FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lauren Deiorio
CEO
Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County
352-622-5020 Ext. 102
Lauren@ocalafoundation.org
Ready for Success Initiative Raises More Than $65,000 to Help Marion County Students Start the School Year Strong
Ocala, FL — The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is proud to announce the success of its inaugural Ready for Success initiative, raising more than $65,000 to help local students begin the upcoming school year equipped for success.
Created to address the growing needs of students and families throughout Marion County, the community-wide initiative united businesses, charitable organizations, and individual donors around a shared goal: ensuring every child has access to the supplies and resources needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Funding from the initiative will directly support Marion County Children’s Alliance, Marion County Public Schools – Families in Transition, Stuff the Bus, and The Rock Program, four nonprofit organizations that work every day to remove barriers to education and provide essential services to children and families throughout Marion County.
The more than $65,000 raised through the Ready for Success initiative will help provide thousands of backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and other essential resources to students facing financial hardship throughout Marion County. By working through these trusted nonprofit partners, the initiative ensures that resources reach children and families with the greatest need before the first day of school.
“The success of Ready for Success is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together around a common purpose,” said Lauren Deiorio, CEO of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County. “Every dollar raised represents an investment in the future of our children. Together, we are helping remove barriers to education and ensuring more students begin the school year prepared to learn, grow, and succeed. We are incredibly grateful to every partner and donor who stepped forward to make this initiative possible.”
The Community Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to The Adam Hanson Better Communities Foundation, AdventHealth Ocala, Cogent Bank, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, HCA Florida Healthcare, HTM Foundation, ProTech Solutions, Quantum Fiber, SouthState Bank, Team Cone, The Vines Hospital, Zinnia Wealth, and several generous major donors whose financial support made the inaugural Ready for Success initiative possible.
To celebrate the success of the initiative, these community partners will join the Community Foundation on Monday, July 13th, for the Ready for Success Caravan, traveling throughout Marion County to personally present grant checks to each of the four nonprofit organizations. The caravan celebrates the generosity of our community while recognizing the organizations that work tirelessly to ensure local students have the resources they need to succeed.
Although the fundraising campaign has concluded, the opportunity to make a difference continues. In-kind donations are still being accepted throughout the month of July to help provide school supplies, hygiene items, backpacks, clothing, and other essential resources for local students and families. Community members interested in supporting one or more of the participating nonprofits can learn more by visiting https://www.ocalafoundation.org/ready-for-success/.
Media Advisory
Members of the media are invited to attend the Ready for Success Caravan on Monday, July 13th, as community partners travel throughout Marion County to present grant checks to each participating nonprofit. The caravan will provide opportunities to photograph check presentations, interview nonprofit leaders, speak with community partners, and learn firsthand how this collaborative effort is helping prepare local students for a successful school year.
For the caravan schedule and presentation locations, please contact Lauren Deiorio at 352-622-5020 ext. 102 or Lauren@ocalafoundation.org.
About the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County
The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County enhances the quality of life for all residents by fostering philanthropy, stewarding charitable resources, and convening partnerships to address critical community needs. Established in 2011 as a tax-exempt public charity, the Foundation helps donors maximize impact through expert giving advice, personalized fund management, and strategic collaboration with nonprofits, businesses, and civic leaders. By raising local giving and building long-term charitable capital, the Foundation drives sustainable solutions and strengthens our entire community.
