FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Heather Allebaugh (407) 246-3423

Mayor Dyer’s Second Annual CityKidz! Buddy’s Benefit for Children Raises more than $600,000

(Orlando, FL) –The 2nd Annual City Kidz! Buddy’s Benefit for Children was a success, raising more than $600,000 for the Parramore Kidz Zone, an initiative that will provide scholarships, after school and summer opportunities, parent assistance, school support and childcare for infants to 18 year-olds.

The theme of this year’s CityKidz was the “Ultimate Roast” with Mayor Dyer’s wife, local media outlets and SAK Comedy Lab Roasting the Mayor.

Mayor Dyer’s first CityKidz! Buddy’s Benefit for Children was held August 2004 and raised more than $450,000 for pre-k classrooms in Orlando City schools, providing a jumpstart on education to more than 400 children in 12 Orlando elementary schools.

Parramore Kidz Zone
As a pilot program, the initial replication of the Harlem Children’s Zone will take place in the Parramore Heritage Neighborhood, as the Parramore Kidz Zone (PKZ). It will link children to positive opportunities, like pre-kindergarten, health care, mentoring, and after school programs, and help Parramore families become more economically secure.

2,066 children live in Parramore with 73% living in poverty. According to the 2000 Census, 28% of Orlando’s children are growing up in poverty and an additional 26% are growing up in low-income households. Most of their parents hold down jobs, but their income isn’t sufficient to afford the basics - housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and childcare.

The Parramore Kidz Zone, allows children to be better equipped to grow up strong, healthy and well educated. PKZ will receive funding through the Legacy Trust for Orlando Children, which Mayor Dyer and City Commissioners established in early 2006.

Legacy Trust for Orlando Children
In January 2006, Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners approved the establishment of a Legacy Trust for Orlando Children, which will be dedicated to improving the lives of low-income children and families in the City of Orlando.

Under the direction of Mayor Dyer, Lisa Early, the Director of the City's Families, Parks and Recreation Department will serve as the advisor to the Community Foundation with respect to the Legacy Trust making recommendations for grants and distributions.

The Legacy Trust will assist children and families, through scholarships that can be given to children in low-income Orlando neighborhoods, so they can participate in pre-k programs, health care, after school activities, tutoring, youth jobs and higher education programs, and programs that build family economic security.

The Legacy Trust is a donor advised fund that will enhance fundraising and grant efforts, allowing donors and grantors to contribute directly to a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

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