Foundation News

2007 Grand Slam Grill-Out

The Eighth Annual Rick Wilkins Foundation Grill Out was once again held at the University of North Florida, on May 1, 2007. Students in the College of Education, College of Health, and members of the Athletic Department planned this wonderful and highly anticipated event. The participants (adults with disabilities) proudly wore T-shirts. Lots of their favorite games were included and a disc jockey kept everyone's toes tapping with crowd-pleasing music. This year's theme of Safety is a Way of Life was woven into activities throughout the night, bringing an awareness of the importance of safety to all attending. The wonderful crowd, over 800 strong, was treated to a grand afternoon and evening and outstanding barbecue, compliments of Bono's Barbecue. The fellowship shared with and among these special individuals was what it's all about, and truly not to be missed.

The following is an article written by Rhonda Giffin, UNF Special Education Service Learning Coordinator, who planned and coordinated all the volunteer efforts. It’s clear she was a worthy recipient of the Rick Wilkins Foundation annual Achievement Award. She played a major role in the evening's mega success. Extra praise and thanks to Rhonda and her mighty helpers!

Take me out to the ballgame…Take me out to the Eighth Annual Grand Slam Grill-Out!

The Wilkins Eighth Annual Grand Slam Grill-Out was held Thursday, May 17^th, 2007. Players included over 800 adults with disabilities, staff, family and friends along with 150 volunteers who came out for a night of food and fun. Activities included bingo, baseball throw, face painting, crafts, balloon/dart game, bowling and an appearance by the Osprey Baseball Team before taking on Gardner-Webb University. Food catered by Bono’s, was a sure hit!

I would like to recognize Dr. Seabrooks, Dr. Patterson, Dr. Syverud, and Dr. Thigpen for their ongoing support throughout the organization process and at the Event. I would also like to acknowledge ALL volunteers, including those from the College of Education, College of Health, On Campus Transition Program, and the Athletic Department. I appreciate the commitment and enthusiasm displayed by the volunteers and I am in awe of their dedication and hard work. Despite the rainy weather, they arose to the challenge, making the event a winner!

On behalf of the Rick Wilkins Foundation, thanks again to all who participated to make the lives of our adult friends with disabilities more rewarding!

Rhonda Giffin, UNF Special Education Service Learning Coordinator

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Annual Christmas Party for Developmentally Disabled Adults

In the Dreams Come True Department: The Annual Wilkins Foundation Christmas Party turned the Salaam Club into a wonderland of glee on December 12, 2006. Over two hundred people attended and the place was rocking! Everywhere you looked there were adults in wheelchairs or on crutches or standing on their own two feet, getting down and rocking the rafters to the sounds of Christmas and contemporary music. The food was outstanding, as usual, and very definitely plentiful. The delighted guests enjoyed turkey, ham, roast beef, chicken fingers, dressing, gravy, pin wheel sandwiches, finger sandwiches, green beans, boiled shrimp, and fruits and cheeses of all kinds.

It was a wonderful, memorable night and loaded with smiles, clearly confirming the reason for our efforts. Committee members of the Foundation prepared and served the food, and Santa and Mrs. Clause made their annual appearance, too, distributing presents donated by the Rick Wilkins Foundation to the happy participants. It was a night we shall all remember for a long time, certainly nurturing the giving season in us all.

The 14th Annual Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament for Charity

The Wilkins Foundation 14^th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament for Charity once again scored a "hole-in-one", thanks so very much to our sponsors, celebrities, donors, volunteers, and our wonderful group of golfers and sports fans that supported our event. All the funds raised at our gathering are used to provide financial and other support to institutions or charities that offer rehabilitative, educational, recreational, and vocational opportunities for physically or mentally challenged individuals, primarily those who live in the Northeast Florida area.

We would like to especially thank our friends at Tire Kingdom for once again being our major tournament sponsor for 2006. This is their third year and their assistance and financial support is so very deeply appreciated. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to CSX Transportation, R.B. Baker Construction Company, Leasing Jacksonville and Renda Broadcasting Corporation. for their exemplary support.
Click here for a complete list of this year's sponsors.

Our great contributors led to a wonderfully successful silent and very lively live auction. None of this could have been accomplished without a great crew of volunteers. Many fine folks worked many long tireless hours to make sure all went smoothly. Our commitment is strong and the rewards even stronger.

From the dedicated efforts of Rick and the Foundation Board, a multi-purpose facility on the campus of the University of North Florida has been built. This facility is used as a training and research laboratory in the College’s physical therapy program, office and administrative space for the physical therapy program, and a multi-purpose room serving as a site for some of the on-campus leisure and recreational activities planned throughout the year. Over 2,000 individuals benefit annually from these activities that include Christmas parties, dance socials, sporting events, and outdoor picnics, such as our annual Grill Out, which last year hosted over 600 guests! The broad variety of benefits that come as a result of the Rick Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament make us keenly aware every year of what we can accomplish. We send our deepest appreciation to all who participated in this grand golfing event. See you next year!

Comments from Rhonda Giffin, UNF Special Education SCEC President

2006 Grand Slam Grill-Out

The 7^th Annual Rick Wilkins Foundation Grill Out took place at the University of North Florida on May 11, 2006. Students in the College of Education planned a wonderful event. Tee shirts were passed out to the consumers (adults with disabilities); games such as Bingo and Bean Bag Toss were played and a disc jockey played everyone’s favorite music.

Following is an article written by Tina Cadoura, UNF Special Education Service Learning Coordinator and a recipient of the Rick Wilkins Foundation annual Achievement Award.

Rick Wilkins’ Seventh Annual Grand Slam Grill Out

The Rick Wilkins Foundation at the University of North Florida is please to announce that the Grill Out was a huge success! For those who are not familiar with the foundation, it provides leisure activities for adults with developmental disabilities, their families and staff. It also works collaboratively with the Department of Special Education by providing scholarship money for university students in the College of Education and Human Services. Moreover, the foundation works in conjunction with the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) who also strives to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Every year the Department of Special Education works with the Athletic Department in planning this extraordinary event for adults with disabilities. This year, there were 700 adults with disabilities from all over Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Orange Park who attended the event. There were 120 volunteers, all who donated their time to set-up, running game booths, serving food and clean up. These volunteers consisted of a variety of individuals ranging from the faculty and staff of the College of Education and Human Services and Athletics Department, to 80 of our own University of North Florida students. All of the students thoroughly enjoyed this event. I received comments such as, "When is the next event? I’d love to help again!" and "I’m glad to be participating. This exposure will definitely assist me in my future classroom". However, the most frequent comment is typically, "What an eye opener! The adults with disabilities I have helped this evening, reminded me to live life as joyfully and simply as possible." That is something we all need to remember!

On behalf of the Rick Wilkins Foundation, I would like to thank all faculty, staff and students who volunteered. Your services were not only appreciated by the foundation, but to the adults you served. Thank you! We hope to see you again at the Eighth Annual Grand Slam Grill Out!

Annual Christmas Party for Developmentally Disabled Adults

The Wilkins Foundation Annual Christmas Party was held December 13, 2005 at the Salaam Club. Over 200 people attended and the place was rocking. Adults in wheelchairs, on crutches and standing on their own two feet dancing to the sounds of Christmas and contemporary music. Food was outstanding, turkey, ham, roast beef, chicken fingers, dressing, gravy, pin wheel sandwiches, finger sandwiches, green beans, boiled shrimp, fruits of all kind, cheese squares, etc. It was a wonderful night and loaded with smiles, the reason for our efforts.

The 13th Annual Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament for Charity

The Wilkins Foundation 13th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament for Charity scored a "hole-in-one" again this year, thanks to our sponsors, celebrities, donors, volunteers and our wonderful group of golfers and baseball fans that supported our event. All funds raised at our event are used to provide financial and other support to institutions or charities that offer rehabilitative, educational, recreational, and vocational opportunities for physically or mentally challenged individuals, primarily those who live in the Northeast Florida area.

We would like to thank Tire Kingdom for once again being our major tournament sponsor for 2005. The assistance and financial support is so deeply appreciated. We also want to extend our gratitude to CSX Transportation, the Coggin Automotive Group, Cox Communications, First Coast News as well as Mark Schwartz and Company for their continued support. Click here for a complete list of this year's sponsors.

We also want to thank our great contributors, which led to a wonderfully successful silent and live auction! None of this could have been accomplished without a great crew of volunteers. Many fine folks worked many long tireless hours to make sure all went smoothly. Our commitment is strong and the rewards even stronger.

From the dedicated efforts of Rick and the Foundation Board, a multi- purpose facility on the campus of the University of North Florida has been built. This facility is used as a training and research laboratory in the College Health's physical therapy program, office and administrative space for the physical therapy program, and a multi-purpose room serving as a site for some of the on-campus leisure and recreational activities planned throughout the year. The Foundation also provides recreational and social activities for adults with disabilities throughout the year. Over 2,000 individuals benefit annually from these activities that include Christmas parties, dance socials, sporting events, and outdoor picnics. The broad variety of benefits that come as a result of the Rick Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament make us keenly aware every year of what we can accomplish. We send our deepest appreciation to all who participated in this grand golfing event. See you next year!

Comments from Tina Cadoura, UNF Special Education SCEC President and a recipient of the Rick Wilkins Foundation annual Achievement Award.

2005 Grand Slam Grill-Out

Three rooms at the soccer stadium at the University of North Florida were dedicated at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2005. The rooms were dedicated in honor of Rick Wilkins, the Wilkins Family and the Cerebral Palsy of Northeast Florida for their support in building these teaching and rehabilitation rooms and faculty offices. The UNF College of Education and Human Services uses the rooms for teaching special education students and the UNF College of Health uses the physical therapy labs.

The Wilkins family has a history of giving to the university. Rick Wilkins is a retired professional baseball player, having played for the Chicago Cubs, the Houston Astros, the San Francisco Giants, the Seattle Mariners, the New York Mets, the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Padres from 1991 – 2001. The Wilkins Foundation was established because Rick’s sister Trisha has cerebral palsy. The foundation has a mission of providing financial and other support to institutions or charities that offer rehabilitative, education, recreational and vocational opportunities for physically or mentally challenged individuals.

Following the dedication of the rooms, the 2005 Grand Slam Grill-Out was held at UNF’s Harmon Stadium. More than 500 people, many with disabilities, and others from agencies providing assistance to the disabled, were in attendance. Dozens of volunteers give their time to this event which encourages adults with disabilities to take part in events such as a baseball throw, batting practice, Karaoke, dancing and makeovers.

2004 Grand Slam Grill-Out

On Wednesday, April 21, 2004 The Rick Wilkins Foundation will hold it's 5th Annual Grill Out for the disabled at the University of North Florida. UNF's Baseball Team will be playing Valdosta State that evening. Last year over 500 people participated in our outing. All of the agencies providing services to the disabled will be sent invitations.

There will be games for all our guests, music, T-shirts, booths for makeovers, special drinks and candy.

Just recently the Foundation established the "Rick Wilkins Foundation Service Learning and Awards Program". Under this program Service Learning Awards will be provided to undergraduate or graduate special education students who are preparing for careers in developmental disabilities. The students will provide recreation and leisure time services to adults with disabilities, coordinated with are agencies.

The service learning awards will provide needed financial assistance for students, allowing them to pursue their studies while at he same time gaining practical experience working with adults with developmental disabilities.

Rick was nominated by the Chicago Cubs in 1993 & 94 for the "Roberto Clemente Award". This award is the most prestigious humanitarian award presented by Major League Baseball. He has been nominated for the Branch Rickey Award which is presented to an individual in major league baseball that unselfishly contributes to the community and is a role model for today's youth as evidenced by their baseball accomplishments coupled with high ethical standards. He was selected as the "Professional Athlete of the Year" in Jacksonville during 1993 and was selected "The Major League Baseball Player of the Year" in the state of Florida.

A major reason for Rick's nominations is his long range commitment to support programs that will provide recreation and leisure opportunities for the disabled.

On March 27, 2002, over 450 people gathered by the left field at Harmon Stadium at the University of North Florida (UNF) to watch UNF play against Valdosta State University. This event was much more than just a baseball game. Over 200 adults with disabilities and several agencies in Jacksonville participated in the Rick Wilkins Foundation’s Third Annual "Grand Slam Grill-Out."

The Rick Wilkins Foundation is a local organization in Jacksonville whose purpose is to provide recreational and leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities and to celebrate family participation. This event encouraged adults with disabilities to participate in several events such as a baseball throw, batting practice, and makeovers. Bono’s BBQ, cotton candy, and smoothies were also served. Adults with disabilities, their families, and their friends had the opportunity to come out to UNF and enjoy a night of baseball, food, and fun.

Over 88 volunteers participated in the event. These volunteers represented several clubs at UNF, including the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC), Delta Gamma, women’s basketball team, men’s basketball team, women’s volleyball team, women’s softball team, track team, diving team, and family and friends. Special thanks goes to Dr. Janice Seabrooks, Dr. Kristine Webb, Dr. Kathryn Krudwig, Joe Flotkoetter, Mr. Jim Kelley, Becky Purser, Jenny Johnson, Dusty Rhodes, and the officers and members of SCEC for their hard work and dedication to make this event a success!

We would especially like to recognize Mr. Rick Wilkins and his family, founders of the Rick Wilkins Foundation, for their support of adults with disabilities and UNF students. As founders and generous stewards of the Rick Wilkins Foundation, their vision and leadership have enriched the city of Jacksonville by inspiring its citizens, those with and without disabilities, to gather memories together at this year’s Grand Slam Grill-Out.