Neighbor News
Building Bridges Across the River Invites Families to "Beyond the Stars" Back-to-School Festival at THEARC
Annual Ward 8 Celebration Highlights Year-Round Investments in Education, Opportunity, and Community
Building Bridges Across the River will welcome hundreds of District families to its annual Beyond the Stars Back-to-School Festival on Sunday, August 23, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts & Recreation Campus), 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE.
One of Ward 8's signature community events, Beyond the Stars is more than a back-to-school celebration. It reflects Building Bridges Across the River's year-round commitment to creating opportunity and strengthening neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River through education, workforce development, health and wellness, arts and culture, food access, and economic development.
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Families attending the free festival will receive backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, and enjoy free haircuts and braiding, shoe giveaways, live entertainment, games, moon bounces, food, treats, a small-business marketplace, and community resources designed to help students and families begin the school year successfully.
The event also provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about Building Bridges Across the River's family of initiatives, including THEARC, Building Bridges Farms, the Skyland Workforce Center, THEARC Theater, and the nationally recognized 11th Street Bridge Park.
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"Beyond the Stars represents what our organization is all about—bringing people together, investing in families, and creating pathways to opportunity," said Scott Kratz, President and CEO of Building Bridges Across the River. "While families come for a fun afternoon and valuable back-to-school resources, they also experience the many ways our organization works alongside residents and partners throughout the year to build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities."
Community supporters include Capital One, MedStar Family Choice DC, Washington Gas, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, The Burton & Craig Foundation, Community Cuts for Kids, and WC Smith.
