Moore-Myers Children’s Fund youth on a visit to TopGolf in Jacksonville, Fla., where they enjoyed the sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range, food & beverage and a variety of games.
BY TIFFANY PIPPINS
Eagles are what you can refer to them as. These are the young men and women who participate in the Moore-Myers Children’s Fund (MMCF), a nonprofit foundation that focuses on providing support and financial assistance to underserved children in Jacksonville, Florida. Those who participate in MMCF are involved in its golf program that contributes to their total wellness.
The Moore-Myers Children’s Fund was launched in 2014 by Co-Founders Dr. Justine Redding and Richard Blackston. The dynamic husband and wife team share a common goal: to help uplift children through golf and mentoring.
Their mission for MMCF is to provide financial assistance for children to participate in golf programs that will teach the skills necessary to compete competitively, enhance their ability to receive college scholarships and develop good character. This is accomplished through their partnership with The First Tee of North Florida, where the MMCF has registered over 100 students in their introductory golf program.
“We also provide one-on-one private lessons from PGA professionals to self-motivated individuals through our GROWTH Program (Golf Related Opportunities While Transcending Humanity),” Dr. Redding said. “Our character building efforts include dining etiquette, swimming lessons, healthy eating, gratitude workshops and opportunities for our Eagles to give back to their community.”
The inspiration for starting the MMCF came through the mothers of the founders, Dr. Redding and Richard Blackston. “These two women devoted their lives to helping people live better, specifically children,” said Dr. Redding. The two women were the late Annie Mildred Moore (mother to Dr. Redding), a teacher and an avid golfer. And Jessie Mae Myers (mother to Mr. Blackston) an entrepreneur and mentor to those in need of life guidance.
Participants of the Moore-Myers Children’s Fund hail from the local Jacksonville, Fla., area. These bright-eyed youth come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and are eager to learn the game. The Eagles are given instruction and engage in local tournaments. The MMCF has garnered tremendous respect in its community and in 2017 was awarded The First Tee of North Florida Program Partner of the Year.
With much hard work and dedication from its staff, coaches, and mentors, MMCF is helping children of today, more than ever. Their team members set a terrific example as positive role models who are making a difference in the lives of dozens of youngsters.
The MMCF also has a strong partnership with The Black Rose Foundation, which aids in providing fundraising assistance. Contributions made to the Moore-Myers Children Fund are tax deductible through The Black Rose Foundation for Children, Inc., a 501(c) (3) charitable organization. Moving forward with its mission, the MMCF will host its 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on May 20 at the Queens Harbour Yacht & Country Club in Jacksonville (Fla).
These brilliant alliances have generated numerous success stories, most recently MMCF Peer Mentor/Coach Ashley Taylor graduated from Paxton High School For Advanced Studies. Presently MMCF has 86 students in their local program and one scholarship recipient, Chase Killette, who attends Florida A&M University.
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By recognizing what children require to succeed—which is significant support to help them make healthy life choices and develop knowledge, and skills, to thrive in life—MMCF participants often avoid many pitfalls experienced by their peers, such as gaps in education. “As our “Eagle’s” skill level progress they become peer-mentors and give back in an effort to inspire others,” said Dr. Redding. Also, WWCF peer-mentors who are attending college and participating in their college golf program receive continued support and financial assistance each semester.
It is evident that MMCF does an excellent job providing opportunities for youth to gain key life lessons and experiences that allow them to be physically healthy, academically enriched and personally fulfilled throughout their adolescence. The MMCF Eagles are learning to harnesses opportunities that will foster their development into future leaders as they strive for greatness.
For more information on the Moore-Myers Children’s Fund visit the website or call (844) 288-7426.
