2022 Back to School Bash

October 18, 2022, Lori Dossett

Remember as a child your excitement about going back to school? Finding out who your teacher was? Figuring out your class schedule? Going with mom or dad to buy school supplies? Thousands of kids are experiencing these rites of passage as students throughout Minnesota head back to school.

Enjoying a dilly bar courtesy of Dairy Queen

In August, we helped Littles prepare for a successful return to school by hosting our annual Back to School Bash. Littles, together with their families and Bigs, enjoyed a complimentary dinner and each Little received a backpack filled with school and wellness supplies. Excitement was high as Littles chose their perfect backpack size and color. “I’ve always wanted a Power Ranger backpack,” exclaimed Little Brother Brandon. “And this one is brand new!”

Matches also participated in interactive games and activities to encourage academic goal setting and reflection for the year ahead, and visited a resource booth to access tutoring and other academic services.

While the primary focus was on school, we made sure to inject fun and levity into the event too. Matches engaged in some fun “minute-to-win-it” games, participated in a physical activity challenge, and received free bicycle helmets.

This event wouldn’t be possible without generous support from the community. Special thanks to Dairy Queen for sponsoring the event; and to Cargill, Target, and the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus for helping to make this event special for our matches and families. Even our nonprofit partner, United Way, got into the action by donating 250 backpacks. That’s a lot of support!