Our Mission Statement:

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), and to conduct fund raising activities for that purpose.

Foundation News

The 18^th Annual Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament for Charity
 

The 18th annual Rick Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament & Auction Dinner for Charity was once again a weekend filled with anticipated excitement from our wonderful sponsors, with a wide range of celebrities, very gracious donors, tireless volunteers, and the wonderful group of golfers and sports fans who supported this year's event.  Perfect weather went hand in hand this year with the genuine excitement of playing on the beautiful TPC Stadium course.  As always, the funds raised at this stellar gathering are used to provide financial assistance as well as other areas of support to the 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.

Extra special thanks are extended to this year's main tournament sponsors.  The wonderful assistance and financial support of Tire Kingdom, and Mr. and Mrs. Ron Simpson and Renda Broadcasting is so very deeply appreciated.  Their exemplary support, along with a spectacular group of others sponsors, is vital to the success of our tournament, as well as our ongoing activities.

The camaraderie and entertainment at Friday night's Pairing Party produced some of the most entertaining moments any fan can imagine.  Steve Lyons and Michael Finney had the packed crowd at the Marriott's Pavilion totally engaged in their marvelous hosting and humor magic.  Then the foot stomping was non-stop with Dillon Dixon, James Dean Hicks, and David Vincent Williams magically transforming the stage into a night of musical adventures, with a mega display of their abilities to play any style of music.  It was electric, yet still very family oriented.  A truly sweet combination for all who attended!

General Kevin Byrnes began Saturday night's festivities remember Veterans Day by reminding us all of our soldiers' valued commitments and sacrifices over the years, many of whom return home as adults with disabilities.  Combining the many talents and wit of Dillon Dixon and Steve Lyons as our evening's main emcees, the banquet audience never lacked for a moment in entertainment!  That very lively live auction followed a wonderfully successful silent auction.     Many fine folks worked long, tireless hours to make sure all went smoothly.  From the dedicated efforts of Rick and Ray and the Foundation Board, a multi-purpose room facility on the campus of the University of North Florida has been built.  This complex 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 site for some of the on-campus leisure and recreational activities planned throughout the year.  Over two thousand individuals benefit annually from these activities.  The broad variety of assistance that is provided as a result of the Rick Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament & Auction Dinner makes us keenly aware every year of what we can accomplish.  Our commitment is strong and the rewards even stronger.  We send our deepest appreciation to all who participated in this grand event.