Cornerstone Connections supports nearly 300 Central Florida Students during Landmark Back-to-School Celebration

The Back to School Event brought Central Florida families together for a day that offered school supplies, and more.

Cornerstone Connections celebrated its fifth annual Back-to-School Event on Aug. 8, bringing together more than 175 students, families, volunteers and community members to help Central Florida students start the new school year prepared and confident.

Through the support of local businesses, organizations and community members, nearly 300 backpacks were collected and distributed, along with additional school supplies. I Party Wit Jae, Azalea Park Jewelers and Chase Bank were among those contributing backpacks and supplies, helping alleviate back-to-school expenses for local families.

Students also received complimentary haircuts from participating beauty schools and salons, helping them look and feel their best as they headed back to the classroom.

“This event has always been about more than sending students home with backpacks,” said Brandy Hannah, founder and CEO at Cornerstone Connections. “It’s about making sure families feel supported and connected to the resources available in their community. Reaching our fifth year makes this especially meaningful and we are incredibly grateful to every partner, volunteer and supporter who continues to help us make an impact.”

Throughout the event, families connected with organizations providing educational, wellness, legal, safety and family-support services. 

Throughout the event, families connected with organizations providing educational, wellness, legal, safety and family-support services. 

Participating organizations included Aveda Institute, Ana G. Mendez, Orange County Library, Orange County Public Schools, the City of Orlando, Mentors for Fatherless Children, Prolific Beauty Collective, 26Health, Center for Independent Living, Kona Ice, Practice Wellness, Children’s Safety Village, Hispanic Hearts Inc., Orange Blossom Family Health and its dental bus, Humana Health, Florida Legal Services, Endeavors, Kids-n-Rides and Drug Free Coalition.

The event was made possible by Cornerstone Connections staff, friends, and a host of committed volunteers who helped welcome families, distribute supplies and support activities throughout the day.

Now in its fifth year, the annual Back-to-School Event has become an important part of Cornerstone Connections’ work to connect individuals and families with programs, services and resources that strengthen the Central Florida community. Since its launch, the event has provided backpacks and school supplies to more than 1,000 students and families. 

“Five years of this event represents five years of people coming together to invest in local families,” Hannah added. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more excited about continuing to build those connections and serve our community in the years ahead.”

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