As the halfway point of the school year approaches, the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is gearing up for a special celebration – the 100th Day of School Re-Supply Bash. Co-curated by The Balance King and New Company and generously funded by the PNC Foundation, this event aims to restock crucial school supplies and fulfill teacher wish lists, ensuring that kids and classrooms remain equipped for optimal learning.

The festivities at the 100th Day of School Re-Supply Bash will be nothing short of spectacular. Attendees can look forward to a celebration of student accomplishments, a restocking of classrooms, and kid-friendly entertainment provided by The Balance King. The day will be filled with engaging games, contests, and performances, making it a memorable experience for all.

RAM has been a staple in the community, with thousands of visitors supporting "loyal to local" initiatives since its inception in 2009. Now, RAM is extending this mission to support local schools, with a focus on Central Riverside Elementary School during its inaugural year. This school, specialized in providing educational services to Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, serves a high percentage of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch.

To achieve its "Hundred Goals," RAM and its community partners are organizing supply drives, accepting direct donations, and providing financial support. The community is encouraged to contribute to this noble cause by donating new items, including backpacks, socks, notebooks, snacks, hand sanitizer, tissues, and art packs. Notable contributions include 100 pairs of socks donated by Jacksonville City Council member Jimmy Peluso and 100 art packs from Blick Art Supplies.

Shannon Blankinship, executive director of Riverside Avondale Preservation, emphasizes the importance of investing in public schools, stating that "strong neighborhoods are strengthened with strong public schools."

Jeremy Nix and Zaiche Johnson also share their commitment to helping Central Riverside Elementary School:

ZAICHE JOHNSON OF NEW COMPANY
First of all, this entire experience has been an absolute privilege. We see Central Riverside Elementary as an organic environment of resilient, nurturing ideals that are reflective in their extraordinary administrative + teaching staff, and magnificent student body! I really feel that it's incumbent on us as a community to find spaces where we can celebrate our youth and function as practitioners of genuine advocacy. Enrichment as a cultural norm is the architecture for a resplendent future.                                                                

JEREMY NIX AKA THE BALANCE KING
Zaiche and I, consider it a monumental privilege to be involved in a such a wonderful community endeavor. The concentration for us, was utilizing the diverse matrix of partners within our network to collaborate in a fluid manner to provide school supplies (backpacks, notebook paper, art and classroom supplies), gifts for the school’s Dolphin Store, snacks and beverages for the classrooms, that are unfortunately usually purchased by the teachers. We also remain open to any and all National/State/Municipal and private sector resources to continue providing impactful initiatives!

PNC Foundation's Commitment:
Chris Kalin, PNC regional president for North Florida, expresses PNC's commitment to improving the lives of children and families in the community. PNC is proud to support Riverside Avondale Preservation in its efforts to provide local students with the necessary tools and resources for learning.

Exciting Programming:
The event promises a day full of exciting, kid-friendly activities, including music, stage performances, and games. The River Stage, featuring The Balance King's entertainment, will host children's morning yoga, interactive contests, and an opportunity for Central Riverside Elementary to be highlighted on stage.

Sponsors:
The success of the 100th Day of School Re-Supply Bash is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including the PNC Foundation, Motif Design, and Councilmember Jimmy Peluso, Haskell, and Blick Art Materials.

As the community comes together to celebrate education and support Central Riverside Elementary, the 100th Day of School Re-Supply Bash promises to be a day of joy, generosity, and meaningful contributions. Let's join hands to ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed in their educational journey this Saturday at Riverside Arts Market.

Socials:
@thebalancekingreigns  @newcompanypresents @preservationjax @riversideartsmarket