TAMPA – Greater than 30,000 native college students are heading into the college yr with brand-new backpacks, contemporary provides — and a lift of confidence — because of WWE Famous person Thaddeus Bullard, also called Titus O’Neil.
Bullard and his Bullard Household Basis hosted their eighth annual Again-to-College Bash on Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, drawing hundreds of households for a full day of free assets and household enjoyable.
This yr’s occasion was the most important but — that includes every part from haircuts and dental care to imaginative and prescient screenings and well being referrals. And for the primary time, dad and mom and grownup relations have been supplied on-site medical providers, courtesy of AdventHealth.
“They’re coming from a number of several types of areas the place some have, some do not,” Bullard mentioned. “However on the finish of the day, it isn’t our job to guage. We’re right here to meet a necessity.”
WWE Famous person Thaddeus Bullard, also called Titus O’Neil.
The occasion introduced collectively not solely households but additionally dozens of companions, volunteers and healthcare professionals — each enjoying a task in lifting up the group.
Dr. Taylor Lowry with AdventHealth mentioned including grownup medical providers to the occasion this yr was a pure subsequent step in supporting households as an entire.
What they’re saying:
“It’s free, which is unbelievable. You don’t have to attend in a clinic for this,” she mentioned. “We’re providing screenings for relations too — colonoscopy referrals, pulmonology, urology — every kind of various folks right here at the moment.”
Contained in the stadium, TeamSmile helped lots of of youngsters obtain dental care — some for the primary time of their lives. Govt Director John McCarthy mentioned making a welcoming environment makes all of the distinction.
“Plenty of these youngsters have by no means been to the dentist earlier than, however by offering a enjoyable and thrilling environment, impulsively they’re not so scared anymore.”
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The Glazer Imaginative and prescient Basis returned with its cell eye screening program, persevering with its mission to catch imaginative and prescient points early — particularly for households that may’t afford conventional care.
“One in 4 children have a imaginative and prescient impairment — however one in 5 households can’t afford to do something about it,” mentioned Govt Director Kourtney Sanchez. “One of many households bought right here earlier than 6 a.m. simply to verify their youngster bought screened.”
And past the medical care and college provides, the ending touches have been private — like free haircuts supplied by native barbers, together with Clarence Smith.
“I’ve a motto: it’s cool to go to highschool,” Smith mentioned. “When you look good, really feel good, you do good. We’re simply getting them collectively, preparing for college, thank God for the muse. We’re right here all collectively as a workforce, simply giving again — and it’s a blessing.”
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The Supply: Data for this story was gathered by FOX 13’s Regina Gonzalez.
