The back-to-school season got a little more fun at Chicago Ridge Mall on Friday, Aug. 14, when families gathered for the mall’s seventh annual Ready to Rise: Back-to-School Bash.
The free event gave kids a chance to decorate school supplies, enjoy treats, meet local community organizations and get into the school-year spirit before heading back to the classroom.
The first 300 children received a drawstring sports bag from Chicago Ridge Mall, while supplies lasted. Each bag included a pencil and pencil case that students could decorate.
Families also had a chance to enter a drawing for one of three backpacks filled with school supplies.
Melissa Yessayan, marketing and community engagement manager at Chicago Ridge Mall, said the event grew from conversations with families about the excitement and preparation that come with a new school year.
“The back-to-school season marks a time of excitement, anticipation and fresh beginnings, but for many families, it also comes with a long list of preparations,” Yessayan said.
The event was part of the mall’s “250 Acts of Community” initiative, which includes community events, volunteer efforts and acts of service celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Several local organizations joined the celebration, including the Chicago Ridge Fire Department, Chicago Ridge Police Department, Chicago Ridge Public Library, Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, OSF HealthCare and First Financial Bank.
Families could grab refreshments from Chick-fil-A, which served lemonade and SunJoy and Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages. Doc Popcorn also handed out popcorn while supplies lasted.
The Community Lemonade Stand gave the mall an opportunity to recognize teachers, while participating restaurants offered food specials for students.
Yessayan said the children are what make the event special each year.
“I love watching children and their families come in,” she said. “There is something special in seeing a kid light up when they step into this experience.”
The event also included a collection drive. Families donated new or gently used clothing and new, packaged school supplies. Each bag donated earned an entry into a drawing for a gift card to a Chicago Ridge Mall retailer.
School supply donations also were accepted at the mall management office before the event and were used to help fill backpacks.
Students had another opportunity to look ahead to the school year through the Back-to-School Promise boards. Children could write down a promise they wanted to keep throughout the school year and add it to the board.
The activity was inspired by the Back-to-School Classroom Promise activity that has gained popularity in recent years. Students’ promises often centered on being encouraging, staying positive, supporting classmates and doing their best in school.
The event brought together the practical side of getting ready for school with the simple fun of celebrating a new beginning.
“Back-to-school can be a lot for families, and if we can help make shopping easier while delivering a fun and celebratory experience, that is a win,” Yessayan said.
The afternoon also reflected what Yessayan said the mall hopes to provide as a community gathering place.
“Chicago Ridge Mall is a community hub, and events like the Back-to-School Bash create meaningful memories,” she said.
