Lucas Marquez of Colorado Kingz Barbershop giving a student a fresh haircut during the 2026 Back 2 School Bash.

Back 2 School Bash 2026

What started with a simple idea to help local kids has grown into something much bigger.

For Lucas Marquez, also known as LukeFadezz, owner and operator of Colorado Kingz Barbershop, the Back 2 School Bash began with one goal: give kids a strong start to the school year without adding more financial stress to their families.

As a barber, Lucas sees firsthand how much confidence can come from something as simple as a fresh haircut. His vision was to create a day where kids could receive haircuts, backpacks, school supplies, food, and a chance to enjoy themselves with their community.

A Fresh Cut, A Strong Start

Confidence, community, and a fresh start for every kid.

“For Lucas Marquez, barbering has always been about more than just a haircut.”

He sees how much confidence a fresh cut can give a kid, especially heading into a new school year.

During the Back 2 School Bash, barbers and stylists donated their time and talent so kids could leave feeling confident, supported, and ready for what came next.

THE COMMUNITY SHOWED UP

Bigger Than Expected

What Lucas hoped would help local kids turned into something much larger than he expected. More than 500 people showed up, and more than 500 backpacks were given away. Kids moved through the event getting haircuts, eating, dancing, laughing, and enjoying a day built around them.

More Than Numbers

For Lucas, seeing the turnout was emotional. The size of the event mattered, but what stayed with him most were the smiles on the kids’ faces and the feeling that the whole community had shown up.

Everyone Had A Part

Local businesses donated, barbers and stylists worked throughout the day, volunteers stepped in wherever they were needed, and friends, family, clients, and community members all helped bring the day together.

IN REMEMBRANCE

In Memory of Genesis Mondragon

This year’s Back 2 School Bash carried an even deeper meaning as the community came together in remembrance of Genesis. Genesis was remembered for her kindness, her bright personality, and the way she looked out for others and made people feel included. Those qualities made a day centered on children, generosity, and community an especially meaningful way to honor her memory. A special coloring-page contest was held in her honor, giving kids a way to participate in that remembrance while celebrating creativity, kindness, and togetherness.

A special coloring-page contest was held in remembrance of Genesis, giving kids a meaningful way to take part in the day. Photo credit: Lucas Marquez.

This one was for Genesis.

Why This Story Matters to Me

Giving back through the work I love.

I’ve known Lucas as a friend for a long time, and seeing what he was able to bring together that day made me proud to be there and be a part of it.

I’m proud of Lucas, the barbers and stylists, the volunteers, the local businesses, the families, and everyone who stepped up and helped make that day what it was.

So many people gave their time, energy, and support to make something special happen for the kids in our community. For me, giving back meant donating my time and my photography to document the day and preserve the moments people might otherwise forget.

Photography has always meant more to me than just making good images. Sometimes it’s about showing who we are as a community — the people who show up, the kids who leave smiling, the volunteers working nonstop, and the moments that remind us why giving back matters.

That’s why this had to be the first story I told here.