In 1957 Robert C. Saffold Sr. began teaching at E.O. Douglas High School, the only school Black students could attend in all of Highlands County, Florida. Children from Hardee, Polk and all of Highlands County had to come here to attend high school. Not originally built for classroom use, formerly it was a military barracks, housing to accommodate soldiers, however, the county converted the units into classrooms and some living quarters.
Living in a segregated community Robert C. Saffold Sr. saw the need for a community youth center where children, accompanied by adults could learn and play in a safe space. The center offered movie nights, sports and games. It was a center of vibrant activity. “What he saw on the streets, kids had nowhere to play, where they can come and be together—to be secure.” Robert C. Saffold Jr. said.
In fourth grade, Robert C. Saffold Jr. qualified for the government-mandated policy to integrate schools. Bernice said, “I didn’t want them to have old books where the sheets were torn out; the books that were left over from the white schools.”
“It wasn’t smooth for us.” Robert C. Saffold Jr. recalls, being the only Black male in his school (Woodlawn Elementary).
Throughout Robert C. Saffold Jr.’s adult life he resided in Tampa, Florida. With no ambition to follow his father’s footsteps, that all changed after Robert C. Saffold Sr. passed away at 91-years-old in 2021 —leaving a legacy behind.
As a child Robert C. Safford Jr. remembered his father as an ambitious man, empathetic to the community he served, always present, sacrificing, to those that needed help. This took time away from Robert’s relationship with him. The long road of leaving a legacy is strewn with sacrifice.
“When I was growing up, I grew up with the son of the largest car dealership in town, the son of the president of one of the largest banks, among my classmates their parents were the movers-and-shakers in Sebring and owned many businesses. I felt like my father wasn’t leaving me nothing’ that I can take on. He was a schoolteacher. I can’t take that and make that the, -Saffold School Teacher- all these people had their names associated with their next move in life. I didn’t. It was just grandfathered in for them.
As a kid I saw their future; I didn’t think he left me a future. —I realized he did.” Robert Jr. said emotionally and continued, “I haven’t said this out loud, but I’m proud to be his son. I’m prouder of who this city sees him as. That makes my job easy. What I’m doing is nothing compared to what he did for me, to be able to do this. So, I understand that I didn’t always understand, that, I didn’t always care. I can either talk about it or do something about it, and being his and her son, I choose to do something about it.”
Returning to his roots, his hometown, he now continues to keep his father’s legacy alive and not behind. “I know he is seeing it; he is helping me do this—In my heart.” said Jr.
Refreshed and a new, the Robert C. Saffold Sr. Foundation now continues to make a difference. “What we offer with our foundation is opportunity, and that’s what they granted me, as parents.” The foundation provides youth, of all backgrounds, opportunities for a bright future. The mission, “Make them aware, providing them the information, putting them in a position to see and experience it.” He spoke.
Highlands County, FL (Robert C. Saffold Sr. Foundation, Inc.) In 2023, Robert C. Saffold Jr. founded the Robert C. Saffold Sr. Foundation to continue the legacy of his father who was a distinguished gentleman and prime mover in Highlands County and surrounding communities for several decades. Since the late twentieth century the community has grown from businesses to housing. With that growth, there is also a rise in the underprivileged youth population; one of the reasons The Robert C. Saffold Sr. Foundation was founded.
The organization exists to help the youth realize the possibilities their future may bring. That is their mission. The hope is that the participating youth will witness the positivity within their community, the support of organizations and businesses; the message, they are not alone.
High school students of Highlands County will have the opportunity to learn about higher education and vocational opportunities, such as, the Annual University Experience. This event affords participants the chance to tour a University Campus. The second leg of the Annual University Experience the students experienced the annual Florida Classic Football game.
“…The look on those kids faces, to hear them on the bus, it was like we won the Super Bowl What I hope they took away from the experience—that’s my reward,” Robert C. Saffold Jr. said.
After Mr. Saffold Sr. passed away Robert C. Saffold Jr. decided to continue his father’s lifelong work, so he paved the way by building a foundation within the community. He became active in his community by getting involved as a member of the Sebring Chamber of Commerce, Sebring Historical Society and the Sebring Rotary Club.
“As his son I am proud to carry his legacy. My goal is to try to walk in his step, as much as possible, note, that I said in his steps and not in shoes because I don’t think that I can fill his shoes, plus, I have my own shoes,” he said.
In 2023, the Foundation took part in several events: the Dr. Powell Annual Christmas Give Away, 5th Annual Soda Festival, 12 Hours of B-B-Q Festival, First Annul Robert C. Saffold Sr. Memorial Charity Golf Tournament, First Annual Boys and Girls Club Back to School BASH, FEMA Free Bottled Water Give Away, Platinum Level Sponsor of Sebring High School 2023 Football Teams, Supporter of the 8th Annual Elks Lodge Golf Tournament, Pioneer Day Festival, Chamber of Commerce Fall-A-Ween Festival, Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.
What is planned for the future, this summer, the Foundation will hold the second Annual Robert C. Saffold Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament on May 11, 2024. On June 15, 2024 the first annual PAC Challenge, a parent and child tournament will be held. The golf tournaments continues Mr. Saffold Sr.’s dream of advancing the sport of golf within the community, especially with the youth.
In 2014 Mr. Saffold Sr. was inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame. The Golf Tournaments reemerged under the leadership of Robert C. Saffold Jr., not only to continue the memory of his father but also to help raise funds for the University tour and football trip, programs and activities. Robert is enthusiastic about future plans for the First Annual Sunset Music Festival, a two-day music festival. The event commemorates the day Mr. Saffold Sr. was handed the key to the city in Sebring.
To learn more about the Robert C. Saffold Sr. Foundation contact: http://www.birdease.com/saffoldfoundation
