‘I'm A Star Foundation’ back to school bash

On August 4, 2017, USA Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles sent a video congratulating the “I'm A Star Foundation” teens for their 3rd biennial Jacksonville HELPS (Homeless Students Empowered through Leadership, Partnership & Service) Celebrity Basketball Game.  Watch the video HERE on I'm A Star Foundation's Facebook page.  I'm A Star teens raised money through the game on July 22, and continue to collect funds toward a goal of $50,000 in their GoFundMe campaign.

The community is invited to drop off items at the I'm A Star Foundation's booth at the Duval County Public Schools Ready-to-Learn Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, August 12 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The GoFundMe campaign deadline has also been extended until September 10.  I'm A Star Foundation will announce the total amount of money raised through the Celebrity Basketball Game as well as public and private donations on September 11th, as they present a check to the Duval County Public Schools' Homeless Education Department before the school board.

All money raised through Jacksonville HELPS will be donated as unrestricted funds, supporting needs for the 2700 homeless students in our district, including: eye glasses, books, toiletry items, bus passes, doctor's fees, hotel vouchers, rental deposits, college application fees and more. (See full wish list HERE.  DCPS Homeless Education Program Representative Tricia Pough says the following are the top five items in need:
1.       School Uniform Assistance
2.       Bus Passes
3.       Gift Cards
4.       Shoes for older male students sizes 12-14
5.       Extracurricular activity fees (Band, Football, Basketball, field trips, etc.)

Since 2013, the Foundation has raised $57,000 via live telethons, a 5K and two celebrity basketball games— donating all funds to the Duval County Public Schools’ Homeless Education Department and awarding 14 scholarships to homeless students entering college.