A Magical Back to School Celebration!

Picture this: the parking lot at Big Brothers Big Sisters bursting with endless school supplies, over 100 backpacks, 100+ hotdogs sizzling on the grill, 20+ vendor stations, and the beats of a DJ orchestrating the entire symphony of smiles. This year’s Back to School Celebration, where Littles and their siblings received backpacks and school supplies, was a night we won’t soon forget!

MAKING CONNECTIONS

This celebration is always a unique time of year for the agency.

Littles and Bigs usually meet out in the community rather than onsite at Big Brothers Big Sisters, so this is one of the few times of year matches and families come together as a big group with our staff. It is a favorite event for the entire BBBS team.

A MAGICAL EVENING

The entrance was a carnival of cheers; attendees were met by Slappy from the Kalamazoo Wings, DJ Chris spinning the beats, familiar faces from a galaxy far, far away thanks to Great Lakes Garrison, and BBBS staff, all ready to send a wave of good luck for the upcoming school year. And let’s not forget the beautiful balloon display by KD Sales!

Our friends from Envision Advertising Design & Video Production and BBBS’ own Erica Inman captured the essence of the event by freezing laughter, connection, and happiness in every photo. You can relive the experience by checking out these photos on our Facebook page here.

Also, be sure to check out this video reel created by Envision that encapsulates the entire magical evening – it’s a must-watch!

ONE HUNDRED BACKPACKS. ONE HUNDRED THANK YOUS.

Thank you to all of the generous donors who helped make the evening magical. Our friends at Graphic Packaging and Stryker provided backpacks and school supplies for each participant. KFC/KBP Foods brought chicken little sandwiches for everyone to enjoy. Culver’s and Qdoba shared goodies for each family.

Discover Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Public Library, Chef Sawed Off, OutFront Kalamazoo, The Kalamazoo Promise, Kalamazoo Public Safety, the Black Arts & Cultural Center, Greenleaf Trust, KRESA, YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, Advia Credit Union, 4-H Club, ABA Pathways, Sisters Empowered, Helping Hands Wellness Center, and Communities in Schools Kalamazoo all showed up with fun activities for youth to enjoy. Thank you to each of these organizations for the ways you made the evening memorable!

Thank you to the many partners who came together to make this event possible. Your support ensures our Littles and their families have a great start to their school year!

Do you have a Little in your life that would benefit from a Big? Visit our Enroll a Child page for more information.