It was great seeing thousands of kids get free backpacks and supplies at the Amway Center on Saturday for the 7th Annual Hope Now International Back-to-School Bash.
WFTV and WRDQ were partners in hosting the event and we had a booth. It was the first time I got to stand on the floor of the Amway Center. Now I know how Dwight Howard feels – somewhat. That place is awesome.
It was a great event for kids and their families as they got TONS of free stuff – some of the free products and services offered for students were backpacks, school supplies, immunizations, and vision, hearing, and dental screenings.
Event officials added an area for teachers this year, where they could enjoy a day of pampering and get free school supplies.
Governor Rick Scott paid a visit and received quite a warmer welcome than he did the day before when he visited a local Wal-Mart.
All and all, it was a successful event and I was happy to see all the kids smiling with their big back-packs full of free goodies. It should make for a good school year.