Families gathered at Slice of the Hillz in Zephyrhills on Monday evening for the restaurant’s 1st Annual Back-to-School Bash, an event that distributed 200 backpacks filled with school supplies to area students. The community celebration brought together local businesses, organizations, and residents for a night of family-friendly activities aimed at helping children start the school year prepared.
For Slice of the Hillz owner Kamil Mehrab, the event carried deep personal meaning. Mehrab grew up in Zephyrhills and remembers how little was available to families in the area. “There was nothing, for me, growing up in Zephyrhills, but my family. We used to have a Walmart and a McDonald’s, and that was it,” Mehrab said. He also recalled how his own family struggled to afford school supplies each year. “We wouldn’t start every school year off with supplies. My parents worked two jobs themselves. I know it’s not easy,” he said.
When Mehrab and his family opened Slice of the Hillz, community service became a cornerstone of the restaurant’s mission. “The first thing we did when we opened these doors was say we’re going to help the community any way we can,” Mehrab said. “This is our first annual Back-to-School Bash, and hopefully there will be many, many more to come. That’s our goal, to pour ourselves into the community.” Mehrab said watching children receive their new backpacks made every effort worthwhile. “The best part is a kid’s face, seeing them smile when they get a new backpack before school starts. It’s one of those things you can’t really put a price on,” he said.
The event drew support from numerous local businesses and organizations, including Bahrs Propane, Jarrett Ford, Florida Trailer Solutions, Infinity Salon, Century 21, Keystone Title, Bank Florida, Kona Ice, and the Zephyrhills community at large. The broad turnout reflected the growing spirit of civic engagement in Pasco County, where community-driven events have become an increasingly important resource for working families. Zephyrhills Free Press first reported on the event.
Mehrab said he hopes the Back-to-School Bash becomes a lasting Zephyrhills tradition. With 200 students heading into the new school year better equipped, the inaugural event set a strong foundation. For more information on community events in Pasco County, visit the Pasco County official website or follow local organizations on social media.
Originally reported by Zephyrhills Free Press
Sources: Zephyrhills Free Press
