Matthew Gilbert Middle Receives Donation from THE PLAYERS Championship for
Read It Forward Jax!
Jacksonville, FL – Matthew Gilbert Middle School was presented a check from THE PLAYERS Championship as part of their Red Coat Ride Out program to purchase three Read It Forward Jax! classroom libraries. The Red Coats represent the tournament volunteer leadership of THE PLAYERS; the charitable impact of the event would not be possible without them and the more than 2,000 volunteers who help stage THE PLAYERS each and every year.
Superintendent Pratt-Dannals and Board members were in attendance for the check presentation ceremony to show appreciation for the generous donation. One classroom library set will be given to sixth- seventh- and eighth-grade classes at Matthew Gilbert Middle. Classroom libraries are sets of books for each grade level that have been pre-selected as age and content appropriate material for students to read.
“THE PLAYERS Championship is making a difference in the lives of kids in many meaningful ways as demonstrated by its support of these three important education initiatives,” said Evan P. Daniels, principal at Gilbert Middle School. “THE PLAYERS commitment is a great example to the entire community of what we can accomplish when we all work together.”
The Red Coats also recognized Teach For America corps members at Matthew Gilbert Middle School, further underlining THE PLAYERS $400,000 grant to Teach For America Jacksonville, which helps 100 corps members in 24 of the highest needs schools across Duval County impact approximately 8,000 students each year. Today’s presentation also highlighted a new $125,000 grant from THE PLAYERS to Take Stock in Children, Jacksonville. For each of the five years of THE PLAYERS commitment, Take Stock in Children will provide 10 college scholarships per year.
“In April, THE PLAYERS announced a goal to raise $50 million for youth-related charities over the next 10 years, and we are dedicated to making that commitment a reality,” said Curtis Hazel, THE PLAYERS 2012 volunteer chairman. “We are focused on improving educational opportunities for the region’s youth because it potentially changes lives and can help develop kids into productive adults. The impact of education can have a positive ripple effect on families and youth across the community for decades to come.”
To view pictures from the ceremony at Matthew Gilbert, visit the
DCPS' flickr photostream.
Duval County Public Schools operates 177 schools and serves approximately 125,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy and culturally diverse world.
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