‘Cars Under the Stars’ movie fundraiser for school supplies

COLORADO SPRINGS – Phil Long Ford of Chapel Hills presents “Cars Under the Stars,” a drive-in style community movie night that will help raise money for families in need of essential school supplies starting at 7 p.m.

The free event will feature the Disney Pixar movie, Cars 2, displayed on a 48-foot-wide outdoor screen. The drive-in film will be hosted at Phil Long Ford’s Chapel Hills dealership located at 1565 Auto Mall Loop.

School supplies can be donated during the event for the Backpack Bash campaign with COSILoveYou. The Backpack Bash is a citywide effort that aims to provide access to all things back to school for thousands of families in need across El Paso County. This includes backpacks full of essential school supplies and additional health services.

Backpacks and school supplies donated during the event will be assembled and provided to families on July 30 and August 6 at COSILoveYou distribution sites.

Donation boxes to collect supplies will be located at the dealership now during movie night.

“We care about our local families and their children, and we wanted to show that commitment in a fun and creative way,” said Mr. Chris Detone, General Manager of Phil Long Ford of Chapel Hills. “We’re thrilled to have Shield616, the Colorado Springs Police Department, COSILoveYou and Pepsi as our movie night partners.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to get autographs and photos with Randy Gradishar who was the Denver Broncos’ All-Pro center linebacker from 1974-1983, as well as chances to win a variety of goodies and prizes.

Partner sponsor, Pepsi, will provide refreshments with 100% of funds raised from concessions going to COSILoveYou. Food trucks will be on site during the event. Guests can enjoy DJ music and interactive activities for kids of all ages before the movie starts.

The requested items mainly include backpacks and basic school supplies such as pencils, markers, notebooks and pencils. Cash donations will also be accepted. A donation of $11 will fill a backpack.

“COSILoveYou is thrilled to be working with such great community partners…to support over 12,000 students returning to school in the Pikes Peak area through the Backpack Bash,” said Mr. Stu Davis, Executive Director of COSILoveYou. “Community members who care about underprivileged families have an easy opportunity to support their neighbors while enjoying an evening of fun.”