ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Gainesville nonprofit People Against Violence Enterprises, Inc. (P.A.V.E.) is staging its annual pre-school year event for the students and families of Alachua County for the 27th year.
The annual “Stop the Violence Back to School Rally” will be held in the gym at Santa Fe College’s northwest campus, 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m.
P.A.V.E. was founded by the Rev. Karl Anderson of Gainesville’s Upper Room Ministries in 2000 as a reaction to increased incidents of school shootings. And while most of the organization’s rallies have focused on that issue as the fall back-to-school season approaches each year, this time around the rally’s theme, “Love Shouldn’t Hurt,” is focused on domestic violence.
“This year, we’re not changing our mission—we’re expanding it,” said Rev. Anderson in a statement. “Because of the recent increase in reported domestic violence incidents throughout our city and county, we felt compelled to broaden our focus beyond gun violence. Our goal is to equip youth and families with the education, resources, and support they need to build healthier relationships, stronger families, and brighter futures.”
The rally will include both speakers and live entertainment while offering information about public resources for those whose lives are touched by domestic violence as well. In addition, the event will provide a wealth of back-to-school related info, including free meals, transportation, enrollment procedures and more.
The first 5,000 school-aged children at the rally will receive a backpack stuffed with school supplies courtesy of Meridian Behavioral Healthcare.
Find out more by visiting the P.A.V.E. website linked above or by calling 352-363-1553.