RICHMOND, Va. – The second annual Back to School Fair presented by the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Catholic Charities took place on Saturday, Aug. 13 at FedExField in Landover, Md.
The Back to School Fair is designed to provide under-resourced children with everything they need to be prepared for the upcoming school year. Roughly 500 registered students were able to receive services including dental exams, haircuts, new books, uniform elements and brand new school supplies and backpacks as well as other essential items from a variety of partner companies and organizations.
"From Catholic Charities perspective, this partnership with the Redskins Charitable Foundation has been unbelievable. To be here at FedExField on the club level where all the big wigs come to watch the games and do something so incredible to help 400-500 kids get ready for school is just awesome," said Erik Salmi, Catholic Charities. "It's the definition of partnership. We have 35 organizations out here today and Catholic Charities has our medical clinics, our food programs, and our prisoner ministry mentoring program here. So I think it's just a phenomenal event and we are so honored to be partners with the Redskins."
Redskins alumni Ravin Caldwell, Darnarien McCants, Tommy McVean and Dion Foxx were in attendance along with Redskins cheerleader ambassadorswho assisted youth as they shopped for a new backpack and greeted families as they arrive to FedExField. Additional entertainment for families included dance workshops, DJs and a raffle.
"It's great for the community man. Even if I wasn't a Redskins fan you have to appreciate them doing it. I'm looking forward to the season. It should be a good one," said Jerry Brown, participating family member.
"We are proud to be able to help families get their children prepared for school," said Jane Rodgers, Executive Director of the Redskins Charitable Foundation. "This 2nd year event was double the size of last year including resources available and children served. It was a big hit!"
Shuttle services were available to pre-registered families at select locations around the D.C. Metro Area, courtesy of Deluxe Transportation. Each family also received two tickets to the Redskins vs. Bills game courtesy of the Washington Redskins.
Participating organizations in this year's Back to School Fair were:
- Barnes & Noble
- Deluxe Transportation
- Hair Cuttery
- Macy's
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- TeamSmile
- Children's National Health System
- And more
For more information on the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation's programs and events or to donate, visit www.redskins.com/community or follow the Foundation on Twitter at @RedskinsCR.
