The Checkered Flag Run Foundation Gears Up for its 6th Annual ‘Phoenix Tools 4 School’ Event

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

In an effort to support local families with the cost of their kids returning to school, the Checkered Flag Run Foundation will host the 6th Annual ‘ Phoenix Tools 4 School’ event on Saturday, July 28, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix (7050 South 24th Street).

“The program allows those who are lacking resources to focus on getting an education, instead of worrying about how to find the basic supplies needed for their education,” says founder of the Checkered Flag Run Foundation, Alan “AP” Powell. “By providing the tools necessary for their school year, we are investing in our future leaders and building stronger communities,” says Powell.

Phoenix Tools 4 School is free and open to the public for all students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade.

“There is nothing more important to the future of Phoenix than ensuring our students get great educations. Tools 4 School is our largest event to ensure students return to school with the supplies they need,” says Phoenix City Councilwoman from District 8,Kate Gallego.

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”.

“An investment in a child’s education is an investment not only in that child’s future, but in the future of our community. It is great to see our neighbors here in Phoenix come together each year to provide students with the tools they need to achieve success,” says Congressman Ruben Gallego from District 7.

This year’s event is expected to draw an estimated 15,000 attendees and will feature new experiences and partnerships with the Arizona Diamondbacks,Bank of America, Arizona State University, HDI, APS, UPS, Crescent Crown, Heggs Auto Group, HMS Host, Mesa Airlines, Helios Education Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation,Food City, Allstate Self Storage, Republic Services, Outfront Media,ISM Raceway, Golden Rule Live, ABC Nissan and Infiniti on Camelback. Food will be catered by Artisan Santa Barbara Catering.

“We are extremely excited to help the kids start the year off right with their backpacks and tools for school. If you don’t start right, you don’t end right,” says director of human resources for UPS, Darren Moore.

“HDI is excited to work with The Checker Flag Foundation. It is amazing to be a part of helping so many children receive the proper school supplies for the upcoming year,” says account manager for HDI, Scott Steffes.

Kids can enjoy a carnival atmosphere with attractions, games, swag and prizes provided by The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

“ABC Nissan and Infiniti on Camelback are proud to support Phoenix Tools for School. We believe all kids are on their journey to greatness, and every journey requires the right equipment! This project is so much fun for everyone involved, and allows our business to fulfill its most important responsibility, building and equipping future leaders,” says ABC Nissan and Infiniti on Camelback general manager, Adam Marazzo.

Special guest appearances will be made by Baxter, the mascot of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns’ Gorilla. Volunteers from the Bank of America’s Young Professionals, Travis L. Williams- American Legion Post 65 and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s staff, aviation advisory board members and mascot Amelia will be in attendance.

“APS is happy to return as a sponsor for this meaningful program that helps so many kids have a strong start when they head back to school,” said Director of Corporate Giving for APS, Tina Marie Tentori. “It’s a great way to support entire families by providing essential resources during the busy back-to-school season.”

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.

“The work Checkered Flag Run Foundation is doing is so important to our community and I’ve always believed we have an obligation to give back, no matter who we are, or where we come from,” says Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

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/