Inside the 2026 PUSH Foundation Back to School Bash

On August 9, PUSH Foundation welcomed families, volunteers, community organizations, local businesses, barbers, stylists, speakers, and supporters to Freimann Square for our 2nd Annual Back to School Bash.

This day was focused on helping families start the year feeling confident, connected, supported, and surrounded by community.

From the moment families arrived, the goal was simple: create a space where people could participate, discover resources, build relationships, and enjoy being together.

An intentional experience

The Bash was designed around the idea that support should feel welcoming. Kids played basketball pong, bounced on inflatables, covered the sidewalks with chalk, danced, explored activities, and simply had room to be kids.

Families connected with community organizations and resources. Young people received encouragement. Volunteers stepped in wherever they were needed. Adults joined the fun instead of standing on the sidelines.

Throughout the day, there were moments of laughter, movement, conversation, creativity, and connection happening all across Freimann Square.

Confidence Looked Different for Everyone

For some young people, confidence meant stepping up to take a shot. For others, it meant getting a fresh haircut or style before the first day of school. It looked like trying something new, joining a game, dancing in the middle of the plaza, creating with chalk, or hearing words of encouragement from someone in the community.

Our Confidence Corner brought barbers and stylists together to help young people walk into the school year feeling good about themselves. Other spaces gave families opportunities to slow down, play, create, move, and connect in ways that felt natural to them.

Voices That Encouraged

The Bash also created space for young people and families to hear from community voices with something meaningful to share.

Roderick Parker joined us to encourage the community, while Fort Wayne native and former professional basketball player Leslie Johnson spoke about The Power of Choice, reminding young people that the decisions they make can shape where they go next.

Those moments were intentionally woven into the experience.

Sometimes one conversation, one introduction, or one person believing in you can stay with you long after an event is over.

It Took a Community to Make It Happen

An event like this does not happen because of one organization. It happens because people decide to show up. We are incredibly grateful to the community resource organizations that spent the afternoon connecting with families and sharing information, services, and support.

Thank you to our barbers and stylists who gave their time and talent to help young people feel confident heading into the school year.

Thank you to our volunteers who helped welcome families, manage activities, distribute prizes, answer questions, and handle the countless small things that make a large community event work.

Thank you to our sponsors, businesses, vendors, speakers, and experience partners who invested resources, expertise, and energy into the day.

And thank you to every family who chose to spend part of their Sunday with us. You were part of what made the experience what it was.