BLOG: Blackhawks Foundation, Community Goods Host Back-to-School Event

On Saturday, Aug. 19, Community Goods, a non-profit founded by West Side native Joe "Freshgoods" Robinson, and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation welcomed nearly 500 students and their families from the West Side for the second annual 'Right Back at Ya' pop-up event that took place in the parking lot of Fifth Third Arena. With this charitable pop-up shop, Community Goods and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation hope to provide the tools and resources needed to create a positive back-to-school experience for participating students and their families.

"This marks the second annual event, signifying not only a celebration of our partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks, but also a testament to the significance of community," said Robinson. "It remains a big commitment of mine to amplify my voice and utilize my platform to inspire the emerging generation of students. This event lays the foundation for translating those beliefs into action. Just as Chicago's West Side holds a special place in my heart, this collaboration with the Chicago Blackhawks mirrors the same values, building a path towards lasting positive change for our community."

As part of the 'Right Back at Ya' event, Community Goods and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation collaborated with several partners to provide students in grades 6-12 the following family-friendly activities and resources needed to create a positive back-to-school experience, highlights include: av

"We're thrilled to build upon the great momentum with Community Goods and Joe Freshgoods for our second annual back-to-school event to ensure West Side students and their families are well prepared for the upcoming school year," said Sara Guderyahn, Executive Director of the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and Vice President of Social Impact and Outreach. "This event is part of our shared long-term commitment to support and work alongside our neighbors and schools on the West Side. We're also thrilled to announce the next West Side school that will debut their own Open Market Goods concept that will help incentivize and reward students based on positive merits and behaviors."

Upon conclusion of the event, Community Goods and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation announced their next endeavor with a Chicago West Side school to help take student motivation to the next level.

This year, Suder Montessori Magnet Elementary School will debut their own Open Market Goods store. The new school store will aim to provide students with opportunities to earn points after exhibiting pre-defined positive behaviors such as good grades, merits and special acts of kindness. These points can be redeemed for school supplies, sneakers and special merchandise and experiences created by Robinson and the Chicago Blackhawks.

"Our partnership with the Blackhawks has been one of the most rewarding experiences for our students, which started last year during their inaugural 'Right Back at Ya' event with Joe Freshgoods and Community Goods," said Ms. Bosede Bada, Principal of Suder Montessori Magnet Elementary School. "Students have been provided supplies, materials, and experiences such as tickets to Blackhawks games and trips to the Fifth Third Arena to enjoy ice skating for their very first time. The students of Suder Montessori have greatly benefited from these experiences and we look forward to extending our partnership further after we unveil the 'Open Market Goods' store, which will positively impact students both academically and personally."