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Weaving a Web of Healing for Maddie Lane

Posted on Aug 8, 2016 in Current Events, Families In Need, Helping Families

Ten year-old Maddie Lane Demers loves Spiderman and the color purple. Until a few months ago, her world revolved around cheerleading with her pals from the Renegades, enjoying time with her family and friends, and loving Spiderman and purple. Then a diagnosis of a very rare form of bone cancer changed everything for Maddie Lane and her family. Now it’s traveling back and forth to Cleveland Clinic and a regimen of needles, blood tests, and treatments to battle multicentric osteogenic sarcoma and tumors trying to take over her tiny body. In addition to altering everything Maddie and her family knew as normal, this insidious disease is taking a huge toll financially for the family, and they need some love and support from the community. On Wednesday, August 24th, the Van Duzer Foundation will host an evening of fun and family to support Maddie Lane and her family at Big...

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Hometown Hero Takes the First Step

Posted on Jun 6, 2016 in Current Events, Press Room, Special Events

Jacksonville native Samuel Barrington has decided to take the First Step. Long known for his prowess on the field and his philanthropic efforts off it, the much-acclaimed linebacker for the Green Bay Packers who most-recently received the Pop Warner 2016 Humanitarian Award, is teaming up with a small, but mighty group of volunteers and community leaders in implementing a program that invites everyone in the community to take the First Step in creating a better, stronger, and more cohesive community. And you can join the fun and take the First Step, too, on Saturday, June 11th, at 1 p.m., at Justina Road Elementary School Park. State Representative Mia L. Jones will join Barrington, State Representative Larry Lee, Junior, St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara, Christina Phillips president of Precision Sports Management Group and a few surprise guests for a free afternoon filled with fun, games, and community-building. The First...

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Half A Hundred Party

Posted on May 12, 2016 in Current Events, Special Events

Yes, it’s true! Scott Van Duzer is turning half a hundred! The Van Duzer Foudation is throwing a Half a Hundred Party! Read details...

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Miami Dolphin Michael Thomas Named Week 7 NFLPA Community MVP

Posted on Oct 23, 2015 in Current Events, Families In Need, Helping Families, Press Room, Projects

The NFL safety leads “The First Step” initiative mentoring youth in underserved Florida neighborhoods Editor’s Note: The NFLPA Community MVP recognizes players who are making a positive impact in their local communities. Each week, the NFLPA will celebrate one player who recently demonstrated his commitment to giving back and will make a donation to the player’s foundation or cause in support. This week’s #CommunityMVP is Miami Dolphin Michael Thomas who is demonstrating leadership by speaking to at-risk youth of underprivileged communities. October 20, 2015 has a new meaning for Michael Thomas of the Miami Dolphins. The Mayor of Fort Pierce, Florida proclaimed the Tuesday to be Michael Thomas Day and presented the 26-year-old safety with an honorary Key to the City. The pomp and circumstance celebrated something Thomas is innately passionate about – mentorship. Though he has no previous ties to the Fort Pierce community, he drove for more...

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Breaking Down Barriers, One Commissioner at a Time

Posted on Oct 22, 2015 in Current Events, Press Room, Projects, Special Events

Antonio Avriett (left), a member of the Boys & Girls Club, gets a high-five from St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky while playing touch football Tuesday afternoon during The First Step in Fort Pierce. Members of the commission, Fort Pierce City Commission and Police Department, as well last the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, were on hand during a visit by Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas. (SAM WOLFE/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) The look on Sheriff Ken Mascara’s face said it all. Beaming from ear to ear, the sheriff was gang-tackled by a gaggle of four small kids, each grabbing at his legs, during an impromptu game of touch football Wednesday in northwest Fort Pierce. Credits: Article from...

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Kerri On…

Posted on Oct 16, 2015 in Current Events, Families In Need, Helping Families, Special Events

Winning is something that St.Lucie County School teacher Kerri Walukiewicz does really well. In 2005, she was named Teacher of the Year for the entire state of Florida. So when Kerri was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, she chose to do what she does best – Kerri On and teach others the importance of becoming a bone marrow donor. On October 28th, please come out and register as a bone marrow donor, share a hug and a slice of pizza with Kerri and her family, friends, and students. As always 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Kerri and her family, and who knows, you may be the matching donor who could help save Kerri’s life. 772 – 528 –...

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