ReadyKids! recently announced that the Florida Blue Foundation made a $10,000 matching gift sponsorship in support of the organization’s “Mission Possible” campaign. This generous contribution is helping ReadyKids! move closer to its $115,000 goal, with $94,511 already raised by the community.
The culmination of this effort was marked with a special Wrap-Up Celebration at the Florida Blue Center in Pensacola. This event not only recognized the outstanding financial support from the community, but also highlighted the shared vision of ensuring kindergarten readiness for hundreds of Escambia County Pre-K students.
At the heart of ReadyKids!’ mission is the belief that every child deserves the chance to walk into kindergarten fully prepared to thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. The organization’s comprehensive approach combines three key components: Pre-K mentoring through the ReadingPals program, family engagement, and educator support. ReadyKids! is poised to support up to 300 Pre-K students, including expansion into a new school and service to 17 Title I voluntary prekindergarten classrooms.
ReadyKids! Mission Possible campaign gets boost with $10,000 matching gift from Florida Blue.
ReadyKids! invites the entire community to continue supporting their efforts for local kids. With just over $20,000 remaining to reach the final goal, every contribution helps ensure that Pensacola’s youngest learners have the foundation they need for lifelong success.
Visit ReadyKidsFL.org for details.
Gulf Breeze Will Do kicks off 2025 with membership drive and social event
Gulf Breeze Will Do, a women’s philanthropic organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the local community, invites current and prospective members to its first event of the new year. The membership drive and social will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at Paddy O’Leary’s Irish Pub on Pensacola Beach.
This informal gathering provides an opportunity for women of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach to learn more about Gulf Breeze Will Do’s mission and initiatives. Attendees will hear firsthand about the organization’s achievements, including funding numerous local projects through collective giving. The event also offers a chance to connect with like-minded women who are passionate about making a difference.
In addition to networking and learning more about Gulf Breeze Will Do, attendees can look forward to door prizes that add an extra element of fun to the evening. Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a friend. There is no cost to attend.
Gulf Breeze Will Do welcomes women of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in contributing to the community through philanthropy. Membership involves an annual donation of $250, 100 percent of which goes toward funding grants for local projects.
Visit gulfbreezewilldo.org for details.
Find ways to help: PenAir’s Snack Stock collection helps Sacred Heart Cancer Center comfort patients
Volunteers sought for the Tourist Development Council
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking two Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment as an “Interest in Tourism” representative on the Escambia County Tourist Development Council.Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Tourist Development Council are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve on the council by 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. Resumes and letters should be emailed to boardapply@myescambia.com or mailed to: Jose Gochez, Program Manager; Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place; Pensacola, FL 32502.
Be aware that resumes submitted to a BCC agenda for consideration will become part of the official minutes and are subject to public records requests.
The Escambia County Tourist Development Council was created in accordance with Florida Statutes through County Ordinance 77-34, and revised by County Ordinance 89-7. The council’s duties are to review each proposal for expenditure of funds to determine if it complies with the Tourist Development Plan as outlined in the ordinance.
The ordinance provides that the council is to review all expenditures of revenue from the trust fund; expenditures that the council believes to be authorized are to be reported to the county commission and the Florida Department of Revenue.Members shall be owners/operators of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks or other tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the tax, and/or individuals involved in the tourist industry or who have demonstrated an interest in development but are not owners/operators within the tourist industry. Council members serve a four-year term of office and meet quarterly for approximately two hours.
Take part: To make a Causes submission, email giving@pnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: ReadyKids! Mission Possible campaign gets $10K boost from Florida Blue