Sarasota YMCA hosts Back to School Bash

The Sarasota YMCA was thrilled to help families celebrate the end of summer and get excited for back-to-school time with its recent Back to School Bash. The event, which took place at the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Branch, featured a bounce house, face painting, food, games and crafts, educational activities, and more. The celebration was free and open to the community.

Families who pre-registered were eligible for free school supplies, which were generously donated by Publix. Additionally, those who signed up for the Sarasota YMCA Adventure Club After School Program saved 50 percent on program registration. After-school care is available at Fruitville Elementary, Gocio Elementary, Pine View School, Southside Elementary, and Wilkinson Elementary schools; pre-care is also available at Fruitville and Pine View.

A number of community organizations were on hand to offer program information to attendees, including All Faiths Food Bank, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Sarasota Crew, and the Junior League of Sarasota's Kids in the Kitchen program. A massage therapist from Massage Luxe provided chair massages for adult attendees. Balloon artist Greg Art was on hand to make balloon animals and fun hats, and emergency responders with the Sarasota County Fire Department were on hand to give young attendees a hands-on tour and close-up look at a fire truck.

"We understand that, for many families, back-to-school time can be very stressful. It's never easy to transition into a new routine and so many families have to worry about planning for child care and the best activities for their children over the course of the school year," said Kristen Lessig, executive director of youth development for the Sarasota YMCA. "Not only was our Back to School Bash a really fun way for families to spend time together but caretakers also learned more about our pre-care and afterschool programs as well as activities such as youth sports, competitive swimming and swim lessons, and our Achievers program, which empowers students to set and achieve goals in both their educational and personal lives."

For more information about the Sarasota YMCA's youth programs, call (941) 952-1644.

PHOTO IDs:

Brenda Woods (far right) with Aaron, Ryan and Jessa enjoy Kona Ice served up by Joe McVicker

Face painters Emily Alford and Laura Creque were kept busy throughout the Sarasota YMCA's Back to School Bash

About Sarasota YMCA:
The Sarasota YMCA is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development by nurturing the potential of every child and teen; healthy living by improving the community’s health and well-being; and social responsibility by giving back and providing support to our neighbors. Every day, we work to make sure that everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information visit sarasotaymca.org or call 941.951.2916.