WARREN - The Reach Back Warren Community and Back to School Day will be held Saturday at Perkins Park and Warren Amphitheatre. Hours are noon to 6 p.m.
The event is being organized by a group of Harding High School Alumni. Warren natives from various demographics and experiences who have either moved away or remained local, teamed up to bring the community together.
The focus of the group is to support, and invest in the city's youth as well as show that pride in the city is alive and well, explained Lea Dotson, an event organizer. She said the group is hoping to encourage Warren natives to give back to the city regardless of their present locations.
The committee has established a fund and organized various fundraising efforts to provide financial support for middle and high school students' athletic, arts, and educational programs in Warren.
The fund also supports leadership opportunity programs of local organizations that address and promote positive changes in the community.
During Saturday's event the committee will present grants to local organizations that have community focused projects. Children in attendance will receive school.
Fact Box
If you go
WHAT: Reach Back Warren Community Day
WHEN: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Perkins Park and Warren Amphitheatre
INFO: (614) 626-5052 or info@reachbackwarren.org
There also will be a performance featuring jazz musician and Warren native Alton Merrell, as well as food donated by local business.
Mayor Doug Franklin will deliver the opening address.
The committee includes former Warren G. Harding athletes Steve Arnold, Carl Diggs, Erica Glover, Andrew Grischow, Lavaile Richardson, Shawn Robinson and Yolanda Morgan. Community advocates participating include Phil Natale, Archie McMillion, Dotson, Sunny Morgan, Gilbert Rucker, Michael McMillion and Adrienne Davis.
Local business supports include Buena Vista, Sunrise, Dilucia's, Carmens Pizza, Parkman Road Sparkle, The Hot Dog Shoppe, Cornicelli Cleaners, Franklin Pharmacy and Jamestown Giant Eagle, Springleaf Financial Services and the Cafaro Company.
"We are asking for the entire city to come support and enjoy a day of family fun and fellowship in the city," Dotson said.