Annual back-to-school wellness event brings Rockaway community together for a strong start to the school year

As the new school year approaches, families across the Rockaway Peninsula and nearby communities gathered for the 8th annual Community and Back-to-School Wellness event on Aug. 16.

The event, held at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, located at 327 Beach 19th St. in the Rockaways, offered a festive atmosphere paired with essential services, all designed to help local children kick off the academic year with confidence and the necessary resources.

“We want to make sure the children in our community have the supplies they need to begin the school year on a positive note,” said Nancy Leghart, Executive Director of St. John’s ICARE Foundation, which sponsored the event. “Our Community and Back-to-School Wellness event does just that by bringing families together and providing essential health information, back-to-school necessities, and a whole lot of fun.”

Families smiled happily upon receiving school supplies and other giveaways. Photo courtesy of St. John’s ICARE Foundation

The day was marked by clear skies and an upbeat mood, with DJ Petervibe setting the tone as families arrived to take advantage of health screenings, pediatric appointments and the distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies. Children enjoyed various games, including basketball, archery and skee-ball, before collecting their supplies. Attendees also indulged in a refreshing treat of shaved ice from Pelican’s Snoball.

Ross University School of Medicine students who volunteered at the event are pictured with Gwynn Campbell, St. John’s ICARE Foundation Development Coordinator (second from right). Photo courtesy of St. John’s ICARE Foundation

The event was staffed by team members from St. John’s ICARE Foundation, Episcopal Health Services (EHS) and St. John’s Medical Group, alongside nearly 30 student volunteers from Ross University School of Medicine.

“The outpouring of support from our dedicated team members and Ross University School of Medicine students was overwhelming,” Leghart said. “We’re so grateful that these students chose to learn at our health system and are so eager to support our community outreach efforts.”

Theodore Roosevelt Council, Scouting America Assistant Council Commissioner Peter Shields (left) and Council Commissioner Michael Williams (right) assisted children at the inflatable archery range during the event. Photo courtesy of St. John’s ICARE Foundation

Community sponsors, such as Scouting America, National Grid, Healthfirst, The B.R.I.D.G.E. Family Enrichment Center, Donna’s HOPE, the Swim Strong Foundation and the Department of Public Works also contributed to the event, providing families with valuable information about their programs and services.

“We are incredibly grateful to our community partners and sponsors for making this event a tremendous success,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, President of St. John’s ICARE Foundation and EHS Senior Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer. “The St. John’s ICARE Foundation and Episcopal Health Services are deeply committed to addressing the needs of the families in our communities and ensuring they have access to the resources they need.”

National Grid Senior Program Manager Terri Arnold-McKenzie (left) distributed information about National Grid and pencil cases to attendees. Photo courtesy of St. John’s ICARE Foundation

Special thanks were extended to everyone who contributed backpacks and school supplies, as well as the event sponsors: Peninsula Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Donald & Mary Morrish, Dr. Yating Lee, Annette and Daniel Kasle, the Al and Peggy DeMatteis Family Foundation, Vibrant Brands, ICON Contracting, the Church of the Ascension in Rockville Centre, the Episcopal Church of Grace and Resurrection and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.