Lipman Family Farms, an open-field tomato grower headquartered in Immokalee, FL, opened doors for thousands of Immokalee-area children through its Annual Backpack Giveaway Saturday, August 7.
Lipman Family Farms' Annual Backpack Giveaway distributed 2,000 backpacks full of school supplies and more.
The event, held at Immokalee High School, distributed 2,000 backpacks full of school supplies, $10,000 in gift cards, 700 pairs of shoes, 4,000 breakfast tacos and local resources to children and their families to prepare them for the school year. The event was filled with music, food, face painting, games and entertainment available to families in Collier and Lee County, along with a COVID-19 vaccine walk-up tent.
“When you see the gratitude in the eyes of the children who come out, you understand why we put this together,” said Jaime Weisinger, director of community and government relations for Lipman Family Farms. “Every child deserves a fair chance at success, which is why it’s important to help these kids. From employees across our network to the local community, we’ve all rallied together to ensure they are ready to take on the school year with confidence.”
Having not been able to host an in-person event last year due to COVID-19, Lipman was cautiously determined to host the event in person this year. Back in April 2021, Lipman partners, Collier and other surrounding counties raised more than $60,000 at the 5K Run for Backpacks, the largest amount raised thus far for this event. The proceeds generated this year ensured every child in attendance at the Backpack Giveaway event received a backpack.
The event was filled with music, food, face painting, games and entertainment, along with a COVID-19 vaccine walk-up tent.
Additionally, more than 30 exhibits were available offering essential services and information to families in attendance, including The Immokalee Foundation.
“Over the years, Lipman Family Farms has been extraordinarily supportive of The Immokalee Foundation’s career-driven mission. It’s an honor to return to support this highly anticipated, joyful community event. Lipman and the Foundation share a time-honored commitment to the education of Immokalee’s youth alongside a deep respect for the people of Immokalee,” said Noemi Perez, president and CEO at The Immokalee Foundation.
For more information:
Samantha Sommers
Lipman Family Farms
Samantha.Sommers@edelman.com
https://www.lipmanfamilyfarms.com/