National Guard foundation receives donation

The St. Augustine-based Florida National Guard Foundation invited Historic City News readers to attend a special ceremony when Major General Emmett R. Titshaw, Jr., the Adjutant General of Florida, accepts a $159,000 donation check; raised by customers and employees of Kangaroo Express.

The Foundation, whose mission is to provide support to the men and women of the Florida National Guard and to preserve our rich history so the sacrifices of our Soldiers and Airmen are not forgotten, says they will use the money to provide members with a new rehabilitation pool.

According to their spokesperson, the Florida National Guard Foundation is available in times of emergencies and deployments to assist those Soldiers and Airmen who have sacrificed their health and well-being for the security of our great State and Nation.

If you plan to attend Friday’s presentation, it will be held October 14th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Command Conference Room of the St. Francis Barracks located at 82 Marine Street in St. Augustine.

Customers of Kangaroo Express were encouraged to donate $1 to the “Salute Our Troops” fundraising campaign; resulting in more than double the company’s original $1 million goal.

During the 100-day fundraiser this summer, $2.5 million was raised through donations collected at the convenience store chain. More than 90 percent of the funds raised are attributed to incremental dollar donations made at checkout counters.

Of the more than 1,600 Kangaroo Express stores participating, a St. Augustine store on A1A South was recognized as one of the top five fundraising stores in the company — they raised $11,357 on their own.

All funds raised directly benefit the USO, Wounded Warrior Project and other military support organizations, including the Florida National Guard Foundation.

Tomorrow, the Wounded Warrior Project will accept their $584,000 donation from the “Salute Our Troops” fundraiser at their headquarters in Jacksonville.