Supplies By The Truckload
Students at Oakcrest Elementary School started the new school year with plenty of supplies thanks to Ford of Ocala, the Orlando City Soccer Club and Seminole State College. The goal of filling the beds of Ford F-150s with school supplies was shared among nine dealers, including Ford of Ocala, and benefitted Title I schools in the area. Each organization encouraged their customers, business partners and community to donate supplies.
“Giving back to the community has always been a part of our company culture,” says Tom Males, director of marketing at Ford of Ocala.
“It was such a surprise to see the huge F-150 truck roll into our parking lot filled to the brim with supplies,” says Diane Leinenbach, principal at Oakcrest Elementary. “Our teachers [were] thrilled to start the new school year with an abundance of supplies that will be put to good use.”
Help The Kids
Share the Love Ocala’s goal is to rewrite the stories of children in foster care who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. This summer, 64 children ages 7-11 participated in Royal Family Kids Camp, an overnight, week-long camp that allows kids to feel accepted, loved and celebrated while making precious childhood memories. In addition, 48 campers ages 12-15 participated in Teen Reach Adventure Camp, a three-day camp that builds teamwork, trust and self-value while providing hope for the future. To get your business or organization involved in supporting STLO, please join the organization on Friday, October 5 for a Business Breakfast Fundraiser at the Klein Center at the College of Central Florida from 8-9:15am. There is no cost to attend. Contact Tiffany Bagasan, camp director, at (352) 426-8664 or sharetheloveocala.com, to reserve a table.
The Event Of The Year
The Ocala Jockey Club recently announced that the 2017 Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event was honored with the “Small Market Event of the Year” award by the Florida Sports Foundation. The award was presented to the Ocala Jockey Club at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ July 17 meeting.
“Hosting high-quality athletic events such as this one is a great economic driver and also a wonderful opportunity to introduce our community to visitors from around the world who might be experiencing Marion County for the first time,” says Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Kathy Bryant.
The 2018 Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event will take place November 15-18, 2018. This competition is an equestrian triathlon, with each horse and rider combination competing in dressage, show jumping and cross-country.
And The Winner Is…
Ocala Main Street was recently presented with two awards at the Secretary of State Florida Main Street Awards Banquet during the Florida Main Street Annual Conference: Ivy on the Square won for Best Rehabilitation Project due to the restaurant’s recent move to a new downtown location, and the Parade of Nations Horse Celebration won in the Best Event category. Each award is the result of a collaboration among key Ocala businesses and supporters.
