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T HE INK! (INVESTING IN KIDS) E-NEWS AND LATEST INTELLIGENCE
LINK
Welcome to the August 2021 newsletter
As the 501(c)(3) direct support organization, INK! (Investing in Kids) continues to
lead efforts that benefit educators and students of St. Johns County, Fla. School
District.
Since 1994, Investing in Kids (INK) has led the effort to cultivate success for
students and teachers through funding, initiatives, and inspiration. The
2021-2022 public school year is just beginning, and we continue to experience
challenging times with the pandemic in our classrooms and at home.
We have new choices about face coverings, social distancing, dress codes,
school vouchers, CDC guidelines and more which pose serious decisions for
parents, teachers and students. However, these issues are supported by
encouraging and positive programs, services and stories about INK!’s constant
work, so we ask you to volunteer, partner with us, and give to support our
teachers and students.
We welcome many recent resident arrivals with families and students to the
burgeoning St. Johns County and are ready to provide our unique assistance to
include Tocoi Creek High School and Pine Island Academy, new schools opening
this year. Welcome all to the neighborhood!
In this issue of our bi-monthly newsletter, we will visit with new board president J. Paul Ray, MBA, who
professionally serves as Director of Financial Process Innovation at ERC (Enhanced Resource Centers) in
Northeast Florida. And we’ll feature our generous donor, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, who through INK!
board member Bonalyn Boyd and Carlisle’s Director of Marketing, we’ll learn about the firm’s dedication to
funding INK! projects while establishing multiple matching campaigns and grants as a high-performance
interconnect solutions, technology, aerospace, and multi-brand firm based in St. Augustine, Fla.
We are fortunate to know many individuals who are always here for us as existing and new donors, contributors,
generous helpers, volunteers, and community leaders. They selflessly dedicate themselves and are true
community heroes for our hard-working teachers and students in local education. Their participation in INK!
programs are so very much appreciated including support of FLY – Five Years Learning, One for the Kids Payroll
Deduction, Make a Mark Awards, Take Stock in Children, Teacher of the Year, and Tools for Schools, plus activities
and events for the nonprofit. Please continue to support INK! and visit the organization’s website at
https://ink-stjohns.org/donate. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Donna Lueders, Executive Director, INK! (Investing in Kids)
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
Letter from J. Paul Ray, MBA, INK! Board President
I am proud to be able to serve as INK!’s new President of the
Board of Directors with an outstanding group of community
leaders. Our goal is to assist in developing an organization that
will have a dynamic impact in St. Johns County for years to come.
With this as our focus, we are working to establish a strategy for
our continued success, our future goals, and our responsibility
to the community we are blessed to serve. Now entering our
third school year with some impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,
we, like many nonprofits, must rethink our strategies in
effectively reaching our area for focus. I could not be prouder of
our INK! staff for their dedication and creativity in not only
maintaining, but improving our abilities to serve the teachers
and students of St. Johns County. These efforts better equip our
organization as we move into a bright future of growth and
continued service.
As a board member with INK! for close to five years and with
more than thirteen years in the financial community in
northeast Florida, my hope is to serve in a way that will bring a
unique perspective on financial needs and trends.
I look forward to contributing to the success of the INK! through
partnering with fellow Board members as we strategically
evaluate needs, enhance current practices, and effectively
communicate with our many diverse audiences.
Through our support and capabilities in St. Johns County, we will
sustain and grow the resources needed for the academic
success of more than 44,000 students and approximately 2,785
teachers. Finally, I want to extend my thanks to our outstanding
Board members, Donna Lueders, staff, volunteers, and partners
for a year we suspect will bring new opportunities to serve in
new ways as we reach the students and teachers throughout our
community. For more information about becoming a sponsor
and partner, along with volunteering, involvement and more,
visit https://ink-stjohns.org/partners-ink/.
Best regards,
J. Paul Ray, MBA, Board President, INK! (Investing in Kids)
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
Board Members & Donors
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies Community-Focused Team donates to INK!
Our charitable donor, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT), through INK! board
member Bonalyn Boyd, the company’s Director of Marketing, is dedicated to
volunteerism and funding the nonprofit’s many programs and services while
establishing multiple matching campaigns and grants, among others. The
high-performance interconnect solutions, technology, aerospace, and multi-brand firm
is based in St. Augustine, Fla. Bonalyn has served as a dedicated and active INK! board
member since March 2020 and is proud to represent CarlisleIT in its promotion of the
academic success of St. Johns County public school students and assist teachers.
CarlisleIT aims to support local organizations through stewardship, contributions, and
sharing staff expertise and time. Carlisle Interconnect Technologies has contributed to
INK! through school supply drives, volunteer staff internships to help teachers and
students in St. Johns County, and providing educational opportunities to students
through the manufacturing academies at participating St. Johns County schools. The
company is committed to fostering a culture that promotes opportunity, diversity, and
inclusion for all. As a global firm, CarlisleIT is proud to employ talented individuals from
all over the world, and believes what makes the company different, is teaching every
employee that their contributions matter, something they call Performance with
Purpose.
As CarlisleIT continues to grow globally, its belief system in workforce diversification
inspires the local team and corporate leaders to continue its service in the community
as a recognized champion in education.
.
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
Honored Volunteers & Organizations
Local students help collect school supplies
for INK! and those in need.
Thank you to our ambitious and genuinely kind young people in St. Johns County
who collected school supplies for INK! for distribution to teachers and students in
need. Our tremendous appreciation goes to Owen and Caleb Crafts and the World
Golf Village Fighting Turtles. And, also to St. Johns Summer Swim League students
who participated in “Operation Fill the Backpacks”. Additionally, Raina Greening,
yoga instructor and owner of Good Karma Yoga collected supplies at her St.
Augustine studio, plus local student Liam Harvey collected school supplies for St.
Johns County School District teachers and students at Staples in St. Augustine.
Many hands went into making all contributions a huge success to make a
difference in the lives of many!
.
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
Stories with IMPACT!
Fundraising On Foot, River to Beach Run raises $7,200 for INK! by
Eric Tatro, U.S. Navy veteran and generous friend of the non-
profit
INK! was recently awarded $7,200 from a fundraiser held by local
resident, real estate businessman, and U.S. Navy veteran Eric Tatro.
Donations were covered by local physician, Dr. Tim Cavacini and his
wife Lisa, along with The Macquarie Group Foundation which
matched funds raised in accordance with the foundation’s guidelines.
The Fundraising On Foot, River to Beach Run included a 36-mile run
from Eric’s home in Julington Creek Plantation to the Beachcomber St.
Augustine restaurant in St Augustine Beach on July 3. The marathon
runner successfully helped to contribute to INK! due to his family’s
values and belief in quality education for all children in the region,
and much needed help for teachers and students in public schools.
Tatro, his wife Cherise Lloyd, and their two young sons moved to St.
Johns County from Texas in 2016, specifically for their jobs and for the
boys to attend the top school system in Northeast Florida. Since
arriving in the region, Eric has become involved in the community and
serves as Immediate Past Chair for the St. Johns Chamber of
Commerce’s North Business Council where he, along with his friend
Donna Lueders, our Executive Director for INK!, are dedicated to
working towards responsible growth in our county.
Eric is a Real Estate Agent in St. Augustine, Fla. with the brokerage Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage
LLC, and is a Senior Property Manager for Commonwealth Commercial in Jacksonville. He is a running
enthusiast for more than 20 years. Cherise is a Portfolio Manager in Debt Capital Markets for Macquarie
Capital in Jacksonville.
She facilitated donations for INK! with The Macquarie Group Foundation matching funds in accordance
with the foundation’s guidelines.
During Eric’s run, he crossed St. Johns County diagonally from the St. Johns River to St. Augustine Beach
with $100 sponsors for every mile of the 36-mile effort. “We thank Eric, Cherise, Dr. and Mrs. Cavacini,
and The Macquarie Group Foundation for the inaugural initiative to help local schoolteachers and
students. We hope this becomes an annual event in celebration of our nation’s Independence Day,” said
Donna Lueders.
See recent news stories about Eric and INK! here…
https://www.floridanewsline.com/creekline-st-johns/fundraising-on-foot-river-to-beach-run-raises-7200-for-ink-by-u-s-navy-vete
ran/
https://www.libertylifemedia.com/articles/local-u-s-navy-veteran-raises-7200-for-ink/
https://www.jacksonville.com/story/lifestyle/shorelines/2021/07/01/leading-off-whats-happening-and-around-beaches/7794951
002/
https://pontevedrarecorder.com/stories/fundraising-on-foot-river-to-beach-run-features-36-mile-run-by-local-resident-to-bene
fit-ink,13049?
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
News of Encouragement, Upcoming Events for INK! funding:
INK! Charity Pro-am presented by Davidson Realty and PXG Women’s Match Play
Championship major announcement!
Murray Bros. CaddyShack is named as newest host along with Manifest Distillery, Proximo
Spirits, St. Francis Winery, and more, as official partners
View our recent announcements and news stories about the generosity of INK!’s partners in
education, and major event starting on October 24 with local activities and formal golf tournament
from Oct. 26 until Nov. 4 in St. Augustine. Register today at
https://www.womensmatchplaychampionship.com/pro-am-page-2
See recent news stories about the golf tournament here…
https://pontevedrarecorder.com/stories/murray-bros-caddyshack-to-host-charity-pro-am-party-of-px
g-womens-match-play-championship,13414
https://thegolfwire.com/murray-bros-to-host-charity-pro-am-party-at-pxg/
working towards responsible growth in our county.
You’re invited to attend our upcoming events…
Life & Legacy Law Office sponsors free guardian nomination workshop
fundraiser to help local families and benefit INK! on September 1 and
September 29
INK! is honored to be selected as a beneficiary from many individuals, local
efforts, and businesses that help children, parents, and families throughout
the region. The nonprofit was recently selected to benefit from a program
sponsored by St. Johns County resident and attorney Candice Sears, Esq.,
Personal Family Lawyer™ who designed two events to help individuals and
families understand best practices along with many of the most common
mistakes parents make when naming guardians for their children and
grandchildren. The informational activities will be held from 5:30 p.m. until
7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 29 at Life
& Legacy Law Office, World Golf Village, 100 E. Town Place in St. Augustine,
Fla. Attendees are requested to make donations to INK! which will be
matched by the law firm.
For more information and to register, call Candice Sears at (904) 290-4446 or
visit the website at https://904legacyevents.com/. Thank you very much
Candice!
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
News of Encouragement, Upcoming Events for INK! funding:
IIn addition to the INK! Charity Pro-am presented by Davidson Realty and PXG Women’s
Match Play Championship in golf…
Davidson Realty, Inc. supports INK! with the company’s annual Davidson Clay Day on Oct. 21
Register today at https://www.davidsoncares.com/fundraisers/davidson-cares-clay-day.aspx.
For more than 30 years, Davidson Realty, Inc. has been a leader in Northeast Florida real estate,
marketing and selling residential and commercial properties in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and
surrounding areas. The company also supports INK! through its Davidson Cares Clay Day to be
held on Thursday, October 21 at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, 12125 New Berlin Road in
Jacksonville, Fla. The event includes two sport shooting events with beginner skeet and sporting
clays. Individuals and teams from beginner to expert levels are invited to participate.
For more information about Davidson Realty and events, call 904.940.5000. Visit the website at
https://www.davidsoncares.com.
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
News of Encouragement, Upcoming Events for INK! funding:
Annual Jail Break 5K to raise funds for local education and INK! on Oct. 30
This is what the Ponte Vedra Recorder had to say about us, and we appreciate the story!
https://pontevedrarecorder.com/stories/annual-jail-break-5k-to-raise-funds-for-local-education,13
469
Register today, support INK!, and have fun at the same time
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintAugustine/EscapeFromStAugustine
Psst! There’s going to be a mass jail break in October. Pass it on.
That’s right. INK! (Investing in Kids) and Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine have announced
the sixth annual Jail Break 5K run and walk fundraiser.
The race will be held Oct. 30 at the Old Jail Museum, 167 San Marco Blvd. in St. Augustine, with
registration at 6:30 a.m. and the race starting at 8 a.m. Entertainment and activities are planned
until noon.
Family-friendly entertainment includes adult and children “jail breakers” who plan their escape
from the 130-year-old historic venue and run through picturesque, historic areas of the Nation’s
Oldest City. Scenic ocean, river and Intracoastal Waterway views are featured in the run on the
Francis and Mary Usina “Vilano” Bridge. The run wraps up at Vilano Beach Pavilion, 20 Vilano Road
in St. Augustine.
The event is a 5K USA Track & Field (USATF) Certified Course # FL17069TY.
New this year will be live bands along the race route with The Grapes of Roth, featuring Elizabeth
Roth and her local style of classic rock and contemporary music, and Skin & Bonz, featuring
Tommy Bledsoe and Company with bluegrass and modern folk music.
A pre-race warm-up will be held at Old Jail Museum. All runners will be rounded-up as “prisoners”
as they begin the race and will be transported back to the Old Jail from Vilano Beach by shuttle as
needed.
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
News of Encouragement, Upcoming Events for INK! funding:
During this time, a Halloween costume contest sponsored by Ghosts and Gravestones will include
more than $1,000 in cash prizes, and other treasures.
Free race parking is available at Old Town Trolley locations including 167 San Marco Ave., 1305 N.
Ponce De Leon Blvd. and 1700 Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.
From now until Aug. 30, the cost to register is $30 per each participant. From Sept. 1 to Sept. 30,
the cost is $35 per each participant. From Oct. 1 to Oct. 29, the cost is $40 per each participant.
Day-of-race entries on Oct. 30 are $45 per participant.
The first 700 race finishers will receive this year’s distinctive medal. A Facebook Live event on July
23 featured informative and fun facts about the race with trivia questions, and an opportunity to
win a free vacation in Savannah, Ga., courtesy of Old Town Trolley Tours and Historic Tours of
America. Find it at https://www.facebook.com/InvestingInKids.
Registration is open now. Go to
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintAugustine/EscapeFromStAugustine. Make registration check
payments payable to INK! (Investing in Kids) at 1 Christopher St., St Augustine, Fla. 32084.
Overall male and female finishers and the top three runners will be in the following age groups: 9
and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74,
and 75 and older. Water stations will be located at the race start, and at the one mile, two mile and
at the finish line.
Proceeds from the race will be donated to benefit the innovative programs and classroom
resources at INK!, which promotes academic success for all St. Johns County public school students
and teachers.
In the event of inclement weather, emergency or a natural disaster, INK! reserves the right to
cancel or postpone the race. In the event of cancellation or postponement, there will be no
refunds.
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORG
Give, then spread the word. Contact us about your events,
sponsorship and donor interests, and how we can work
together to help teachers and students in St. Johns County.
Tell your friends and family about this worthy cause. There is
no better way to make an impact than to become an active
advocate yourself. Join INK! now. Your donation allows us to
connect people and create partnerships in our community. We
fund projects with our partners, seeking innovative solutions
for learning.
To donate, visit:
ink-stjohns.org/donate
CONNECT WITH US
@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORGYou can also read
