Jacksonville, FL – The Jaguars Foundation, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and the City of Jacksonville, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Jaguars Foundation Boys & Girls Club at Russell B. Cook Park. Community members, dignitaries, and special guests gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the renovation project in Jacksonville’s Historic Eastside neighborhood. Attendees, including Jaguars Legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Boselli, Jaxson de Ville, and THE ROAR cheerleaders, explored the Club’s extensive upgrades. The renovations feature significant structural and interior improvements, as well as new state-of-the-art recreational and academic equipment, creating a space designed to inspire and support local youth. “Among our pillars, the Jaguars Foundation is committed to youth development and neighborhood revitalization,” said Whitney Meyer, Jaguars senior vice president and chief community impact officer. “With the grand reopening of Jaguars Foundation Boys & Girls Club at Russell B. Cook Park, we look forward to providing a critical resource for children to reach their full potential and breathe new life into this often-overlooked Jacksonville community.” The event featured remarks from community leaders and partners:

  • Whitney Meyer, SVP/Chief Community Impact Officer, Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Kori Scott, Youth of the Year Northeast Florida 2014 and Club alumna

  • Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, Jacksonville City Council, District 7

  • Kevin Carrico, Jacksonville City Council President, District 4

  • Paul Martinez, President/CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida

  • Daryl Joseph, Director of Parks, City of Jacksonville

“This renovation is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of hope and opportunity for the children and families in the Historic Eastside neighborhood,” said Paul Martinez, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. “We are grateful to the Jaguars Foundation for their unwavering commitment to our mission and investment in a brighter future for our youth.” The celebration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments, and guided tours of the Club.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida:

For over 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our 59 Clubs serve more than 6000 young people each day in Alachua, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Our Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs during critical non-school hours and during the summer. Club programs promote five core areas: character and leadership, education and workforce readiness, the arts, health and wellness, and sports and recreation. In a Harris Survey of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more at bgcnf.org

About the Jaguars Foundation

The Jaguars Foundation and Community Impact Department are committed to uplifting the Northeast Florida community and beyond by providing economic and equal opportunity through programs that strengthen neighborhoods and develop our youth. The Community Impact team at the Jaguars annually targets three key strategic areas of focus: neighborhood revitalization, youth development and NFL league-wide initiatives. The Jaguars and the Khan Family have always been strong supporters of our Jacksonville community and have donated $36.2 million since 2012 through the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation in support of many worthy causes, including $1 million in support of the revitalization of Jacksonville’s historic OUTEAST neighborhood and $5 million to the construction of the new Museum of Science & History (MOSH).