Family Friendzy gives dozens of families day of fun, support, friendly competition

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Widowed parents came together this weekend for a day of fun, support and competition.

The Widowed Parent Relief Project organized this event with the sole purpose to show those who lost their spouse that the community is always with them.

“It’s an event that is meant to emulate exactly what Widowed Parent Relief Project is all about. And that is it takes a village. We all come together as one and love on each other,” WPRP founder Kelly Orrico said.

This is the WPRP’s third annual “Family Friendzy”, and it offers a chance for those who experienced such a tragic loss to be supported by their community members.

While normal support is helpful, widowed parents need that help and care from others who are going through the same thing.

“You don’t feel so alone. There’s others with kids who have lost a mom or have lost a dad, right, there’s other widows and widowers who just get it immediately. You can just look in someone’s eyes and look at them and their kids and see that they need this rally. They need this rallying around them. They need the community support,” widowed mother Kate Sladek said.

Widowed parents don’t just lose their spouse. They lose a loved one who offered support, help and care in daily life.

The WPRP offers help through emotional support, cleaning services and even help with the children....