A live WhyFun event where hundreds gathered to experience the FUN framework and reconnect across differences Featuring NBA legend Thurl Bailey and comedian James Perry

Our first public, live WhyFun event where hundreds gathered to experience the FUN framework and reconnect across differences. Featuring NBA legend Thurl Bailey and comedian James Perry

Testimonials

What People are saying that attended...

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

What is

FunFest is a live WhyFun gathering designed to help people reconnect in a divided world. Through stories, humor, and real conversations, attendees experience the FUN framework: Finding Unity Naturally.

FunFest 2025 brought together community members, leaders, students, and families for an evening of connection, laughter, and meaningful dialogue.

  • Over 150 attendees gathered in the Marriott Ballroom

  • Inspiring keynote from NBA legend Thurl Bailey

  • Comedy with Studio C comedian James Perry

  • Interactive FUN framework experiences

  • Community dinner and conversations

  • Over 150 attendees gathered in the Marriott Ballroom

  • Inspiring keynote from NBA legend Thurl Bailey

  • Comedy with Studio C comedian James Perry

  • Interactive FUN framework experiences

  • Community dinner and conversations

Featured Speakers

Testimonials

What People Are Saying:

FUN 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! We can surely use FUN to remind and encourage us all to spread empathy and unity in 2025!

- Lori Taylor

Pause, reflect, retry. Those 3 words have greatly impacted me... so that I can move forward in one positive direction.

- Kelsey Bell

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

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 your choice of salad, protein, sides, and a delicious dessert.

DaRREN NIELSON

(Founder)

Darren Nielson is the founder and Executive Director of FUN.NGO Inc (Finding Unity Naturally), a non-profit movement built on kindness, accountability, and second chances. With a heart for connection and community, his passion is creating the frameworks and tools that protect the space where unity grows 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

Over 30 years of Corporate experience, leading workgroups in Telecom and Healthcare.

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

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

Gallary

but...

In a time when division is everywhere, FunFest demonstrates that connection is still possible.

The event is part of WhyFun’s mission to install simple tools and signals that help people navigate pressure, disagreement, and conflict in healthier ways.

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.

BONUS Gift Inside!

(Click the link to see who receives exclusive Bonus Gift)

  • Pictures, autographs, and interaction with Thurl Bailey and James Perry

  • Free Copy of Darren Nielson's Book (founder of FUN)

  • 30 Extra Choices in our interactive game

  • First to Eat Dinner

  • FUN VIP gift bag

Mystery BONUS Gift Inside!

(Click the link to see who receives exclusive Bonus Gift)

  • Pictures, autographs, and interaction with Thurl Bailey and James Perry

  • Free Copy of Darren Nielson's Book (founder of FUN)

  • 30 Extra Choices in our interactive game

  • First to Eat Dinner

  • FUN VIP gift bag

Meet the Founder

Hi, I'm Darren Nielson!

I believe: Unity despite differences is not only possible, but a necessity for healthy families, organizations and communities. It can't be achieved by force or coercion, but that with awareness and FUN frameworks it is

Over the last five years, I have been quietly building an eco-system of tools and frameworks rooted in kindness, personal accountability, and second chances. At the core, a heartfelt invitation to pause, reflect, and try again—together.

I started FUNFest because I want my kids and grandkids to grow up in a world where people can disagree without tearing each other apart.

This night is about experiencing what Finding Unity Naturally could look and feel like. A memorable and better way forward—together.

📢 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.

Join the list to get notified about upcoming WhyFun events

Be the first to hear about gatherings, trainings, and community events designed to help people reconnect and find unity.

Early announcements for upcoming WhyFun events • Invitations to special gatherings and experiences • Updates on new opportunities to connect and learn

Copyrights 2026 | NOVILIFY INC.™ | Terms & Conditions