A significant community partnership has blossomed in Florence, Kentucky, as Kona Ice, the renowned national shaved ice franchise, proudly announces its collaboration with 7 Hills Church’s ‘Project Backpack’ initiative, aimed at bolstering student support ahead of the new academic year.

This year, Kona Ice has demonstrated its commitment to local education by sponsoring an impressive 200 backpacks, a direct contribution designed to equip area students with essential school supplies. This philanthropic effort is a vital component of Project Backpack’s broader ambition to distribute a remarkable 4,000 backpacks across the community.

Since its inception in 2010, Project Backpack has been a cornerstone of educational assistance, serving thousands of students and educators across more than 150 schools throughout the Cincinnati Tri-State area. The initiative, driven by 7 Hills Church, meticulously packs and distributes these backpacks, ensuring children begin their academic journey with confidence and preparedness.

The success of Project Backpack hinges on generous community donations, which consistently alleviate financial burdens for families, provide crucial resources for educators, and create a tangible positive impact within local schools. This ongoing dedication underscores the power of collective action in fostering educational equity.

Darren Varnado, Senior Vice President at Kona Ice, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to team up with 7 Hills Church on such an important community initiative.” He emphasized Kona Ice’s core philosophy of giving back to the communities it serves, viewing investment in local students as a paramount way to fulfill this mission, hoping the backpacks bring “a little extra joy and readiness.”

The 200 backpacks sponsored by Kona Ice will be thoughtfully filled with various school supplies and distributed alongside the remaining 3,800 backpacks gathered by 7 Hills Church. This seamless collaborative effort exemplifies the profound influence of strategic alliances between businesses and non-profit organizations in enhancing the well-being of local families.

Jake Fraiture, Pastor of Outreach and Missions at 7 Hills Church, conveyed profound gratitude for Kona Ice’s support. He highlighted the significant impact of their contribution, which substantially aids in achieving the goal of providing 4,000 backpacks, thereby ensuring more children commence the school year feeling confident and adequately prepared for their studies.

Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its unique Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky. Beyond its distinctive self-serve Flavorwave™ experience, the company is deeply rooted in philanthropic endeavors, having given over $200 million back to neighborhood schools, organizations, and teams since its inception, embodying a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.