6th Annual ‘Phoenix Tools 4 School’ Event Introduces Additional Community Partners and Sponsors

The Phoenix Based Non-Profit, Checkered Flag Run Foundation, Seeks to Provide 15,000 Students with School Supplies and Workshops for Students Preparing for College

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation’s 6th Annual ‘Phoenix Tools 4 School’ has introduced new civic partners and sponsors for their community experience on Saturday, July 28, from 7 to 11 a.m. at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix (7050 South 24th Street).

“Phoenix Tools 4 School is free and open to the public for all students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade,” says Checkered Flag Run Foundation founder, Alan “AP” Powell.

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation plans to provide an estimated 15,000 backpacks to kids throughout the day. Each of the backpacks will be filled with a 70 sheet wide rule notebook, 24 pack of crayons, glue stick, plastic ruler, blunt scissors, pointed scissors, pink erasers and a 15 pack of pencils. The supplies were purchased from Dollar Days, who have the best pricing to support these type of community events.

“Being a part of the Phoenix Tools 4 School project has been an amazing opportunity to gain insight on the needs of the community, especially our students. It is a troubling thought to know students go to school every year without supplies. Helping provide basic utilities for the school year is a heartwarming feeling because we know a child’s situation will be a little better,” says 2018-2019 Chair of Student Governance Board at South Mountain Community College, Adrian M. Trujillo.”

The event recently announced additional community partners such as Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, First Intuitional Baptist Church,Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, City of Phoenix Parks and Rec, Maricopa County’s NAACP Branch, Hundred Black Men of Phoenix, Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Informant, Greater Phoenix Urban League and Flourish Now.

“The First Institutional Baptist Church is excited to partner as a sponsor of this year’s Tools 4 School experience. The Checkered Flag Run Foundation is to be commended for assisting thousands of aspiring kindergarten through 8th grade students to excel in school,” says First Institutional Baptist Church senior pastor, Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.”

The event will also have civil service partners such as Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department and Maricopa Community Colleges Public Safety.

“The backpack giveaway sponsored by the Checkered Flag Run Foundation has become a cornerstone in ensuring that every child has a great chance at a good education,” says former Democratic Leader of the Arizona State House of Representatives, honorable Art Hamilton.

They will also have media partners on-site such as Mega 104.3 and 101.1 The Beat.

New sponsors for this year’s event includes Target, Ferrari and Maserati. Zookz Sandwiches will be hosting the VIP dignitary breakfast.

“I’m excited as one of the first Phoenix Tools 4 Schools supporter’s that the event has the opportunity to participate and partner with ASU and South Mountain Community College to provide young people in grades kindergarten through 8th grade with the opportunity to start and complete the finish line,” says former Phoenix City Councilman from District 8, Michael E. Johnson.

In just five years, the Phoenix Tools 4 School annual event has impacted over 30,000 students and family members by providing them with a free meal and the supplies needed to ensure the investment of every student getting to cross their “finish line”. Kids can enjoy a carnival atmosphere with attractions, games, swag and prizes provided by The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

Additionally, this year’s event will offer new college prep workshops from Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University to help those on their path to higher education. There will be presentations designed for 7th and 8th grade students at 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 28. Participants in the workshops will also receive ASU and South Mountain Community College swag and be entered into a drawing for other prizes.

For more information about the Phoenix Tools 4 School event in July, visit CFRF.org.

About Checkered Flag Run Foundation
The Checkered Flag Run Foundation provides diverse educational programs that impact under-served students and veterans. They believe access to quality educational opportunities ensures the investment of every student and Veteran getting to cross the “finish line.” For more information about the Checkered Flag Run Foundation or to learn how to get involved, visit https://www.checkeredflagrunfoundation.org or visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/checkeredflagrunfoundation.

About South Mountain Community College
South Mountain Community College (SMCC) reflects the diversity of the surrounding community, a rich mix of rural, urban, and suburban neighborhoods. Many students are from neighboring Phoenix, Laveen, Tempe, Guadalupe and the surrounding areas. For more information please visit http://www.southmountaincc.edu/