Mayor Rawlings-Blake Hosts Annual Back-to-School Rally

BALTIMORE, Md. (August 16, 2013)—Tomorrow, August 17, 2013, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will host her annual Back-to-School Rally at War Memorial Plaza, in front of City Hall. School-aged children can receive backpacks, school supplies, and vaccinations. The Mayor will be joined by Konan of 92Q, Baltimore Ravens mascot Poe, and other special guests—including a possible surprise visit from Pro Football Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden. “Our annual Back-to-School Rally provides many of the resources that students need to be successful as they return to school,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “I am thrilled that each year, we are able to host a fun and exciting event that ensures that our kids are able to have a great school year.” The rally features exhibitors, city agencies, and various organizations offering valuable information on family services, school programs, and outreach. Attendees will receive a “hall pass” when they arrive and can get a stamp on their hall pass by talking to exhibitors. Hall passes with eight stamps can be exchanged for a free backpack filled with school supplies. School supplies were donated by city employees and others during a collection drive, and by the Mario Do Right Foundation, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Rho Tau Lambda Chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rho Xi Omega Chapter. An estimated 5,000 attendees are expected to receive free school supplies. The annual rally is made possible by financial support from sponsors, including Comcast, The Abell Foundation, BGE, Wells Fargo, Wal-Mart, Beatty Development Group, LLC, The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Baltimore, Shop Rite, KRA, State Farm, and The Family League of Baltimore, Inc. Additional support is provided by Baltimore Housing, the Baltimore City Health Department, 92Q, City Schools, and Magic 95.9. The Mayor’s Annual Back-to-School Rally will take place Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm at War Memorial Plaza, in front of City Hall. For more information about the rally, email [email protected] or call 443-984-1650.