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Jimmy Jordan

Posted on Oct 19, 2011 in Families In Need, Helping Families, Past Events

For 22 years, Jimmy Jordan has been a special part of the community. Though he has struggled throughout his life with a mental handicap, the Port St. Lucie resident and Centennial High School graduate has been an active participant in Special Olympics programs on the Treasure Coast and attended Indian River State College. Recently, on the heels of losing his dad in a tragic car crash, Jordan was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. While undergoing his chemotherapy treatments, Jordan’s mind is on bowling, swimming, NASCAR, and the Miami Dolphins. On Wednesday, October 19th, a young man who doesn’t get a chance to be in the spotlight very often, will have the night of his life as the Van Duzer Foundation hosts Game Night with Jimmy Jordan. Featuring bounce houses, a rousing match of cornhole, music and entertainment, Game Night with Jimmy Jordan will help celebrate a...

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Steven Balderas – Celebrating a Life

Posted on Sep 24, 2011 in Families In Need, Past Events

Steven Balderas was only 11 years old when a drunk driver ended his life. Even before his tragic death, Steven bravely faced challenges that other kids never have to deal with. The oldest of five children, Steven was diagnosed with hemophilia, a rare disease which prevents blood from clotting. Although his life was complicated by his illness, Steven a good brother, a great friend, and a beloved student at Oak Hammock K-8. His light shone brightly, but was extinguished far too soon. Steven will be missed. In addition to exorbitant health care and hospital expenses related to Steven’s illness and tragic death, the Balderas family is having a difficult time covering his funeral and burial expenses. Wednesday, September 7th, Steven’s teachers from Oak Hammock and the Van Duzer Foundation will be partnering to host a celebration of Steven Balderas’ life. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., one hundred percent...

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Minnis’ Miracles – May 4th, 2011

Posted on May 4, 2011 in Families In Need, Helping Families, Past Events

At first glance, you’d think Roscoe and Nekia Minnis have it made. An IRCC alumnus and nurse, Nekia is the proud mom of three beautiful children with her beloved husband, Roscoe, an academic advisor at IRSC. If you didn’t know better, you’d think life was perfect for the Minnis family; the truth is, Nekia has Stage 4 Breast Cancer which has spread to her bones and her brain, systematically and painfully invading nearly every inch of her body. Nekia can no longer work as a nurse, and while the family has a strong network of friends and family to help, the burden both financially and physically is nearly insurmountable. The Van Duzer Foundation wants to help the Minnis family stay in their home. Wednesday, May 4th, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Van Duzer Foundation will be hosting a benefit to help the Minnis family. During Minnis’ Miracles,...

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Minnis Miracles

Posted on May 4, 2011 in Families In Need, Helping Families, Past Events

Fundraiser for Lekia Minnis She has since passed away from breast cancer.

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Paul Duren Fundraiser

Posted on Feb 16, 2011 in Families In Need, Helping Families, Past Events

Abundant thanks to everyone who came out to help Paul & Melissa Duren and family last night. What an incredibly caring community, which helped raise $6,640 for this terrific family. Thanks also to Florida’s Blood Centers, and those who made a donation of blood that will help save three lives. We are grateful to everyone, and will let you know soon what’s coming next! As a member of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office for many years, Paul and Melissa Duren helped make St. Lucie County a safe and friendly place to live and raise a family. Now it’s Paul and Melissa who need our help to do the same for them. Last year, Paul Duren was diagnosed with Stage Four Melanoma, and the prognosis was not very hopeful. Having been laid off from his job at Piper, the family was left without income or insurance since April 2010....

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Night of Heroes

Posted on Dec 4, 2010 in Past Events, Special Events

It was a night of heroes big and small! For one night only, Football Hall of Famer and legendary Miami Dolphin Coach Don Shula helped to celebrate volunteerism and community spirit as the Van Duzer Foundation hosted its own “Night of Heroes” Saturday, December 4th at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Van Duzer Foundation, which helps individuals and families in St. Lucie County who are struggling and in crisis because of tragic and unforeseen events. Since its inception in 2008, the Van Duzer Foundation has raised and donated over $235,000 to families in crisis, raised over 35,000 pounds of food, and helped Florida’s Blood Centers collect more than 3,000 pints of lifesaving blood. Known for its unique events, the Foundation has also broken two world records, closed down entire streets in an attempt to create a line of pizza that circled a city block,...

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