Fort Myers group and United Way to host Back to School Bash on Saturday
If you’re looking for something free to do with the kids before school starts, the Pick Up the Ball Back to School Bash at Fort Myers Middle Academy is the place to be this Saturday.
The festivities will be held in Fort Myers at 3050 Central Avenue from 10 until 4:30 p.m. The event will feature music, giveaways, kickball, basketball and food. The first 100 kids to arrive will receive a Pickup the Ball drawstring bag.
Ted Sottong, CEO of Pickup The Ball, located in Fort Myers, said this is the first event of its kind but he hopes it will become an annual thing.
“The goal is to get organizations together so that kids can come and learn about the different organizations and resources all in one place,” said Sottong. “We're going to have organizations showing off what they do and engaging kids in that way. There are so many kids that aren't engaged with any organization. We want to get the kids interested in boxing, nature, or skating.”
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United Way along with a number of other community partners will be in attendance providing resources. Participants include: Crossover Outreach Group, Crowning Daughters for Success, Fort Myers Fire Department, Fort Myers Police Department, Hope 4 Tomorrow, Lee County School District, Pace Center for Girls, PAL, Quality Life Center and Ride Nature.
Sponsors for the event include the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Williamson Bros. Marine Construction, and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.
Sottong said there’s going to be something for everyone.
“We will have a couple of bounce houses out there,” said Sottong. “And even if a young kid wants to come out and play a little kickball, all of the organizations are going to be able to adapt to whoever is standing in front of them. We originally put this together for middle school students, but we're not turning anyone away.”
Pickup The Ball mentors young men and boys in low-income, high-risk areas to provide them with opportunities that will raise their level of expectations for life, increase their chance of success, and improve understanding among all communities. Pickup the Ball introduces its members to local businessmen and community leaders for mentoring, employment assistance, and much more.
For more information regarding Pickup the Ball, visit https://www.pickuptheball.org/ or contact teds@pickuptheball.org.
Erica Van Buren is the underserved communities reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or on Twitter: @EricaVanBuren32
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers back to school event to be hosted by Pick Up the Ball, United Way
