BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUCCESS 2016!

September 8, 2016
by Rachael Russell

Words cannot possibly express our gratitude for the outpouring support we received for our sixth annual Style Saves Back-to-School event at Jungle Island. We would not have been able to successfully dress more than 2,500 underprivileged Miami-Dade County Public School students, without our amazing Style Saves team and passionate volunteers. “We were able to serve more children than ever before,” said Style Saves founder and president Rachael Russell. “We continue to grow and expand each year, and it’s all because of the incredible amount of support from the community. We can’t begin to thank everyone enough.”

The Pink Panther & Smurf made a guest appearance at this years B2S Event!

Here’s a mini recap of our annual two-day event…

Before heading back to school on August 22, more than 2,500 children and teens from ages six to 18 arrived at the park beaming with excitement for the two-day extravaganza.

Among these organizations were Voices For Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Communities In Schools of Miami, Lotus House and the Irie Foundation.

Jungle Island invited some of their four legged friends to meet students.

The children were fully outfitted with uniforms, sneakers, backpacks, belts, bows, and accessories, along with school supplies, shampoo, and conditioner, after a warm greeting by M-DCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and Deputy Mayor Russell Benford. Following their styling, the children received mini-manicures and haircuts, and (oh, so adorably) flaunted their new looks down the Style Saves Back-to-School runway.

M-DCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho & President of Style Saves Rachael Russell pose for the camera at the end of our mini-runway!

Participating children were given free access to Jungle Island, where they enjoyed fun and educational discoveries, including the park’s animals, three engaging shows, multiple exhibits, and so much more.

We’d like to give a very special thanks to Isabela Rangel Grumman, MMG, Evian, Funkshion Productions, Gilt Groupe, Jordache, Jugofresh, Jungle Island, Pantene, Perry Ellis, Sugar Factory, U.S. Polo Assn, Vita Coco, Wrangler, and all of our fabulous and stylish volunteers. We cannot wait to do it all over again next year!