Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Dream
Angel Reese has made it clear since arriving in Atlanta that her impact would extend well beyond the hardwood. On August 1, that commitment took center stage as the Angel C. Reese Foundation, in partnership with the Arthur M. Blank YMCA, hosted its first-ever Atlanta Back-to-School Bash — an event that drew more than 1,000 families and delivered more than 1,000 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to students in 1st through 8th grade.
For a city that has fully embraced Reese since she became a Dream, the event marked something bigger than a one-off giveaway. It was the Foundation’s first signature community event in Atlanta — a statement of intent from a player who has said, repeatedly, that this city is now home.
More Than a Backpack Giveaway
The Back-to-School Bash was built to feel like a celebration, not a transaction. Families were treated to an afternoon of live entertainment from a DJ, appearances by the Atlanta Dream Hype Squad, bounce houses, face painting, a photo booth and food trucks, alongside interactive experiences from The Dream. Reese herself got in on the fun, handing out raffle prizes that included autographed Barbies and pairs of her signature shoe line — small touches that turned a school-supply drive into a full family experience.
That blend of service and celebration is exactly the point, according to Reese.
“Giving back has always been at the heart of everything I do, and it means so much to be able to support the Atlanta community,” Reese said. “Watching these students leave with the tools they need to start the school year with confidence was incredibly rewarding. Moments like this are what our Foundation is all about: investing in young people, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities that reach far beyond the game.”
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
The event’s success leaned heavily on the Foundation’s partnership with the Arthur M. Blank YMCA of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, an organization with deep roots in youth development across the city. YMCA Executive Director Monique Lee said the collaboration reflected exactly the kind of community investment both organizations are chasing.
“We were honored to partner with the Angel C. Reese Foundation for this amazing day of service,” Lee said. “Seeing families come together, children leave excited for the school year, and so many volunteers and partners invest in our community was truly inspiring. This event demonstrated the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to helping young people thrive.”
More than 50 volunteers turned out to make the day happen, with additional support from sponsor Serious Injury Law Group and community partners including Kaiser Permanente, Vita Coco, Reebok, Coca-Cola, Atlanta Vibe and Slim and Husky Pizza. It was, in every sense, a full-community effort — one that mirrored the collaborative spirit the Dream have tried to build off the court as much as on it.
Establishing Roots in Atlanta
Since her arrival, Reese has quickly become one of the most visible and impactful figures in the Dream’s push to deepen its connection with the city. The Angel C. Reese Foundation’s core mission — expanding opportunities for girls in sports, education, financial literacy and other historically underserved spaces — found a natural extension in an event squarely focused on setting Atlanta kids up for a successful school year.
With the inaugural Back-to-School Bash now in the books, the Foundation has signaled this is only the beginning of its work in the city. Organizers say they remain committed to growing their community footprint throughout Atlanta and beyond, with future programming aimed at empowering youth through education, wellness, mentorship and access to essential resources.
For a Dream franchise that has made community investment a cornerstone of its identity, Reese’s growing presence off the court is proving to be just as valuable as her production on it.
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