Avondale helping fight childhood hunger with Blessings in a Backpack

Avondale community to hold fundraiser on March 9 to raise money for non-perishable items

Auburn Hills, Mich. ---Feb. 10, 2014---- Avondale School District, an achievement-oriented learning community focused on student leadership and success in academics, the arts and athletics, announces it will be hosting Blessings in a Backpack – Avondale, a bowling fundraiser on Sunday, March 9, at Classic Lanes in Rochester Hills. Blessings in a Backpack is a non-profit organization that supplies non-perishable food items to eligible school age children for weekends during the school year.

“It is vital to a student’s development and educational success to be fed a basic meal; having the proper nutrients helps children pay attention and participate in their learning environment,” said Kessie Kaltsouins, a community leader who oversees the Avondale Blessings in a Backpack program. “Avondale is a wonderful community that comes together to help those in need and this event is the perfect opportunity to be part of a solution to a major problem in our society.”

Volunteers pack backpacks for “at risk” children during the week so the students may take the backpack full of food home on Friday. The backpacks are then returned on Monday so the process can be repeated. The backpacks contain items such as canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, fruit and granola bars, fruit juices, soup and beef ravioli. The money from the Blessings in a Backpack – Avondale fundraiser will be used to purchase additional non-perishable food items.

The fundraiser will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at Classic Lanes located at 2145 Avon Industrial Drive (near the intersection of M-59 and Crooks Rd). Tickets are $20 per bowler and include bowling, shoes, pizza and a soft drink. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win raffle prizes and prove their bowling skills with “Strike Ball.” Big Don, Blessings in a Backpack’s favorite balloon twister, will also stop by and vendors from the local community will have tables set up with items for purchase.

For questions on the Blessings in a Backpack-Avondale fundraiser, contact Classic Lanes at 248.852.9100 or visit the event Facebook page here.  For more information on Blessings in a Backpack contact Cheryl at 248.528.1060.

About the Avondale School District

Avondale School District is a collaborative community of teachers, staff and families working together to assure student success. The district, encompassing portions of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy and Rochester Hills, celebrates the richness of a diverse student population and strives to be a model school community that prepares students to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens to the world that awaits them upon graduation. Learn more about Avondale Schools, an AdvancED certified district, at www.avondale.k12.mi.us.

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