Ascend Hospitality Group, Amazon distribute hundreds of free backpacks, school supplies. Bellevue-headquartered Ascend Hospitality Group and its partner, Amazon, held over the weekend their sixth annual AHG Has Your Back event, during which hundreds of backpacks were distributed to local kids. About 700 students affiliated with five area nonprofits gathered in downtown Bellevue to pick up free bags and school supplies at the carnival-themed "Dream Big" pickup party. Students came to pick up their free supplies and decorated their new school gear. At the event, kids played carnival games, had their faces painted, and received a complimentary lunch from Stanford's Food Truck. "This year's AHG Has Your Back: Dream Big carnival was designed to remind every child that their dreams are worth celebrating and that their community believes in their potential," Elaina Morris, co-founder and CEO of AHG and AHG Cares, said in a statement. "We wanted the experience to be just as inspiring as it was fun, giving kids the chance to express themselves, build confidence, and start the school year feeling seen and supported. A backpack is more than just school supplies - it's a symbol of possibility." AHG estimates that it has distributed more than 4,000 backpacks during its annual event. Read our 2023 profile of Morris, who was a Women to Watch honoree, here.