The post below is a reprint of a press release from the Jacksonville Public Education Fund on July 21, 2021. It is being reprinted with permission.
July 26, 2021 – VyStar Credit Union has made an outright contribution toward the costs associated with renaming six schools in Duval County and is encouraging the community to get involved by pledging to match additional donations up to $50,000.
The gift and matching challenge, if fulfilled, would completely fund all remaining costs — just as students return to class for the fall semester. VyStar’s contributions will be geared directly toward students, including athletic programs and extracurricular activities, and will help cover expenses such as scoreboards as well as any repainting that is necessary.
“Words can’t express my gratitude to VyStar Credit Union for this leadership gift,” said Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, JPEF President. “I’m so thankful to VyStar and to all of the more than 370 contributors to school renaming. Now, we invite you to join them, double your impact, and unlock this generous match.”
With VyStar’s direct contribution, about 89 percent of renaming costs have now been funded through private donations, district beverage dollars, and in-kind uniform contributions. The funds raised include a generous gift from Delores Barr Weaver, whose $50,000 match was unlocked through community contributions and pledges to the School Renaming Fund.
“VyStar continues to be an outstanding partner to Duval County Public Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene. “Their gift to support the transition of these school names is incredibly generous, and it truly reflects VyStar’s overall generosity to our city. They are an outstanding organization, and I am thankful that our schools and our students benefit so much from their kindness and community engagement.”
All online donations made on JPEF’s crowdfunding page on or after July 9 will count toward the match. Checks can be made to the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, with “school renaming” in the memo line, and mailed to 40 E. Adams Street, Suite 110.
“Every student deserves to be proud of the school they attend and have the opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish in a welcoming environment,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg. “We applaud the efforts of Duval County Public Schools to ensure that and look forward to a better, brighter community because of what these students will accomplish.”
Contact Stephanie Garry Garfunkel, Director of Marketing & Communications, at (352) 359-2393 or stephanie@jaxpef.org for more information.
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About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes in the potential of all students. We work tirelessly to close the opportunity gap for low-income students and students of color. We convene educators, school system leaders, and the community to pilot and help scale evidence-based solutions that advance school quality in Duval County. For more information: www.jaxpef.org.
About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida and now serves over 770,000 members with assets totaling $12 billion. VyStar is the largest mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and one of the major employers in the region with over 2,000 employees. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 10 Southern Georgia counties and past and present military members and their families all over the world.
