The Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida is pleased to announce Neal Communities as the title sponsor of The BIG Backpack Event for 2018. The 19th annual event is free and open to the public and will be held on Sunday, July 29 from 10 a.m-2 p.m. at its new location at North Fort Myers High School.
Neal Communities has set a goal to raise $20,000 to support the more than 2,000 students who will receive free backpacks and school supplies for the 2018-19 school year. After a record-breaking donation in 2017, the home builder hopes to set another new fundraising mark this year. The final amount of the donation will be unveiled at a check presentation to be held the week prior to the event.
“Our company and communities are proud to pull together to support students in need,” said Neal Communities Southwest Florida Regional President Michael Greenberg. “We enjoy volunteering the day of the event as much as it’s been our pleasure to give monetarily. The Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida is truly making an impact.”
In advance of the event, the public is invited to participate in the Adopt-A-Student fundraiser. Each $10 donation provides a student with a new backpack and school supplies that include notebook paper, folders, crayons, glue, pencils and pens.
To date, The BIG Backpack Event has provided new backpacks and school supplies to more than 35,000 students. The event lends a helping hand to students and families in need while celebrating the diversity in Southwest Florida with live multicultural entertainment, including hip-hop, Irish step dancing, salsa dancing and more.
Children age 5-12 will receive free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last. Thanks to generous vendors, students may also receive eye exams, haircuts and other giveaways. Children must be present with a parent or guardian to receive the free supplies.
For more information on how to Adopt-A-Student or become a vendor, volunteer or sponsor, visit www.multicultural-centre.org or email info@multicultural-centre.org.