Exceeds 2010 Fundraising Goals

Supporting More than 2,000 Students In Need On

Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 11 a.m. 3 p.m.

at Harborside Event Center

The Multicultural Centre of SWFL announces that more than 2,000 students in need will receive new backpacks and school supplies at the 11th Annual BIG Backpack Event held this Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. at Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers.

The first 2,000 plus students between the ages of 5 and 12 will receive free supplies and backpacks thanks to the support of event sponsors and private donations. “This year the members of the Multicultural Centre of SWFL and our event committee put their heart and soul into this annual event, and worked twice as hard to raise the necessary funds to support Lee County students,” says event organizer, Connie Ramos-Williams.

The organization exceeded its 2010 fundraising goals and will be able to purchase even more backpacks and school supplies this year.

“It’s the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers that have helped to make this event one of the largest back-to-school outreach programs in Lee County, supporting well over 2,000 students in need each year,” saidRamos-Williams.

Se continued, “This year we could support as many as 2,500 students thanks to the following sponsors: Woman’s Life of SWFL, CONRIC PR & Marketing, Boston Red Sox, Rotary Club of Fort Myers South, Harborside Event Center, City of Fort Myers, Hispanic American Business Alliance, Jason’s Deli, The Price Foundation, Fort Myers Congregational UCC, Thomas Edison Congregational Church, We Can’t Have That Foundation, The News-Press, Southwest Florida Parent & Child, Lee County Family News, Azteca America, Ameri-Dry, Telemundo, B-103.9, and countless others. “

Katie Haas of the Red Sox Organization told event organizer, Connie Ramos-Williams, “You should be proud and honored to know that there will be so many children in Lee County benefiting from your hard work and dedication, and that’s why the Red Sox chose your event to donate to.”

There is no admission to attend the 11th Annual BIG Backpack Event at Harborside. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, vendors, bounce house, games and giveaways. Cre8 Salon & Spa will be providing free hair cuts and facepainting for kids, The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will be providing free eye exams, the Moms Prosperity Network of Florida will be providing free back-to-school clothes, Harry Chapin will be providing free granola bars, Jason’s Deli will be providing free pencils and kids’ meal vouchers, Mel’s Diner will be giving away ice cream sundae vouchers, and Hodges University will be giving away a few $25 Target gift cards.

Children willl also enjoy Pirates from Pieces of Eight, Swampee from the Florida Everblades, a bounce house, and Game Guys mobile arcade. Everyone goes away happy at the Big Backpack Event!

For more information about The BIG Backpack Event or to make an online donation visit www.multiculturalcentre.org, call 239-561-7345, or email multicultural@juno.com. Tax deductible donations can also be mailed to The Multicultural Centre of SWFL at P.O. Box 61713 Fort Myers, Florida 33906.