19th Annual Community Back to School Bash to Benefit Thousands of Palm Beach County Children
Fun and Exciting Events Help Underserved Kids and Families Prepare for School Success
WHAT: The 19th Annual Community Back to School Bash is being held at various locations throughout Palm Beach County to provide school supplies and essential services for children in need. The Bash is a public-private partnership presented this year by the Palm Beach County Office of Community Revitalization, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and more than 65 non-profit agencies. Each child is paired with a personal “shopper” who helps the child make selections and navigate the huge maze of new school supplies. Participating children also receives free haircuts, health screenings, access to free immunizations and clothing. The Community Back to School Bash is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing low income Palm Beach County children the tools they need to succeed in school. Established in 1995, the Bash has grown to include more than 65 non-profit agencies serving more than 12,000 children.
WHEN Saturday, August 10
All BASH events begin at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Palm Beach County Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL
Roger Dean Stadium
4751 Main St., Jupiter, FL
Village Academy School
400 SW 12th Ave., Delray Beach, FL
West Tech Education Center
2625 State Rd. 715, Belle Glade, FL
City of Pahokee
335 SW 2nd Avenue, Pahokee, FL
City of South Bay
335 SW 2nd Avenue, South Bay, FL
WHO: More than 12,000 Palm Beach County School Kids
Hundreds of inspiring volunteers from more than 65 non-profit agencies
Deputy County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker (PBC Convention Center)
County Commissioner Mary Lou Berger (PBC Convention Center)
County Commissioner Hal R. Valeche (Roger Dean Stadium)
County Commissioner Mayor Steven Abrams (VillageAcademySchool)
Palm BeachCountySchool Superintendent Wayne Gent
U.S. Congressman Patrick E. Murphy
WHY: Getting children ready to go back to school can be a difficult time for many families. It is expensive for parents and an emotional challenge for children if they do not have the resources they need to feel positive about school. The National Retail Federation says the average person with children in grades K-12 will spend &688.62 on their children, up from $603.63 last year. Unfortunately, many families in Palm Beach County are in extreme financial situations, and available money must go first toward rent, utilities and food. These families simply cannot afford to spend money on getting their children ready for school. The Community Back to School Bash is a volunteer organization that exists to provide the supplies, information and resources to empower disadvantaged children to begin the school year with confidence and achieve academic success.