FAME's 5th Annual Free Back to School Event a Total Success!
“I don’t know how to thank everyone who helped make this possible,” said Mrs. Denise Hunter the President and Chief Operating Officer of the FAME Corporations, and the force behind the success of the annual event.
Families formed a line that wrapped around several city blocks and spanned four long streets to attend FAME’s 5th Annual Back to School Giveaway and Health Fair. “I feel so gratified and happy that that we had enough for everyone,” said Mrs. Hunter. Among the items and services freely given were backpacks filled with notebooks, text books, calculators and various school supplies, clothing and uniforms, hair cuts and new running shoes. Participants were also encouraged to take advantage of the free medical screenings and Red Cross Emergency Kits that were handed out.
Numerous community organizations partnered with FAME Corporations and FAME Church. Some of those partners included American Red Cross, FOX Entertainment, Citibank, LA County Sheriff's Department, Association for Black Women's Physicians, Crenshaw Dental Center, FAME Church Children's Ministry, and Champions for Change, Sempra Gas Utility and many more. Throughout the day children were served free food and treated with live entertainment and raffle prizes that included lap top computers, bicycles and tickets to various specialty sports events. In spite of the heat and the long wait, there was a distinct feeling of joy and unity within the crowd. "My son got his hair cut, received new shoes and I was able to get my sugar checked, I'm tired but this is a wonderful day," said Ms. Louise McGregor who began lining up the night before.
With a walkie talkie in her hand, Mrs. Hunter spent a very busy day getting updates on the logistics of the event, but she always made time to greet the participants with a smile. "We are here to serve, and I am committed to doing it to the best of my ability," said Mrs. Hunter. A number of supporters and community leaders joined Mrs. Hunter and were seen with their sleeves rolled up assisting in the effort. Among them was Ms. Mitsy Wilson the Senior Vice President of Diversity Development at FOX Entertainment Group, Ms. Mauria McPoland of the American Red Cross, the Honorable Irma J. Brown Dillon, Rev. Leonard Jackson, a senior advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks and Rev. J.L. Armstrong, minister of Emergency Preparedness for FAME. A number of representatives from the offices of various elected officials also attended the fair. Several organizations received framed commendations for their contributions.
Many parents waited patiently to thank Rev. Dr. John J. Hunter, the senior Minister of First AME Church, and his wife First Lady Denise Hunter for holding the event. Mrs. Hunter is credited with starting the annual giveaway that has served tens of thousands for the last five years. The event began at 9:00 am and only closed when everyone was completely served.
"My heart is overwhelmed when I look at how many people depend on this," said Mrs. Hunter. An elderly gentleman of Latin origin
approached her and in Spanish explained his gratitude. When he was finished he took her hand and gently kissed it saying, "Gracias." FAME Assistance Corporation has already begun preparing for the next big event, a grand opening of the FAME So Fresh Produce Market on Sunday September 20th at 2:30pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
