Harmony Freewill Baptist prepares for annual event

Published 8:46 am Friday, July 15, 2016

Contributed Photo Harmony Freewill Baptist Church will host the eighth annual Back to School Bash July 30.

Contributed Photo
Harmony Freewill Baptist Church will host the eighth annual Back to School Bash July 30.

One of the county’s longest running programs to assist students preparing for the school year is almost ready.
The eighth annual Back to School Bash, hosted by Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in Hampton, is set to begin July 30. With the event just a couple of weeks away, the church will host a spaghetti fundraiser Saturday, July 16, to raise funds. The dinner will last from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets for adults are priced at $8 while children 10 years and younger are set for $5.
Along with the dinner, a silent auction will be held with the opportunity of Kenny Chesney tickets available.
“It typically takes between $18,000 and $20,000 to operate the event,” Christy Dickerson, who assists with the event, said. “All the funds raised goes back into the event.”
The Back to School Bash has become a staple in the Hampton area due to the amount of support the event garners, Dickerson said.
“We’re expecting between 20 to 25 churches to help with this year’s event,” she added. “Last year, we had around 4,900 people at the event and we were able to help 315 who made a proclamation of faith.”
Children that take part in the event receive a backpack, age appropriate for the grade they’re heading into, full of supplies and other items.
“Registration starts at Hampton High School,” Dickerson said. “After they register, they’re shuttled to the church.”
Children that take part in the event will go through the church’s main building to watch a skit, with the theme based on Star Wars. The title of the skit is, “May The Lord Be With You”.
Once the skit is finished up, children will have various activities to participate in; with food, inflatables, temporary tattoos, musical entertainment, wrestlers, Mario & Luigi, and other items available for children.
Harmony Freewill Baptist sees tons of support from the community, and far across the state lines, with support for the event going as far as Tazewell, Va., and Charlotte, N.C., Dickerson added.
Dickerson said that children who participate in the event must be accompanied by an adult, with the event aimed for the entire family. The Back to School Bash is free and open to the public.
Individuals that can’t make it to Saturday’s spaghetti fundraiser can still contribute to the initiative, Dickerson added.
For more information or to donate funds and items, citizens can contact the church at 725-3338, or get touch with either Pastor Brandon Young or Associate Pastor Hunter Greene.
Shannon Posada, who spearheads the event, can also be reached at 747-5027.

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