A warm late summer evening provided the perfect setting for the Summer Sendoff Block Party, featuring local food and drinks, family activities, and live music from a band called The Cicadas.

The event took place on Friday, August 23, on the Main-Dempster Mile and was sponsored by the Central Street Consortium – the joint venture between construction companies Turner and Walsh that is undertaking the reconstruction of Northwestern University’s Ryan Field. Proceeds from admissions benefited Rainbows for All Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all youth cope with grief and loss.

A “Do Good Pop-Up,” hosted by the Justin Wynn Fund in partnership with Paws and Claws Cat Rescue, featured arts and crafts activities for the whole family. Paws and Claws Founder and Executive Director Ashlynn Boyce was on hand to support the fundraiser.

“We are committed to preventing and alleviating the suffering caused by neglect and abuse of cats in Evanston and the surrounding areas,” Boyce said, adding that the organization also places an emphasis on community building.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., residents of all ages danced, ate and supported local nonprofits at the end-of-summer festival held outside Evanston Pour at 528 Dempster St.