Epson and Shaquille O'Neal Foundation Empower Local Youth with Back-to-School Event

Epson America, Inc. has made headlines once again by joining forces with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal and the Staples Corporation for an incredible back-to-school initiative. This collaboration occurred during the recent event titled "Big Dreams, Little Visionaries" aimed at empowering local youth associated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada.

Last week's event showcased Epson's commitment to education and community support, aligned with The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation's... Shaq-to-School program. One of the highlights was the donation of Epson's cutting-edge seventh-generation EcoTank® printers to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. This donation aimed to aid children in creating vision boards which depict their dreams and aspirations for the upcoming school year.

Mike Isgrig, the Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing at Epson, expressed the company’s mission, stating, "At Epson, education and empowering the next generation have always been at the heart of what we do. Partnering with Shaq allows us to give back in meaningful ways – through technology, creativity and a lot of fun along the way."

During the workshop, the children enthusiastically used the EcoTank printers to produce images that were integral to their dream boards. They shared their hopes of academic success, future travels, career ambitions in fields such as engineering and fashion, and a desire to help others. The joy on their faces while creating these visual reminders of their goals was a testament to the success of the initiative.

The excitement didn’t stop there. Following the arts and crafts session, the festival-like atmosphere escalated as the children participated in a high-energy back-to-school shopping spree at a local Staples store. The event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as the participants eagerly raced through the aisles, selecting school supplies that would set them up for success as they embark on a new academic year.

Marshall Warkentin, President of Staples U.S. Retail, commented on the collaboration, acknowledging, "Partnering with Epson and supporting The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation's Shaq-to-School program allowed us to provide a meaningful experience in our community. Watching those kids race through the aisles, picking out the supplies and technology they need to succeed—it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do."

Shaquille O'Neal himself was actively involved in the event and contributed to the enthusiasm. He participated in the shopping spree, helping the children fill their backpacks with essential school supplies. O'Neal's presence brought an additional layer of excitement that resonated deeply with the youths attending.

Andy Bischel, the President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, shared the impact of such initiatives, stating, "The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada's mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." He further highlighted Shaquille O'Neal’s pivotal role in helping to realize this mission, noting that his partnership with Epson and Staples empowers local youth.

To showcase the success of the event, videos and photos were made available on Epson’s media center, presenting a vivid narrative of joy and inspiration that filled the day.

Epson's EcoTank printers are known for their innovative technology, which positions the company as a leader in refillable Supertank models. The strategic aim of the brand continues to be sustainability, enhancing educational experiences, and driving community engagement. The company's goal is not just to provide cutting-edge technology but also to inspire and nurture creativity among young minds.

This event is a remarkable example of how businesses, foundations, and community organizations can come together to uplift the next generation and pave the way for future achievers. With each partnership, mentorship, and resource provided, the hope is that these children will not only dream but also see their aspirations come to fruition as they advance in their educational journeys.