Eckerd’s 7th Annual Jingle Jangle Jam Fundraiser a Success for Children and Families

TAMPA, Fla. - Dec. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- Jingle Jangle Jam has become the signature annual fundraiser for Eckerd, a non-profit youth services organization headquartered in Clearwater that was founded by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1968. Today, Eckerd offers more than 35 life-changing child welfare, juvenile justice, and behavioral health programs in eight states. In addition, in the Tampa Bay area, Eckerd serves as the lead agency for community-based child welfare in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Our 2014 featured speaker was Henry Winkler, who is best known as the Golden Globe award winning actor who played “The Fonz” for 10 seasons on “Happy Days.” Winkler made his mark in Hollywood as an acclaimed actor and movie star, but has also produced and directed over 20 television series and specials behind the scenes. His inspirational story of how he utilized his fame to help others, particularly children resonated with the crowd of more than 400 people.

The event featured a holiday feast; complimentary martinis, wine and beer; a special performance by renowned Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus; live and silent auctions; and more. All in a festive holiday atmosphere complete with gently falling snow. The magic began when a group of 22 foster youth from Ready for Life marched down the aisles of tables with signs about the abuse they suffered. The music changed as did their signs moments later with words of hope and career possibilities. The performance led into a live ask for Eckerd's revolutionary new program called Friends of the Children | Eckerd, which is a fulltime paid mentoring program that produces remarkable results for Tampa Bay's highest risk foster children. The program intentionally targets the children with the highest probability of poor life outcomes such as school dropout, poverty, crime, prison and even early violent death. It provides a fulltime paid mentor for this child who starts with them at kindergarten and stays with them through high school graduation and the outcomes are amazing.

An anonymous donor gave a $50,000 challenge match to our live ask at the event. $100,000 was raised during the live ask portion of the event to support the Friends of the Children | Eckerd  program and a net profit of $250,000 for the entire night.

To view pictures of the 2014 Jingle Jangle Jam or to support next year’s event, please visit www.eckerd.org/jjj

Sponsors for the 6th Annual Jingle Jangle Jam included:

Exclusive Sponsors: Bright House Networks; Bouchard Insurance; CoCENTRIX;  CRC Insurance; Embrace Home Loans; Ogletree Deakins; ProVise, LLC; QTEGO; Roberts Printing; SunTrust Foundation; Tampa Bay Times; TPepin’s Hospitality Centre

Gold Bells Sponsors: Darol Rodrock Foundation; David & Becky Dennis; Eileen Kamerick, Vic Heckler & Connor Heckler; GreenPages; Harrod Properties, Inc.; Jackson Lewis P.C.; Kevin Perry; Nancy Eckerd Nichols & Family; Patrick Adams & CLS Group; Principal Financial Group; Quarles & Brady LLP

Silver Bells Sponsors: Carlton Fields; Code Construction; Guy & Delores Spearman; Jim Sartain; Taproot Creative; Uncharted Video Production

Bronze Bells Sponsors: Anthony & Margaret Iuculano; Crow Horwath LLP; Florida Blue; Harden; Jody Grutza; Kathleen Cowan; Melanie & Chis Owens; Nancy Black Stewart, P.A.; Patsy Feliciano; Paxen Learning Corporation; Poyner & Spruill; Ron & Joanie Zychowski; Terrell & Joe Clark

About Eckerd:
Eckerd is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, that has given much-needed second chances to more than 150,000 children and families since its founding by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1968.  Eckerd serves over 15,000 children and their families each year through life-changing child welfare, juvenile justice and behavioral health programs in eight states.  Eckerd’s mission is to provide and share solutions that promote the well-being of children and families in need of a second chance.  To learn more visit www.eckerd.org. Follow us on Twitter at @eckerdyouth and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/eckerdyouth