In May, GOBA held a community event in Ivey Lane Park. More than 200 families received more than 7,500 pounds of food provided by Second Harvest Food Bank. Kids also got eye exams and identification cards. It was the culmination of a partnership between GOBA, Ivey Lane Elementary, Ivey Lane Homes and Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill.
BUILDERS' GROUP HELPS LIFT UP IVEY LANE KIDS
Ivey Lane Homes, located west of downtown Orlando, has seen its share of broken dreams and broken promises. But the 184-unit complex, owned by the Orlando Housing Authority, encompasses many people doing their best to raise children under difficult circumstances.
Ivey Lane Elementary School is a reflection of the disadvantaged neighborhood it serves, with 99 percent of students receiving free or discounted prices on student lunches.
That’s why the Greater Orlando Builder Association (GOBA) Foundation decided to pitch in. The foundation, which concentrates its charitable activities on programs to improve the lives of children, formed a partnership with the school, the neighborhood and Regina Hill, the City of Orlando’s District 5 Commissioner.
Under the leadership of GOBA President David Baselice (Ryland Homes), and GOBA Foundation President Dave Schmitt (Dave Schmitt Engineering), the association reached out to its more than 700 corporate members to hold a book drive in March.
The drive generated more than 400 new and used books for the neighborhood, where almost 600 children live. The community “library” held just 50 books prior to GOBA’s involvement.
In April, the association went a step further by instituting a mentorship program at the school. Members offered youngsters both tutoring assistance and a willingness to listen and be a friend. “The group has felt much success in building relationships that will hopefully lead these young people down a positive path,” says Schmitt.
In May, the efforts culminated with a community event held in Ivey Lane Park. More than 200 families were able to take home more than 7,500 pounds of food provided by Second Harvest Food Bank. In addition, 80 children were able to have their eyes examined for eyewear provided by Florida Vision Quest, and another 100 received identification cards from Child Rescue Network.
Also, Just-1-Book handed out books, and information was offered on vaccinations, job opportunities and other mentorship organizations, such as Man Up Mentoring.
Through this partnership, GOBA plans to continue the mentorship program into the 2015-2016 school year, and to partner with the Ivey Lane community on more events that combine fun and information.
The foundation was established in 1985 to provide the GOBA a vehicle for its community charitable operations. The foundation is dedicated to raising funds for organizations that help children and families in need, and is responsible for donations of more than $1 million to youth-related charities and scholarship funds across Central Florida.
It has a separate and distinct board of trustees and is a 501-C3 tax-exempt organization. All donations to the foundation are tax deductible. To learn more, visit greaterorlandoba.com.