to Kick off Arts Alive with a Street Painting Demonstration!