The Bullard Family Foundation’s ninth annual Back to School Bash took over Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, offering thousands of families free backpacks, health services, and school supplies ahead of the new academic year.
Community Support
Event organizers prepared thousands of backpacks filled with essential school supplies to hand out to local students preparing for the 2026-2027 academic year. The community gathering focused on easing financial burdens for families while helping students prepare for the classroom.
Beyond physical supplies, attendees received free food, haircuts, and health services. Medical professionals and volunteers set up onsite operations to deliver free dental, vision, and physical health exams to attending children.
Health Services
Executive Director John McCarthy of TeamSmile said 192 volunteers registered for the dental area, including about 20 dentists, 20 hygienists, and 20 dental assistants performing full dental work. Doctors also provided electrocardiograms to middle and high school students on site.
AdventHealth Pediatrician Dr. Rosa Taveras explained that Florida’s second chance law mandates an EKG within the past two years for high schoolers starting sports to prevent sudden cardiac events.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
