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Dear Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Program,
Welcome to the December edition of the Take Stock Tribune! As we enter the final month of 2025, we’re reflecting on the incredible generosity and community spirit that carried us through November. Thanks to the Town of Palm Beach United Way, Jeff and Susan Firestone, and Pure Barre Jupiter, we were able to provide full Thanksgiving meals to 50 Take Stock Palm Beach families—ensuring they could enjoy a warm, abundant holiday at home. Their kindness made a meaningful difference, and we are so grateful.
December marks the season of giving, and our Year-End Giving Campaign is officially underway. This year, every donation of $100 or more earns a raffle ticket for a chance to win tickets to the Super Bowl—all while helping us sponsor deserving students waiting to join our program. In this newsletter, you will also find a link to donate to a family in need, along with multiple events coming up after the holidays.
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Thank you for being an essential part of our family. Stay tuned for more updates by following our emails, newsletter and social media pages. Wishing you all a great month.
Warmly,
The Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Team
| | | | Thanksgiving Meals Giveaway | | |
We have a lot to be thankful for! Most importantly, we are thankful for our families. This year, we served 50 families with a full Thanksgiving meal. We provided them with a turkey, savory sides, and delicious desserts to end their meal.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and volunteers, we were able to ensure that each household felt cared for during this special season. Whether through donations, packing meal kits, or helping with distribution, your contribution made a meaningful difference.
As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we are inspired to continue our mission of supporting families and strengthening our community. Thank you for being a vital part of our work—your kindness helps us spread warmth and hope all year long.
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We’re happy to welcome Annie McGrath as our new Mentor Coordinator at Take Stock Palm Beach! Annie was an 8th grade US History Teacher for many years in Boca Raton. She is passionate about community service and found a platform for that through serving as Miss South Florida Fair and Miss Miami with the Miss America Organization. She is a dedicated volunteer for organizations that promote education, health, and civic engagement as well as having her own community service initiative that promotes women's education. She is originally from Illinois and is a lifelong equestrian.
Annie can be reached at amcgrath@takestockpalmbeach.org.
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The mentor app will be down from December 20th-January 5th. If you have any sessions to log, please try to log them before 12/20.
As we close out the year, we want to thank you for all that you do for our students. Since July 1st, our mentors have logged over 4,500 mentor sessions! You truly make a difference in the lives of our students!
| | Every $100 Donated Receives a Raffle Entry! | | |
This Season of Giving, Make a Difference!
Join us in transforming lives by purchasing a raffle ticket for just $100.
Every $100 donation or more will be entered into a drawing for your chance to win 3 amazing prizes, including a grand prize of an all-expense-paid VIP trip to the Super Bowl LX in California!
Why Give?
- Your support directly impacts students’ education and career goals.
- You could win amazing prizes while giving the gift of opportunity!
Let’s spread joy and opportunity this holiday season. Together, we can ensure every child has the chance to succeed.
**Raffle tickets will be mailed after purchase.
Thank you for your support!
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Take Stock Palm Beach is proud to recognize Alisson, Alumni Advisor & College Readiness Coach, as this month’s Flamingo Legend!
This month, Alisson has been selected for her outstanding contributions and leadership within the Take Stock Palm Beach community. Alisson began her journey as an AmeriCorps Coach before stepping into her current role supporting our alumni. In just two years, she has brought fresh ideas, a positive attitude, and and commitment to helping students succeed. She is known as a true go-getter—if she doesn’t know the answer, she works tirelessly to find it. Her calm, poised presence when speaking with students creates an environment where they feel supported and encouraged.
Her leadership shines in every setting, including on the recent Tallahassee college tour, where she guided a bus full of eager students with professionalism, grace, and the ability to pivot seamlessly when needed. Congrats, Alisson - we're thrilled you're part of the team!
| | 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K | | |
Mark your calendars! The 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K presented by Florida Crystals will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Riviera Beach at the Ocean Walk Mall on Singer Island. This scenic race takes runners and walkers over the iconic Blue Heron Bridge, offering breathtaking water views along the way.
Participants will enjoy a lively morning of fitness and community, with fun vendor booths, music, pre-race coffee, bananas and bagels as well as a post-race breakfast all provided by Castaways Bar & Grill. Whether you’re racing to beat your best time, walking with friends, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is the perfect way to come together and support Take Stock Palm Beach.
Proceeds from the race will help provide life-changing college scholarships, volunteer mentors, and college readiness programs for local students. Join us for an unforgettable morning by the water—while making a lasting difference in the lives of our future leaders.
| | | Season to Share: Donate to Robert's Family | | |
Robert, one of our Take Stock Palm Beach students, is a 16-year-old sophomore whose resilience shines far beyond his age. At just 5 years old, he was taken in by his grandmother, who has lovingly raised him ever since. Now, as she faces significant health challenges, Robert has become her primary caretaker.
Even with so much responsibility at home, Robert remains committed to his future. He dreams of attending college or pursuing automotive repair, and he credits his grandmother’s love and stability for shaping the young man he is today. His perspective is rooted in gratitude, reflected in his favorite quote: “Your dark times are your best times.”
Robert and Ms. Shaw’s story was recently featured by the Palm Beach Post through Season to Share.
Read the Full Story Here
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already contributed to support this family.
To make a donation, please visit the link below:
| | Mary Alice Fortin Foundation | | |
This month, we celebrate our partnership with the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation, which has been a valued partner in our mission for more than 15 years. The foundation has a long history of philanthropy, and we are just one of many programs directly impacted by its generosity each year.
The Mary Alice Fortin Foundation’s commitment to our program and students has kindled hope, inspired dreams, and created pathways to success for so many of our students who might otherwise have never had the opportunity to pursue higher education.
One of those students is Naeemah Cerizier, who graduated this past May from Santaluces Community High School with a 3.51 GPA and an Associate’s Degree already in hand. Through her dual enrollment during high school, she is already a third-year accounting student at Florida A&M University.
"I am focused on ending the semester well and improving my professional career… applying for internships and networking with individuals at high-performing companies,” she says. “The generosity of the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation has helped me not only pay for my tuition, but also cover the costs of my housing. Due to your support, I have yet to take out loans, and I am projected to graduate undergrad debt-free! Thank you entirely."
We can’t thank the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation enough for believing in our mission and, more importantly, for believing in our students. Your investment in the futures of students like Naeemah continues to create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire Palm Beach County community.
| | Exciting Events Coming Up! | | |
We have an exciting lineup of upcoming events designed just for you. Whether you’re looking to network, celebrate, or get active with fellow alumni, there’s something for everyone this season. Mark your calendars and get ready to show up and show out!
December 10 – 1st Annual Palm Beach County Career Fair
This is your chance to network with employers, explore new opportunities, and sharpen your professional edge. Whether you're job searching or just curious about what's out there, this is one you don’t want to miss.
January 14 – Appreciation Event
We’re celebrating YOU! Join us for an evening of connection, gratitude, and community as we honor your continued involvement and success.
February 28 – Bridge the Gap 5K (Join the Alumni Team!)
Lace up and represent! We’re calling on our alumni to show up strong as part of the official Alumni Team for our signature Bridge the Gap 5K. It’s fitness, fun, and friendly competition for a great cause. Use promo code “ALUMNI26” for $$ off your registration!
Save these dates and get excited; we can’t wait to connect with you again!
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Current Take Stock Mentors, don't forget to check out the Mentor HUB for regular updates and info!
| | Help Sponsor a Student Today! | | |
At Take Stock Palm Beach, we believe in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. Right now, 15 promising students are eagerly waiting to join our program —but they need your help.
Our Waitlist Campaign highlights these students’ inspiring stories and dreams. By sponsoring a student, you’ll not only provide them with educational opportunities but also help pave their way to a brighter future.
Each student requires funding to unlock their future. This provides vital program services, including mentorship and college readiness support.
Your generosity will change lives, ensuring these students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. Any contribution—big or small—moves us closer to our goal of transforming lives through education. Together, we can make a difference.
Click here to learn more and make your donation today: Donate Here.
Thank you for believing in the power of education and for being a part of our mission to create lasting change in our community.
P.S. Every dollar makes a difference. Let’s work together to ensure no student is left waiting.
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We appreciate your time and interest in our organization. Take Stock in Children's program model is rated “best in class” by the Florida Legislature, with 98% of our students graduating high school and 74% obtaining a post-secondary credential (compared to only 27% of their peer group). For low-income and minority students, education is the key to success and upward mobility. Take Stock in Children is the single-largest nonprofit purchaser of Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarships, with assets totaling more than $250M and over $20M awarded to Palm Beach County students. Our scholarship plans are purchased at half-price and matched $ for $ through our partnership with the Florida Prepaid Foundation, enabling us to serve twice as many students.
Join us, "take stock in a child today," and help us ensure that all students, no matter their background, have equitable access to quality education.
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