On Wednesday August 14, 2019, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual “Back to School Literacy & Health” Fair at Poe Park on the Grand Concourse.

The event was co-sponsored by Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Montefiore; raffle prizes were donated by Modell’s Sporting Goods and the Wildlife Conservation Society. The event also featured performances from the New York University African Percussion Ensemble, Little Branches of Borinquen and other local talent.

“A main priority in my office continues to be creating educative opportunities for our children,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We want to ensure that parents are not overwhelmed by the need to buy supplies for their children as they get set for a new school year, as well as make sure that students have everything they need to further improve their skill-sets and reach their fullest potential.”

“Our number one priority is to measurably improve the health statuses within the communities that we serve,” said Alan Murray, president, Empire BlueCross BlueShield. “That is why we come to work every day, and why our partnerships with the Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr., and with Montefiore Health System are so critically important. Providing over 1,000 backpacks with school supplies to children in the Bronx is one of many elements of our mission to improve the lives and well-being of New Yorkers. ”

Photos from the event are available for download at https://bit.ly/2NlbKxy.