Children living at the Hibiscus Children's Village in Vero Beach started the new school year with quality back packs each filled with an outstanding assortment of supplies thanks to the efforts of Katy Mulligan, lovingly called the Backpack Fairy.

For over five years, Katy, assisted by her family and the good folks at Omni Financial, has solicited donations from businesses and individuals for her back to school supply drive for the kids at Hibiscus Village and Children's Shelter in Jensen Beach. Her hard work and perseverance in spite of poor economic conditions resulted in thousands of dollars being raised for the drive. Collected funds were used to purchase the back packs with each custom outfitted with age and grade appropriate supplies for each and every Village child.

Katy is taking a sabbatical from St. Edwards this year to spend her sophomore year studying at The American School in Switzerland. According to Tom Maher, CEO and President of Hibiscus Children's Center, "The staff, volunteers, and children we serve on a daily basis just cannot say enough good things about Katy. Her kindness, time, and spirit of giving to others speak volumes about her character. Katy is a wonderful example of the best in America's youth. We all wish her well with her exciting European experience this year and look forward to the 'Backpack Fairy's' return next year."