For 15 years, Style Saves has been a pillar of support for families in South Florida, and with the upcoming 15th annual Back-To-School event, it aims to continue this important mission. Scheduled for August 9th and 10th at the Miami Beach Convention Center, this year’s event celebrates a vibrant ‘Sprinkle City’ theme.
Since its inception, the Miami-based nonprofit has made a significant impact, assisting over 250,000 students by providing essential school supplies, uniforms, backpacks, and sneakers. These provisions help ease the financial burden that often accompanies back-to-school preparations.
The event transcends a typical school supply giveaway; it creates an enjoyable and festive atmosphere filled with activities, food, and beverages. This transformation allows families to shift from a stressful back-to-school season to a celebration of community and empowerment.
With backing from esteemed partners, including the City of Miami Beach Police Department and various sponsors, Style Saves not only prepares students for academic success through essential supplies but also offers year-round mentorship and enrichment programs. Through these efforts, the organization seeks to uplift and transform lives across the region.
In an exclusive interview with the founders, Isabela Rangel Grutman and Rachael Russell Saiger, we delved into their thoughts on reaching this milestone and what lies ahead for Style Saves.
Reflecting on the growth of the organization, Rachael Russell Saiger shared, ‘I didn’t really have a plan when I started Style Saves, so I wasn’t necessarily looking into the future or thinking about where I wanted it to be because I was so young. Once I started the organization and saw the need, I knew that it was important to keep growing it and do what I could to see it succeed.’
Both founders expressed the significance of this milestone. Rachael noted, ‘This milestone represents over a decade of hard work, passion, and the most amazing community coming together for something bigger than ourselves. It’s not just about how long we’ve been doing it—it’s about the lives we’ve touched and the connections we’ve built.’
Isabela echoed such sentiments, expressing her pride in watching Style Saves blossom into a movement focused on helping children gain confidence and readiness for school.
As the event draws nearer, excitement is building around this year’s activities. Rachael indicated her anticipation for witnessing the joy on the children’s faces: ‘I’m most excited to see the kids’ faces light up—it never gets old. Going back to school is a time of financial hardship for most mothers and families, so it’s always nice to see them receive the essentials because they are truly so grateful and appreciative.’
Isabela added, ‘I’m always most excited to see the kids’ reactions — their smiles say it all. It’s such a special feeling to watch them pick their outfits or try on their new shoes.’ The energy brought by volunteers and the community was also lauded as unmatched, contributing significantly to the overall experience.
The founders hope volunteers and attendees leave the event feeling accomplished and inspired. Isabela remarked, ‘I hope they leave feeling like they really made a difference — because they do. It’s not just about giving supplies away, it’s about showing up for these families.’
Rachael reinforced this ethos, stating, ‘I hope they leave feeling inspired and connected to the cause. Style Saves is a truly grassroots, community-led organization. Our success has come from a deep commitment to transparency, especially in our fundraising and giving efforts.’
As for the future of Style Saves, both founders have ambitious goals in mind that continue to advance their mission of supporting the community and fostering connections.
With the upcoming event on the horizon, the anticipation is palpable. Style Saves remains dedicated to transforming lives in South Florida, proving that a strong community can create meaningful change and inspire hope for families in need.
image source from：hauteliving
