Volunteers power behind Back-to-School Fair

By Carly Turner

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde, All Stars Project, Inc. (ASP) Senior Vice President Antoine Joyce-Roach and Junior League of Dallas President Lauren Combest welcomed thousands of students to the 30th Annual Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair on Friday, Aug. 7. Powered by All Stars Project and Junior League of Dallas, in partnership with the City of Dallas and Mayor Johnson, the fair is a collaborative effort bringing together Dallas ISD, nonprofits, corporations and community volunteers. 

This year, title sponsors Walmart and Sam’s Club provided free health screenings and vision checks for families, while immunizations were available at no cost with most insurance plans. More than 5,600 families and 12,800 total students registered for the fair.

Mayor Johnson thanked the many partners, sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible, including the Junior League of Dallas, which recruited, trained and supported a record number of more than 650 event volunteers, and the All Stars Project for its leadership in planning, producing and overseeing event operations.

Students and family members then queued into Centennial Hall to check in and circulate through the 183 vendor booths lining both Centennial Hall and the Automobile Building. 

In addition to health screenings and school supplies, children had the opportunity for a free haircut, allowing them to look and feel their best on the first day of school. Families also connected with educational resources, career opportunities, and community organizations throughout the Fair. As the Fair celebrated its 30th anniversary, it once again demonstrated the power of Dallas coming together to help young people begin the school year ready to learn, grow and succeed. 

For more information, visit mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com or the Dallas Mayor’s Back To School Fair Facebook page.