Backpacks For Fellow Students 2nd Annual Spring Splash and KanJam Tournament

             Backpacks For Fellow Students
             2nd Annual SPRING SPLASH
               and KanJamTournament
 

          Ariana DeMattei, an 8th grader at Westhampton Beach Middle School, is proud to announce the date for her 2nd annual Spring SPLASH sponsored by Human Understanding & Growth Services, Inc. (HUGS), to benefit her charity Backpacks For Fellow Students (BFFS). The fundraiser will take place on April 26, 2014 at Rogers Beach (105 Dune Road) in Westhampton Beach, NY. This will be the second year in which DeMattei will ask for the communities help in reaching her 2014 goal of raising $20,000 to fill 250 backpacks with required school supplies for area elementary school students.

“Because of BFFS’ efforts (in 2013), 150 children were able to begin the school year with the necessary school supplies and come in the first day of school prepared to learn,” stated Lisa Slover, Principal, Westhampton Beach Elementary School.

“I was overwhelmed with joy as I saw children walk in and select a backpack of their choice filled with all the supplies their teachers requested them to bring in on the first day of school. Knowing that I made a difference and helped create a better start to their future made me feel so proud,” states 13-year-old BFFS creator Ariana DeMattei.

BFFS is adding new activities for 2014 which include a KanJam Tournament sponsored by Sports Authority. Music will be provided by Michael from East End Entertainment, food made available by Panera and Quogue Country Market, face painting by Emily’s Marvelous Masks, fire trucks, prizes and raffles.

On-site registration begins at 10:30 a.m. KanJam donation is $20.00 a        team of 2 and $25.00 to Splash (free Splash registration if sponsors or donations exceed $25). Lunch is provided to all registered participants. All donations are tax-deductible.

The KanJam Tournament will start at 11:00 a.m. with the SPLASH immediately following at 12:30 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place KanJam teams. For the SPLASH: winners will be named in the following categories: First One Under, Most Creative Costume, Top Fundraiser, Youngest Splasher, and Largest School Team or Club.

 “HUGS, Inc., applauds the vision and commitment of Ariana DeMattei as she selflessly gives of her time to provide the basic school supplies to local kids in need,” comments Kym Laube, Executive Director (of HUGS). “HUGS, Inc. has been in the business of empowering youth for more than 30 years and this is a great example of an empowered young person taking an idea, bringing into action, and helping enhance the lives of others. We are proud to partner with Ariana and look forward to a successful, fun, family friendly community event!”

For more information, email BFFS at: bffs.info@gmail.com. Not able to attend but want to support BFFS: Tax deductible donations can be made. Make donations payable to HUGSS a 501(c)(3) and mark for BFFS.  Mail to BFFS PO Box 305 Westhampton, NY 11977                                                          

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BFFS:

Information packet and sponsor sheet located on www.backpacksforfellowstudents.org  and on Facebook. 

MORE ABOUT HUGS:

Human Understanding & Growth Services, Inc. (HUGS) mission is to empower youth and communities to lead healthier, fuller, substance free lives. The 30+ year old organization remains in the forefront of youth development, leadership training and substance abuse prevention programs to youth and communities. The ultimate goal is to help raise self actualized, empowered, inspired young people.