First Back-To-School Matinee hosted by businesswoman, Gina English, was dubbed a huge succes. (Photo: Gina English)

Over 100 children and their parents showed up to the Back-To-School Giveaway held at Amnesia Dining and Show Room on Saturday, August 6.

Local businesswoman and proprietor of Amnesia Dining and Show Room, Virginia English recently spoke to The Freeport News about the success of the event and all of the people who helped to make it possible.

English wanted to encourage Grand Bahamians to give back to the community with the back to school initiative.

She organized the event as a way to take some of the financial load off parents preparing for the new school year, because economically times are very hard.

Due to this, many parents are in desperate need of help regarding purchasing school supplies and things of that nature, she acknowledged.

English added that she also wanted to provide a fun and wholesome activity for children and their parents to participate in.

“It was quite interesting, the children had free food and drinks and there were door prizes.  I was quite happy for the turnout. The parents were very grateful and the kids really had a good time,” she said.

“We have to try and do our best, because the children really need our help,” she stated.

Several local businesses, as well as individuals, donated gift certificates or their personal services to make the event a succes. Some of those businesses included H & L School Supplies and Bookstore, Richie’s Calypso Shoe Store – that gave 15 gift certificates for shoes – Susie Darville, wife of Minister of Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville also donated certificates from her uniform store. Control Chemicals, Paint Fair and Print Masters also made their own contributions along with several individuals, including Simeon Outten, who operated the sound production and Gregory Seymour, who was the DJ for the night, and the photographer who took all of the photos for the event.

“I donated some of the gift certificates to the church, also a lot of children received gift certificates and prizes. I just want to thank everyone who supported the event,” she stated.

English told this daily that she looks forward to doing this again next year and hopes to create a new program, during the school year.

“I’d like to do a mentoring program for young girls in school. I would like to be a mentor,” she revealed.

English stated that based on her own business experience she realizes that Grand Bahama can be a “tough market;” however, “we should all strive to help one another in any way that we can.”

She stressed that doing so is important for us as Bahamian people.

By: Abria Cooper

Source: Freeport News/Guardian