Many of you have experienced an event that may have changed your life…earned the starring role, had a song that made the top 40, chipped in an eagle on the 18^th hole, achieved military greatness, made a hat trick, hit a walk-off home run, caused a room full of people to laugh, won a gold medal, intercepted a pass, hit a 3 pointer at the buzzer or made a call that changed the outcome of the game.

Rick Wilkins probably never dreamed of the number of lives he would touch because he was moved into action by his younger sister’s struggles with cerebral palsy and chose to make a commitment to her and others like her with a variety of disabilities to make their lives just a little better by starting the Rick Wilkins Foundation. The Foundation affords adults with disabilities an opportunity to interact with same age peers and participate in leisure activities where they may discover an unforeseen passion.

In addition to all the Foundation’s fundraising events, each year UNF is honored to host its Grand Slam Grill-Out. Last year approximately 800 adults with developmental disabilities enjoyed a variety of activities, games and food. Over 150 volunteers assisted with this wonderful event and at the 9^th annual Grill-Out this spring, we are hoping for attendance exceeding 1000 participants.

Adults with disabilities are not the only benefactors of the Foundation. Each year the Foundation provides scholarships to UNF education majors. One of the requirements is that each recipient spends 60 hours with an adult or group of adults with disabilities doing such things as shopping, playing games and going to dances. For some, it is the first time they will interact with adults with disabilities – it will be a learning experience – perhaps even a transformational experience. It may be the life changing event that will steer them into special education, volunteering or fund raising.

The Foundation has also donated rooms to the College of Education and Human Services which are used both as classrooms for UNF special education majors and as a place where adults with disabilities can come to socialize with volunteers and enjoy many activities.

Personally, I have known for a very long time that my passion is working with persons with disabilities and while a student at the University of Alabama, had the opportunity to volunteer with a group of adults with disabilities, so I understand the excitement and joy not only that they feel, but also how it warms your own heart.

On behalf of the University of North Florida, the faculty, staff and students in the College of Education and Human Services, I want to thank the Rick Wilkins Foundation not only for their generosity, but also for bringing this awareness to our campus and showing us how one person truly can change the lives of many. Thank you.