Let's come together for an unforgettable gathering of inspiration, gifts, and great food—featuring powerful speakers like NBA Legend Thurl Bailey and Studio C’s James Perry!
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH FIRST!
a chance to rediscover connection, purpose, and community through the lens of F.U.N. (Finding Unity Naturally).
Saturday, September 27, 2025
4:30–7:30 PM
Marriott Hotel, Provo, Utah
Dinner Provided
Suggested Donation: $60/person — but truly, come if you can. A seat will be waiting for you, donation or not.
a chance to rediscover connection, purpose, and community through the lens of F.U.N. (Finding Unity Naturally).
Let's come together for an unforgettable gathering of inspiration, gifts, and great food—featuring powerful speakers like NBA Legend Thurl Bailey and Studio C’s James Perry!
Saturday, September 27, 2025
4:30–7:30 PM
Marriott Hotel, Provo, Utah
Dinner Provided
Suggested Donation: $60/person — but truly, come if you can. A seat will be waiting for you, donation or not.
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH FIRST!
Testimonials
TESTIMONIALS
What People are saying...
Novilify has helped me evaluate my thinking... it has made me realize how my thoughts and actions can have a better impact on my relationships.
- Whitney Gram
This is a movement for our times! Novilify has shown me the importance of taking a moment to pause, reflect, and retry, changing the way I interact with those around me, whether we agree or not. We can surely use this brand to remind and encourage us all to spread empathy and unity in 2024!
- Lori Taylor
Pause, reflect, retry. Those 3 words have greatly impacted me... it helps me regulate my emotions and gives me a chance to think through my feelings so that I can move forward in one positive direction.
- Kelsey Bell
🎉What is FUNFest?
It’s part reunion, part celebration, and part launch of a hopeful new chapter.
FUN stands for Finding Unity Naturally — a movement I’ve been building over the last few years to help people reconnect across differences.
It’s a message rooted in family, faith, and the belief that unity isn’t just idealistic — it’s essential.
But most importantly? It’s a chance to be together.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi, I'm Darren Nielson!
I believe in one simple idea: Unity is possible.
Over the last five years, I have been quietly building a movement. One rooted in kindness, personal accountability, and second chances.
It’s a heartfelt invitation to pause, reflect, and try again—together.
FUNFest 2025 is an event I've been planning that can be rooted in these principles and the perfect place to rediscover connection, purpose, and community through the lens of F.U.N. (Finding Unity Naturally).
Author of Mining for FUN in the Neighborhood – What Mr. Rogers Taught (and We Forgot) About Finding Unity Naturally.
Founder of WhyFUN.org and the Novilify Movement
WHO could benefit...
Anyone who cares for their family, their future, and is concerned by the rising division in the world and wants to do something but doesn't know where to start
🍽️ Dinner + Dessert Social
🎤Keynote: NBA Legend Thurl Bailey
🎤Keynote: Studio C's James Perry
🎁 Giveaways
💡 Moments of Meaning & Connection
🌀 Choices & Chances – an interactive way to win prizes
📢 A way to be part of F.U.N. —a movement for Finding Unity Naturally
✨ What You’ll Experience:
🍽️ Dinner + Dessert Social
Guests can expect a warm, relaxed evening filled with great food, laughter, and heartfelt connections.
We'll enjoy a delicious buffet-style meal that includes:
🎤 About the Keynotes:
Keynote #1
Thurl Bailey
Thurl Bailey is a retired NBA star, motivational speaker, and musician known not only for his achievements on the court but also for his commitment to unity, leadership, and personal growth.
He inspires audiences around the world by blending sports wisdom with real-life lessons on faith, resilience, and purpose.
Led NC State to an NCAA Championship
12-year NBA career with the Utah Jazz
International speaker and recording artist
KEYNOTE #2
James Perry
James Perry is a comedian, writer, and actor best known as a founding cast member of the hit sketch comedy show Studio C.
With his sharp wit and creative storytelling, he brings humor and heart to every performance.
Original cast member and writer on Studio C
Experienced live performer and inspirational speaker
Co-creator of viral comedy sketches with over 2 billion views
🎁 Giveaways
Guests can look forward to a few fun and meaningful giveaways designed to celebrate and bring a little piece of the reunion home.
Whether it's something to wear, display, or laugh about, these giveaways are our way of saying thanks for being part of the story—and for showing up to help write the next chapter.
💡 Moments of Meaning & Connection
Reuniting with old friends is more than just a walk down memory lane—it’s a chance to rekindle connections that shaped who we are.
Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades, there’s something powerful about being in the same room again, swapping stories, laughing at shared memories, and catching up on where life has taken each of us.
This reunion is about more than nostalgia—it’s about celebrating the bonds that never really faded, and reminding ourselves that no matter where we go, we’ll always be part of something special.
🌀 Choices & Chances
an interactive way to win prizes
Choices & Chances is a lighthearted, interactive game designed to spark memories, laughter, and maybe a little friendly competition.
📢 A way to be part of F.U.N.
a movement for Finding Unity Naturally
This is more than just a reunion—it’s a movement to honor the people, stories, and spirit. Whether you were there for a season or a lifetime, your presence helped shape something meaningful.
Now’s the time to come together, share in the memories, and help carry that legacy forward. Be part of the movement by showing up, reaching out, and reminding each other what it felt like to belong.
🕟 Schedule of Events:
4:30 - 5:00 🎟️ Welcome
5:00 - 5:40 🍽️ Dinner
5:40 - 6:00 🎤 James Perry
6:00 - 6:25 🌀 FUNFest Montage
6:25 -6:45 🎤 Thurl Bailey
6:45 - 7:30 📢 Be apart of F.U.N. + Choices & Chances
🤍 Your Kindness Makes This Possible
This wouldn't be possible without the generous support of people like you.
Every donation, big or small, helps cover the costs of the venue, dinner, giveaways, tribute displays, and all the little touches that make events like this special.
If you’re in a position to contribute, we’d be deeply grateful for your help in making this gathering a success.
Thank you for being part of the heart and soul of FUN—your support means more than you know.
STILL GOT QUESTIONS?
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is FUNFest?
FUNFest is a one-of-a-kind gathering where laughter, legacy, and reconnection come together. Think part reunion, part celebration, part launch party for a better future — all wrapped in a spirit of joy and unity.
Who is it for?
It’s for families, friends, former ward members, and anyone who’s been part of our story. Whether we’re related by blood, faith, or shared memories — if you’ve received this invite, you’re part of the family.
Where and when is it?
📍 Marriott Hotel, Provo, Utah
📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM (Doors open at 4:00, and we’ve got the space for visiting until 9:00 PM)
What should we expect?
- Dinner, stories, music, and surprises
- A warm welcome and message from Darren
- Special guests including Thurl Bailey and James Perry (Studio C)
- The first public unveiling of WhyFUN: Finding Unity Naturally
- Meaningful moments, light games, and a few raffle prizes
How much does it cost?
We’re asking for a suggested donation of $60 per person to help cover dinner and event costs. But truly:
Come if you can. Pay what you can.
The real goal is to reconnect and be together again.
Can we bring kids?
Yes! We love kids. The main event is geared toward adults and teens, but younger children are welcome — especially if they’re comfortable in a seated dinner setting.
For those little ones who might get restless, we’ll have a nearby FUN Zone — a dedicated space with coloring, games, and a movie playing. It’s a great place for them to hang out and have their own kind of FUN.
What should we wear?
Dress nicely — but no need to go full formal.
Think: “Sunday best meets family reunion.” Comfortable, presentable, and FUN.
What if we can’t attend in person?
We’ll miss you, but you can still be part of the movement!
Visit WhyFUN.org/FUNFest2025 to RSVP, leave a note, or make a donation to support the cause.
What’s WhyFUN?
It’s a growing movement rooted in one powerful belief:
Unity is worth working for — and FUN is the way.
WhyFUN.org is the new home for ideas and tools that help people reconnect across divides and rediscover what brings us together.
What can I do to help?
- RSVP early so we can plan
- Invite others you know from the old days
- Sponsor someone’s seat if you’re able
- And most of all — bring your whole self. That’s what makes it FUN.
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