‘Battle of the Backpacks’ returns, funds help provide educational enhancements at DCPS

August 7, 2021 | 12:07 am

Updated August 6, 2021 | 8:34 pm

Battle of the Backpacks

The Foundation for Daviess County Public Schools will host their annual Battle of the Backpacks on Sept. 4. The event begins at 6 p.m. at Green River Distilling Co. and features a short school bus ride, a wide array of games, and some “school food” that could incite some vivid memories. 

Funds raised from the event support the foundation’s mission to remove barriers to education for DCPS students and provide educational enhancements that are not available through tax dollars. The event also features an “incredible selection” of bourbon that can be bid on during the bourbon pull. 

A young and enthusiastic group that serves as the foundation’s board of directors arrived at the idea a few years back. They decided to structure the event to resemble a typical school day but elevate the traditions to cater to an adult crowd. 

“We were trying to find something we could do consistently every year,” said Executive Director Vicki Quisenberry. “We came up with this battle of the backpacks idea centered around a ‘back-to-school’ theme. Everything is situated around backpacks and stuffing them with money through the various foundations.”

The event has featured a spelling bee and a trivia competition in years past. The meal is served on a school tray and revolves around a typical school menu; the only exception is that locally renowned chef Matt Weafer of Niko’s Bakery and Cafe will prepare the meal. 

“We have colorful backpacks set up on the wall with numbers on them, and through our various competitions and bourbon pull, participants will try to stuff their backpack with the most money,” Quisenberry said. “This year’s menu features gourmet square pizza with corn and more; Matt Weafer is an incredible chef.”

Attendees can pay a $20 art supplies fee and participate in an art class instructed by Owensboro native and nationally celebrated artist Aaron Kizer. 

Sponsorships and tickets to the event are still available. This year’s “national merit sponsor” is Owensboro Health, while Norman King Electric and S&V Fabrication will serve as “honor graduate sponsors.” Individual seats are $50 per person or $350 for a table of eight.

“Our goal is to raise as much money as we can for the foundation, whose goal is to eliminate barriers to education — that’s our mission,” Quisenberry said. 

For more information on the event, visit the foundation’s website here or Facebook page here. A video highlighting the event from recent years is available here

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, contact Quisenberry via email at [email protected] or by phone at 270-231-5583. 

August 7, 2021 | 12:07 am

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