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SF Probation Assistant Chief Allen Nance, Public Defender Jeff Adachi and SF Probation Department Chief Bill Siffermann
BAYVIEW MAGIC PREPARES KIDS FOR SCHOOL
--- over 2,000 children attend community Back-to-School celebration ---
SAN FRANCISCO (August 27, 2005)— When Bayview MAGIC began organizing its second annual Back-to-School Celebration, organizers knew that the event would be well attended, but did not expect the overwhelming attendance at Saturday’s event. Over 2,000 children and youth showed up.
“It was overwhelming, but we hope that we helped children and families meet their educational needs, and at the same time, engaged youth in positive activities,” said San Francisco Public Defender and MAGIC organizer, Jeff Adachi. Adachi noted that the organization gave out over 2,000 backpacks and school supplies this year.
The event, which was held at Bayview KC Jones Park at Third and Carroll Streets in San Francisco, on Saturday, August 27, 2005, from 11:00-3:00pm, is the largest event of its kind. Over 50 community youth and family agencies provided daylong activities for youth. Sponsors for the event include the San Francisco 49ers Foundation, Providian, Wells Fargo Bank, Monster Cable, SARAI, SF Jumpstart, Frito-Lays, Hansen beverages and the San Francisco Public Defender's office.
“This event is all about the children,” said Lydia Vincent, who operates a youth leadership program in Bayview Hunters Point. “We wanted to show children the importance of staying and excelling in school – their lives and future depend upon it.”
Speakers included businesswoman and entrepreneur Ruth Dewson, who told students that education was the key to success, and Assemblyman Mark Leno, who presented MAGIC with a proclamation. Juvenile Probation Chief Bill Siffermann also attended the event, and encouraged students to work towards academic excellence and set high goals.
BMAGIC, known as the Bayview Mobilization for Adolescent Growth in our Communities, was formed in 2004 by the San Francisco Public Defender’s office to bring community leaders, youth and family service providers, church groups, youth and families together to improve outcomes for children in the Bayview Hunters Point district.
The organization, which is a collaboration involving 42 agencies, sponsors over half-a-dozen major community programs each year, including a Children’s Book Show and Mentorship Fair. Earlier this year, MAGIC opened a Computer Technology Center at the Bayview YMCA, which provide technology training for youth from 3:00-6:00pm, M-F.
In addition to the backpack and school supply giveaway featured a hula hoop competition, literacy exercises for children, dancing, puppet shows, music, spoken word and magic. Bayview MAGIC also announced the publication of the SBC/BMAGIC Youth and Family Resource Guide, a comprehensive listing of youth service providers in Bayview Hunters Point. For a copy of the directory, please call (415) 905-9100.
For more information, please contact MAGIC at (415) 905-9100 or visit
www.bayviewmagic.com.
More photos of the event
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