The Elizabethton City Schools System is rallying the troops for the final stretch of fundraising for an event to benefit children of the community.
Elizabethton’s Back-2-School Bash is continually picking up steam with two weeks remaining for sponsorship opportunities to cover the cost of backpacks that would be provided at the event. The deadline for donations is July 1.
“We’re halfway to our goal,” said ECS Public Relations Coordinator Bekah Price. “Providing these backpacks isn’t possible without community support, and we’re very grateful for the churches, businesses, and organizations that have provided sponsorships already. There is still time to contribute to the event.”
Last year, the event was able to raise enough funds to cover the cost of 800 backpacks for children. For the second annual event, the system is looking to provide 1,000 backpacks for elementary, middle and high school grade students within the education system.
Price added the growth of the program was due to the greater need of school supplies for elementary-grade students.
The backpacks average $16 and any time of monetary donation to help cover the cost would be greatly appreciated, she added.
Sponsors of the event have the opportunity to be highlighted in a variety of ways with larger sponsors receiving even more notoriety. Everyone involved with the event is listed on the school’s website, ECSchools.net, the school system’s Facebook page and are mentioned in a brochure that is provided in each backpack. Other ways of recognition include the Elizabethton Star providing advertising space to highlight the sponsors and Life Care of Elizabethton have donated billboard space to spotlight the entities.
Over 20 sponsors have taken the initiative to support the event thus far. Current top sponsors for the event include East River Park Christian Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, Life Care Center of Elizabethton, Sycamore Shoals Hospital, Lowe’s, the Elizabethton Star and the Johnson City Press. A full list of current sponsors is available on the school’s website.
Price added another change for this year’s event is the date, Saturday, Aug. 5. With the change, the school system is hoping to see a widespread response from families from all across the region. Last year’s event coincide with the annual Back-to-School Bash held in Hampton.
“The event is open to everyone,” she said. Lunch, live music, inflatables, obstacle courses and over 20 organizations will be on site to provide different types of fun and activities for attendees.
Fundraising and event planning has been organized by Elizabethton City Schools, East River Park Christian Church, Elizabethton Police Department and the Carter County Health Department.
Anyone looking to get involved with the event and make a donation can do so by dropping off a donation at the school’s central office.
For more information, contact Price via email at bekah.price@ecschools.net or call (423) 547-8000 ext. 8210.