MORE THAN 20 EMPLOYERS READY TO FILL 500 POSITIONS AT JOB FAIR AT PLANO FAMILIES FIRST FALL FAIR ON SATURDAY, OCT. 6, PLUS FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS, KIDS ACTIVITIES AND MORE
The free Fall Fair will not only help Plano adults find jobs but also offers free school supplies for the first 100 children; free flu shots, health and dental screenings plus eyeglasses for children; soccer, dance and martial arts demos; and giveaways, Pumpkin Patch photos, puppet shows, STEM activities, crafts and more
Approximately 22 employers looking to fill 500 positions have signed up for the Job Fair to be held during the Plano Families First Fall Fair on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Plano Event Center. At the same time, an array of community, educational and health services, giveaways, and sports activities are available to families and children attending the free event, which runs from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Plano Event Center (2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano). The Fall Fair is free and open to families who reside in Plano or attend Plano schools. UnitedHealthcare is the presenting sponsor of the event.
The first 100 children arriving that day will receive free packets of school supplies.
In addition to the Job Fair, which is presented by the Plano Chamber, Capital One and Collin College, a Career Corner will offer job seekers advice on how to create a resume and develop a LinkedIn profile, mock interviews, and free LinkedIn photos shot by a professional photographer. To date, Job Fair participants include Altice-Suddenlink; At Home Stores; Cambria Hotel Plano; Caring Transitions; Cinemark; City of Plano; City of Plano Swimmers, Inc.; Front Burner Restaurants; Imprimis Group, Inc.; J Paul Roofing & Construction; Lawton; Mattress Guys; NYLO Plano at Legacy; Pasco Brokerage Inc.; Phillips Home Improvements; PINSTACK; Plano ISD; Reliance First Capital; Star Local Media; The Original Pancake House; Marriott Hotels; Greater Dallas Restaurant Association; and Pick Up Now.
Families are encouraged to take advantage of two free shuttles provided by Plano ISD at Mendenhall Elementary, 1330 19th St. in Plano, and Christie Elementary, 3801 Rainier in Plano. Shuttles will depart from the schools on the half hour from 7:30-11 a.m. The last shuttle will depart from the Plano Event Center at 12:45 p.m.
Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, who is spearheading the festival, said the mission of the Fair is to strengthen hard-working Plano families.
“Despite many families thriving in our prosperous city, many families still struggle. It is important to be aware that approximately one-third – or almost 20,000 of Plano ISD’s schoolchildren – is considered food insecure from economically disadvantaged families,” said Mayor LaRosiliere. “I’m very excited that the Plano Families First Fall Fair captures the extraordinary heart, generosity and spirit of service of our community.”
A one-stop shop of opportunities, the Fair will include free flu shots offered by Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano (offered on a first-come, first-served basis); blood-pressure screenings by Texas Health Presbyterian Plano; GoNoodle activities, screenings, info on weight and asthma management, and free bicycle helmets and fittings provided by Children’s Health; sports medicine info provided by the Children’s Health Andrews Institute; eye exams and new eyeglasses provided by Essilor Vision Foundation’ Kids Vision For Life to children at no cost to the family (must qualify based on need); and dental screenings (for everyone) and fluoride varnishes (for children only) provided by the Collin County School of Dental Hygienists.
Plano Parks & Recreation will give away free rec center memberships, lead soccer skills camps, and demonstrate dance and martial arts. The Plano Public Library will host puppet shows and give away free books to children. Life Central Church in Plano will present a children’s career corner complete with costumes and props, and The Boeing Company will encourage STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning by teaching kids to make and launch stomp rockets.
Entertainment highlights includes The Junior League of Plano hosting its free Pumpkin Patch Photo Booth along with puppet shows, kids craft areas and face painting; entertainment provided by the popular children’s music group, The Que Pastas; and musical instrument petting zoos to teach children about music and playing instruments.
Also, every family will walk away with a free jar of peanut butter collected during the Plano Peanut Butter Drive, led by Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere and the Plano City Council in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank.
In addition to presenting sponsor UnitedHealthcare, other major sponsors are The Boeing Company, Children’s Health, Bank of America, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano, Capital One, Medical City Plano, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Essilor Vision Foundation’s Kids Vision For Life, North Texas Food Bank, Collin College, Plano Chamber, Junior League of Collin County, TXU, Plano ISD, City of Plano and Univision.
Learn more at PlanoFamiliesFirst.com.