AdventHealth, the Exclusive Hospital of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is excited to partner with Tampa Bay philanthropist Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to provide more than 15,000 children with free health services, backpacks, and school supplies during the 2019 Back to School Bash and Kick Off Classic. The event kicks off on Saturday, August 3, 8:01 am to 2:01 pm at Raymond James Stadium.
"It's an honor to partner with the Bullard Family Foundation and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to provide more than 15,000 children and families with health and wellness services as they head back to school," said Lauren Key, Senior Executive Officer of Consumer Strategy of AdventHealth West Florida Division. "Our care extends beyond the hospital, we want to provide health, hope and healing that allows the people in our communities to feel whole."
AdventHealth will provide 200 free sport and school entry physicals for students and free health screenings for parents. The Glazer Family Foundation Mobile Vision Clinic will provide free eye exams and eyeglasses for children. The Bullard Family Foundation, with the help of the Hillsborough County Education Foundation, will provide free haircuts, dental cleanings and more than 15,000 backpacks stocked with school supplies and food for students. All services are on a first come, first serve basis.
"I'm honored and thrilled to be doing this huge event for the second year in a row with
AdventHealth and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," said Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar Titus
O'Neil of the Bullard Family Foundation. "By utilizing our platform and bringing together an impressive list of partners and sponsors, we are able to humbly fill the needs list of these families in attendance and make a difference in meaningful ways."
According to Bullard, the "01" start and end times (8:01 am – 2:01 pm) are symbolic to supporting unity and coming together as ONE for change.
"We are thrilled to be joining forces with our partners at AdventHealth as well as the Bullard Family Foundation to assist more than 15,000 children as they prepare for the upcoming school year," said Brian Ford, Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer. "Last year, we launched the single-largest school program in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history and are excited to continue to support the students and families of Hillsborough County Public Schools at this year's Back to School Bash and Kick Off Classic."
In addition to free care services, families attending the event can test their agility and football skills at Bucs Beach and have an opportunity to meet Captain Fear and the Tampa Bay Buccaneer cheerleaders. Beginning at 11:15 am, families can watch over 400 Tampa Bay Youth Football League players and cheerleaders in action at Raymond James Stadium. Free food will also be provided by local churches, area restaurants and Dippin' Dots.
