Back to School Bash & Health Fair | Community Spirit

From Elizabeth Hoffman

It’s that time of year again when the 1st Gethsemane Baptist Church (1st G) Center for Family Development (CFD) will be hosting its Third Annual Back to School Giveaway and Health Fair on Saturday, August 4th.  Doors open for both at 12 noon - schools supplies will be given away while supplies last and the health fair will go until 4:00 p.m. 

The CFD has partnered this year with Metro Councilmembers David James, Attica Scott, Cheri Bryant-Hamilton, David Tandy, Dan Johnson, Jim King, Mary Woolridge, Rick Blackwell, David Yates, Vicki Welch and Brent Ackerson, as it strengthens the Louisville Community holistically by preparing the youth of this city with the proper tools for their future in educative learning.

“I’m very excited to partner with 1st G and many other civic minded groups to help prepare our kids for school,” said Councilman David James.  “I applaud 1st G and their leadership as they take on the important role of providing our youth with an opportunity to be prepared.”

Additionally, Algonquin Parkway from South Street to Sharp Street will be closed starting at 7:30 am on Saturday, August 4th for the event and will re-open after 6 pm.   

“The School giveaway and Health fair is another opportunity for us to reach out to everyone in the community, from the adults to the children in order to assist the families as they prepare their children to embark on another school year said, Keith Bush, Director of the Center for Family Development.”

The 2011 efforts of 1st G served well over 2,000 individuals and in 2012 the goal is to serve at least 5,000 individuals.  As the event grows, so do the partnerships.  This year, 1st G is partnering with The Louisville Chapter Links, Inc, Oakland Baptist Church and Kosair Charities.  The Links will sponsor a Health Walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. promoting “A healthy heart gives you a healthy start each day!”  The Oakland campus will host the Dare-To-Care (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon), manicures, inflatable’s and featured snacks.

“We are delighted to join with Councilman David James, the members and leaders of 1st G and other community organizations to provide basic, essential educational tools for children in Louisville,” said Randy Coe, President of Kosair Charities.