Revised: Orlando Predators Read to Students During United Way Day of Caring
September 29, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO - On Friday, September 26th, the Orlando Predators participated in the 2014 Heart of Florida United Way Day of Caring by reading to students at Pine Crest Elementary in Sanford. Predators Head Coach Rob Keefe, linebacker Tanner Varner and defensive back Erick McIntosh were all on hand to participate.
"Having the opportunity to reach a school in our backyard and read to the students was most rewarding," Varner explained. "Those kids look up to us and to see their faces light up when we walked into a room was something amazing. Being able to influence these kids and provide them with a role model in their community is something that is very special to me."
During the United Way's Day of Caring, volunteers are matched to projects across the community, giving them an opportunity to contribute and make a difference in a hands-on way. This year, 40 different projects were conducted throughout Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties with more than 2,000 people lending hands.
Throughout the morning, the two players and their coach went room by room visiting the classes of Pine Crest's second and third grade students. With each visit, the Predators trio read a story to the kids before explaining to them the importance of reading and education.
"The experience was wonderful," said Coach Keefe. "It's so good for the soul knowing you can impact a child's life for the better. When reading different stories in the classrooms, I gave just as much energy as I would coaching an Arena Football game. Those kids made me feel alive!"
Heart of Florida United Way has been serving the community for over 70 years. They are Central Florida's most comprehensive and largest funder for the region's most critical health and human service programs. Last year, Heart of Florida United Way raised and managed $24.5 million throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to help Central Floridians in need.
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