Banana Republic, District 200 Showcase Volunteerism and Young Talent

District 200 officials, students and staff joined Banana Republic Thursday to host the District 200 Showcase Night to introduce volunteer efforts in the community.

Banana Republic employees nationwide are encouraged to volunteer with local nonprofits and community organizations as part of the retailer’s ONE+ALL initiative. In this case, 18 Banana Republic employees participated in a Special Olympics track meet with District 200 students last week and hosted Thursday’s event.

Nancy Brandes, the Midwest Regional Community Leader for the Gap Foundation—which is the force behind the ONE+ALL initiative—said the event “aligns with the Gap Foundation focus of women and youth … we think it’s important to make a difference in those communities." 

The event featured four young singers from the ELL (English Language Learner) program at Franklin Middle School, information on the Special Olympics team and artwork from students at Wiesbrook Elementary School.

One of the singers, Kumba Queewa, who is from Sierra Leone, said she was a bit nervous to perform in front of her principle, store employees, board members and teachers, but very happy to do so. “The music makes me feel good,” she said.