Rotary Club of Key Largo Gives $10,000 to Take Stock in Children

KEY LARGO, FL (April 12, 2018) – A Category 4 Hurricane couldn’t hold back Keys residents’ support for a program that provides every local student, regardless of income or circumstances, the opportunity to continue education after high school – be it college or pursuing a skilled trade.

The Rotary Club of Key Largo recently presented Take Stock in Children with a $10,000 check, in spite of its 18th annual fishing tournament in September 2017 being canceled due to Hurricane Irma.

Rotarians raised funds through local residents’ participation in a virtual tournament including an online silent auction and sales of “Tom Tharp Cooler of Cheer” raffle tickets. A large number of sponsors and anglers agreed to give dollars already paid to support local scholarships in lieu of receiving refunds. The next tournament will be held September 28-30, 2018.

The Ocean Reef Community Foundation was a hurricane relief superhero, giving a special $25,000 award to Take Stock in Children, the college scholarship and mentor program of the Monroe County Education Foundation, specifically replacing the Rotary Club of Key Largo’s historical post-tournament gift. After a State of Florida match, this will result in a total of $70,000 to the mentorship program, important in a year with a record number of participating students.

Free tuition is available from the Key Largo Rotary for certificate programs, classes, or online courses to help Upper Keys residents of any age advance in their current jobs, land better jobs or start new careers here in the Keys. Studies could include job skills for law enforcement, EMT/paramedics, firefighting, marine mechanics, HVAC/electrician, nursing, culinary arts, and other trades. Applications are available at KeyLargoRotary.org and are due on April 21.

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