WWE brings its SummerSlam hype to the Rotunda on Saturday, August 1, from 10 to 11 a.m., wrapping up a monthlong push to stock Minnesota classrooms with supplies before the school year starts. The event is free to attend.
WWE Superstars Natalya and Chad Gable — a Minnesota native — will headline a live Q&A, emceed by Dr. William Campbell, principal of Olson Middle School in Minneapolis.
The celebration caps a drive that launched July 15, when Superstars Chad Gable, Otis and Je'Von Evans kicked things off at Mall of America by unloading a WWE travel case of school supplies into donation bins. Since then, Minnesotans have been able to drop off supplies or scan a QR code to donate at any of Blaze Credit Union's 29 branches statewide, with proceeds going to the Kids In Need Foundation to help equip teachers and students for the new school year.
Blaze Credit Union kicked the campaign off with a $10,000 donation and is serving as the drive's collection partner, alongside Minnesota Sports and Events and the Mall. "Teachers invest in their students every day, often purchasing classroom supplies out of their own pockets," Blaze's Jim Ganger said. Minnesota Sports and Events' Wendy Blackshaw called it a partnership between "organizations that believe in giving back," adding there's "no better investment than helping teachers and students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed."
The timing lines up with SummerSlam itself, which hits U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis August 1 and 2. Saturday's Rotunda gathering is open to anyone who wants to see the Superstars, enter the raffle, or just drop off last-minute supplies before the drive closes.