St. John’s ICARE Foundation Brings Community Together for Annual Back-to-School Wellness Event

Far Rockaway, New York, August 26, 2024 — Preparing for the new school year can leave families feeling anxious as they contemplate all the items their children need for a successful start. From doctor’s appointments to purchasing clothing, backpacks and school supplies, the expenses add up pretty quickly. To help ease this burden, the St. John’s ICARE Foundation hosted its 8th annual Community & Back-to-School Wellness event on Aug.16 at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital for families on the Rockaway Peninsula, Five Towns, and surrounding communities.

“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. “Our Community & 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.”

The weather was picture-perfect and the mood was festive as DJ Petervibe played upbeat tunes while families lined up to receive health screenings, pediatric appointments, and backpacks filled with school supplies. Children played games, like basketball, archery, and skee-ball, before picking up their backpacks. Attendees were also treated to a delicious shaved ice from Pelican’s Snoball.

Team members from St. John’s ICARE Foundation, Episcopal Health Services (EHS) and St. John’s Medical Group staffed the event, along with nearly 30 student-volunteers from Ross University School of Medicine, who provided significant support.

“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.”

Community sponsors, including 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 joined the St. John’s ICARE Foundation event and provided families with 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 & 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.”

A special thanks to everyone who purchased backpacks online and donated school supplies, as well as the event sponsors: Peninsula Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Donald & Mary Morrish, Dr. Yating Lee, Annette and Daniel Kasle, the Al & Peggy DeMatteis Family Foundation, Vibrant Brands, ICON Contracting, the Church of the Ascension, Rockville Centre, Episcopal Church of Grace and Resurrection and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island for their support.