On Thursday afternoon, excited students and parents awaited their entry onto Elston Middle School's Gill Field, the host site of the 2014 Michigan City City-Wide Back to School Rally, which boasted food, games, exhibits, and free school supplies.
Attendees were given a “Rally Bingo” card that was stamped or initialed by exhibitors in order to be eligible for prizes at the event. Once the card was completed and turned in, the student received a backpack filled with all the required, grade appropriate, school supplies.
According to Betsy Kohn, director of communications for Michigan City Area Schools, 1800 backpacks were distributed.
“The event is growing every year," she said.
The event started in 2009 when, Pat Harris, president of the Indiana Black Expo, and chairperson for the event, urged the several individual groups, each having their own back to school supply giveaway, to merge and form the City-Wide Back To School Rally. More than 1,000 students attended the inaugural event. The attendance this year was expected to exceed 2000.
“I’m very proud of how our community steps up” said Harris. “We want to make sure the students have the necessary supplies to start the school year, and to be excited to start school."
There was fun to be had for all ages from a host of entertainers and activities including Captain Ed, the Michigan City Police Department dunk tank, face painting, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, fashion show and several games.
The smell of food wafted in the air as the Michigan City Area Schools' food service kept busy grilling hot dogs and preparing meals.
Brikeo Sherrod, an eighth grade student at Krueger Middle School, was enjoying visiting the booths at the event. "I look forward to getting back to school to meet new people and make new friends," she said.
Of course this event could not take place without the support, donations and collaborative efforts of many businesses, organizations and some 150 volunteers.
Principal Marsha Tappan of Marsh Elementary School and volunteer at the event said it's "fun to see the kids in a different setting."
HealthLinc was this year’s event sponsor. The Diamond Sponsors who provided funding and supplies included: Wal-Mart, Meijer, Comcast, Sodexo, and MDWise. All the backpacks were furnished by MDWise.
The following Rally Partner Organizations began holding meetings in March to coordinate and organize the event: Boys & Girls Club, Covering Kids & Families of La Porte County, City of Michigan City, HealthLinc, Indiana Black Expo, La Porte County NAACP, La Porte County YMCA, MDWise, Michigan City Area Schools, Purdue University North Central, Shaka-hand, Maka-friend and United Way of La Porte County.
“When you look down on the field and see the 600-700 families represented and know that it’s all happening because our community comes together, that’s the highlight of the event for me," Harris said.
Needless to say, on the first day of school, there will be many happy, prepared students because of the generosity shown from this event.