People United to Advance the Dream Mobile, Inc. (PUAD Mobile) is making a last-minute push for sponsors ahead of its ninth annual Back-to-School Community Celebration, set for Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2523 Saint Stephens Road in Mobile.
This year’s goal is to provide school uniforms and other back-to-school essentials to 90 families in the Mobile area, each receiving a uniform voucher worth $90 that must be redeemed in person at the event. Organizers are asking corporate sponsors, community partners, churches, civic organizations and individuals to help close the gap before Saturday.
“Nine years ago, this event was created to meet a need in our community and to ensure that children could begin the school year with confidence and dignity,” said Rev. David E. Edwards Jr., president of PUAD Mobile. “Today, we are asking our community to join us in helping 90 families prepare for a successful school year. Every sponsorship, donation, and partnership helps remove barriers and creates opportunities for children to thrive.”
Beyond uniforms, the celebration is built as a full-day resource fair: free health screenings, record expungement assistance, community resource vendors, food, entertainment, an air-conditioned hospitality tent, a talent showcase and a water slide are all planned for families who attend. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $5,000, with sponsors receiving event visibility, social media acknowledgement, website recognition and vendor opportunities in return.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event was asked to contact organizers by 5 p.m. on July 15. Families can register for the event online, and those with questions can reach Edwards directly at 251-518-8885 or PUADMobile@gmail.com, or visit puadmobile.org for more information.