Back to School Bash: A Day of Fun and Community Support
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, Grace Place for Children and Families hosted its eagerly awaited Back to School Bash, attracting over 1,250 community members to our campus. The event was a whirlwind of activity and excitement, all aimed at preparing local students for a successful school year.
This year’s bash was a tremendous success, with Grace Place distributing 800 backpacks packed with essential school supplies. These supplies were generously donated by local businesses, churches, and community groups, ensuring that students from Golden Gate City would start the school year fully prepared. For most kids, the start of a school year is an exciting time, filled with new supplies and hope for success. For students whose families cannot afford supplies, coming to school unprepared can create social and emotional challenges, in addition to putting kids at a disadvantage for learning. Many of our students already face challenges in the classroom. Starting the school year with a new backpack filled with school supplies can boost their self-esteem and help them put their best foot forward knowing that someone cares about their academic success.
The morning was filled with fun and engaging activities. Attendees enjoyed a delicious pancake breakfast courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 951, while kids lined up for face painting and book giveaways. The event also featured a variety of games that kept the atmosphere lively and joyful.
Community involvement was a key highlight of the day. We were joined by several partners, including Bikers Against Child Abuse, Collier County Public Library, the Conservancy of SWFL, and the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District. Each organization contributed to making the event special and impactful.
In addition to the fun, the Back to School Bash emphasized health and wellness. The Healthcare Network provided health screenings for adults, the Naples Lions Club offered vision screenings for children, and the Collier County Department of Health administered back-to-school vaccines.
Grace Place staff were also on hand to register families for our free educational programs, which cater to individuals from birth through adulthood. It was a day of community, support, and preparation, setting the stage for a successful school year for all involved.
We’re grateful to everyone who made this event possible and look forward to continuing to support our community in the year ahead.
