FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Mary Anne Christensen, Beaches Habitat Development Director
TELEPHONE: (904) 241-1222
EMAIL: MaryAnne@BeachesHabitat.org
EVENT DETAILS: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2010
Selva Marina Country Club, 1600 Selva Marina Drive 32233

HATS OFF TO EDUCATION AT THE BEACHES!

ATLANTIC BEACH… Beaches Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce our inaugural education fundraising event: Hats, Hope & Habitat! The two-hour hats-themed luncheon will feature a short speech by Dr. Denis Wright, South Campus President at Florida State College, as well as special recognition of longtime Habitat supporter and co-sponsor of the event, Miyuki Scheidel, and lifelong education proponent, Nat Glover.

With 30-plus years of academic career experience under his belt, Dr. Denis Wright is more than qualified to serve as President to both the South Campus and the Deerwood Center of Florida State College at Jacksonville. In addition to his years of experience, Wright holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, and a master’s in biobehavioral sciences and Ph. D. in biological anthropology from the University of Connecticut.

Nat Glover has long exhibited a passion for education, perhaps most notably during his first term as Sheriff when he donated approximately $250,000 of his pensions to fund scholarships for deserving low-income students in Jacksonville. Glover will soon leave his position as Special Assistant to UNF President John Delaney UNF to serve as Interim President of Edward Waters College.

In addition to hearing our wonderful speakers, attendees’ support of this event will help to further the education cause in the Jacksonville Beaches. Guests are invited to show off their favorite hat and, as a table captain, host a delicious lunch for seven of their closest friends. Table captains are also invited to choose a theme and decorate their table for the chance to win some great prizes.

Proceeds from the event will go towards funding our after-school program, a joint venture between Beaches Habitat, the Rhoda Martin Center and the City of Atlantic Beach. This is our first event to raise funds specifically for our award-winning education programs (2009 winner of the Clarence Jordan award for innovation and creativity in U.S. Habitat affiliates).

Tickets for individuals ($50) or tables of 8 ($400) may still be purchased at www.beacheshabitat.org/hats or by calling (904)241-1222.

Special thanks to our event sponsor:
Mrs. Miyuki Scheidel

About Beaches Habitat for Humanity

Beaches Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in the Jacksonville Beaches. As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we work in partnership with local families and volunteers to build and rehabilitate simple, decent homes for qualified families in need. Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, we also offer college scholarships, after-school tutoring and rewards for academic excellence for our partner families. www.beacheshabitat.org

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