WARNER ROBINS -- Despite funding concerns leading up to the Back 2 School Bash, the event went off without a hitch Friday.

A line formed outside Cam Campbell Homes in Warner Robins as parents and children waited for the free school supplies given out as part of the third annual Warner Robins/Houston County Housing Authority event.

“It brings the community together, and it gives them the opportunity to meet and understand that one another have the same interest,” said Cheryl Wright, who brought her three children and cousin to the event. “That is getting the kids the education and the things they need to help them throughout the school year.”

Sheryl Frazier, executive director of the housing authority, said it was a close call for this year’s event because of funding. The housing authority chose to do a fashion show fundraiser in November instead of a play fundraiser as they usually do.

“We didn’t make as much as we did when we did the plays,” Frazier said. “Normally, we use that fundraising event to be able to afford to have the Back 2 School Bash.”

Seeing the shortfall, the housing authority pulled money from another fund, the city donated $2,000, housing authority partners donated funds and Wal-mart negotiated a bargain on the supplies, Frazier said.

It was enough to give out 1,500 backpacks with supplies inside, according to Frazier. It’s more than the 800 school bags given in the event’s first year and the 1,200 given out last year.

Supplies “are always needed,” said Wright, who attended the event for the first time. “Throughout the school year, you never know what you encounter. It’s always helpful to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.”

The event also included free haircuts from Middle Georgia Technical College graduates and instructors, books from the Houston County Certified Literate Community Program, fingerprinting by the Warner Robins Police Department, food, face painting and an inflatable bouncer.

To contact writer Christina M. Wright, call 256-9685.