BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The North Baldwin Coalition for Excellence in Education is now selling “Bags of Hope for Bay Minette” featuring favorite scenes of the community and school.

The project is a collaborative effort of NBCEE, BCHS Tigerettes and Tiger Guard and Bags of Hope by Vivi.

NBCEE commissioned local artist Sarah Bender, a junior at Baldwin County High School, to design the keepsake bag. The front design is a collage of popular scenes in Bay Minette including an old water tower, municipal pool, Blackburn Park, and statues at the library.

The back panel pays homage to the BCHS Tigers with images of the gate at Lyle Underwood Stadium, the famous Tigerettes kick-line, as well as the school’s arts, music and sports programs. The side panels features additional scenes of the city with pictures of the giant sunflower sculpture, splash pad and the BCHS Alma Mater.

“Thank you to BCHS student Sarah Bender for sharing her talents and designing such a special bag with beautiful scenes and images which mean so much to those in and around the north Baldwin area,” said NBCEE president Liana Barnett. “For those from those now residing out of town, we hope the Bags of Hope brings back memories and provides a little taste of home.”

The cost is $30 per bag and proceeds benefit NBCEE and the BCHS Tigerettes and Tiger Guard programs.

Bags of Hope by Vivi was created by Vicky Cook, a local grandmother of a child with multiple major health issues, who wanted to give back to the community and help school programs. Her proceeds will benefit USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the USS HOPE out-patient cancer treatment center for children. In recognition of that support, the Bay Minette tote bag bears a gold ribbon in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness.

Barnett said NBCEE was honored to be a part of a fundraiser that benefits children.

“It is so exciting that the proceeds from this fundraiser will support children in two different areas, including the USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital through USA Hope Center,” she said. “Funds received by NBCEE will go directly back to the schools and our core programs in the form of Teacher Grants, Summer Enrichment Camps and Teacher of the Year Appreciation.”

Since its inception in 2008, NBCEE has contributed nearly $80,000 to enhance the educational opportunities for all students in the Bay Minette feeder pattern.

Elizabeth Byrd, director of the Tigerettes and Tiger Guard, said she is excited to participate in this fundraiser.

“This was a great collaborative effort to highlight not only the iconic beauty of the city of Bay Minette, but also the talents of our community,” Boyd said. “Bags of Hope is a purpose driven program, giving back to local communities of Baldwin County and worthwhile charities. It is an honor to have Bay Minette be part of it.”

Byrd said proceeds from the sale of the bags will help fund a trip to Orlando where the Tigerettes will take part in the Dance Team Union National Competition. This will be the Tigerettes first year to compete nationally. Last year the team won first in their division at the state competition.

Pre-orders are now being taken and the bags should be delivered within two weeks, organizers said. Order forms are available at Bay Minette City Hall, Byrd’s Eagle Printing and through members of the NBCEE board and Tigerettes and Tiger Guard.

For more information, or to place an order, email Tina Covington at tccovington@bellsouth.net or call her at 251-580-1625. To learn more about the education foundation, visit its website at nbcee.org or its Facebook page.