Due to the overwhelming response of the first Back to School Bash the Family Resource Center in Simpson County and other community partners requested that the Simpson County FCS Agent take the lead in planning a second annual event.  With the participation of five more organizations, businesses and churches serving on the committee, we were able to make the Bash bigger and better in 2017.  Increases from the previous year included: double the monetary donations ($4000), double the attendees (825), and triple the school supplies given away.  Evaluations estimated that those attending saved over $4883 and the average family saved $31.00.  89% indicated they learned something about the community or a service that they did not know and 97% would recommend the event to a friend.  Twenty-five organizations, churches, businesses and non-profits participated.  Food was provided for 600 of the participants and 40 volunteers gave 2-4 hours of service to the Bash.