Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund and Payton Wright Foundation Team Up To Sell Holiday Wreaths

Oct. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Lakewood Ranch, Florida – October 30, 2012 – The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund, which provides four-year scholarships to The Out-of-Door Academy for financially challenged students, will once again be selling fresh, handmade holiday wreaths this year to help raise funds to support their mission. This marks the organization’s second annual event of this kind and the first time it has partnered with the Payton Wright Foundation, an organization that seeks to raise awareness and funds in support of those touched by pediatric brain cancer.

Wreaths will be available for purchase online and at a location in Sarasota, with 100% of the proceeds to be split between the two non-profit public organizations. “Every wreath is handmade with Balsam fir branches fresh from Maine. They are then adorned with festive berries, pine cones and a colorful bow,” stated Katie Emmons, Taylor’s mother. “They add a beautiful and festive touch to any home, office or business. But the real gift will be knowing that your generosity helped make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund was created in the wake of Taylor's tragic death in 2010 at the young age of 19. As a student at The Out-of-Door Academy, Taylor excelled in both academics and sports, and was voted vice president of his senior class, Homecoming King, and student with the most school spirit. He also volunteered for All Faiths Food Bank, helping fill backpacks with basic necessities for children in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

By raising funds to send students through four years of high school, the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund is a way of carrying on this young man’s spirit and energy. In 2011, the inaugural recipient of the fund was Desmond Lindsay, who also happened to be an athlete who shared in Taylor’s love for the game of baseball. The 2012 scholarship recipient is Sierra VanSuch, a young woman who is actively involved in her community. She is also an A student who enjoys playing volleyball and basketball.

“It’s been a real pleasure getting to know Sierra and her family. She’s an enthusiastic student and we know she’s going to achieve whatever she put her mind to,” added Mike Emmons, Taylor’s father. “We are proud to carry on Taylor’s legacy through this bright, energetic and smart young woman.”

To order your wreaths, go to www.Temmons.org for delivery anywhere in the continental United States. Or you can pick out a wreath in person at Stickney Point Road and Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, or call 941-915-9249.

About the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund
The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund was created in the wake of Taylor’s tragic death in 2010 at the young age of 19. Taylor’s life was full of appreciation, gratitude, kindness and accomplishment. While the hole created by Taylor’s absence can never be filled, the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund strives to carry on his spirit by awarding four-year scholarships to students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend The Out-of-Door Academy. Go to www.Temmons.org or call 941-915-9249 for more information.

About Payton Wright Foundation
The Payton Wright Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to fighting pediatric brain cancer on multiple fronts. This includes supporting ongoing research to find new treatments to battle this deadly and underfunded disease, and offering financial assistance to families who are caring for a child with brain cancer, including paying monthly rent, mortgages and utility bills.

Grapevine Communications is a full-service, award-winning advertising, marketing and public relations firm based in Sarasota, Florida, and serving clients nationwide. The firm was awarded the 2010 Frank G. Berlin, Sr., Small Business Award by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact Lori Uzzo at luzzo@grapeinc.com or call 941-351-0024.