Jaguars' v. Giants Win Means Giant Bed Donation to First Coast Kids
Jacksonville, Florida (PRWEB) December 05, 2014 -- A giant roar was heard across Jacksonville as Josh Scobee’s 48-yard kick sailed thru the uprights to secure the Jaguar’s 24-25 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. But it was the final sack of the game by #99 Sen’ Derrick Marks that pushed the Jaguars to their 50th sack since August. This season, the Jaguars are among the top teams leading the NFL in sacks, and more importantly, with every sack, a First Coast child in need receives a free bed from Ashley Furniture HomeStore-Jacksonville.
“Hit the Sack” originated with the charitable partnership between the Jaguars and Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s A Hope to Dream program as a way to donate more beds to First Coast Kids. It has grown into a source of inspiration for the team. Marks was one of the players featured in the Jaguars’ A Hope to Dream charitable television commercial along with Coach Gus Bradley and the Bradley family.
“Our defensive line makes it count on the field. It’s rewarding to know that our defensive players’ efforts in each game make a life-changing difference to a child long after the team leaves the field,” said Jaguars Coach Gus Bradley.
A Hope to Dream began on the First Coast with Ashley Furniture HomeStore-Jacksonville CEO Howard Fineman in 2010. Since then the program has spread to HomeStores across the country, donating almost 15,000 mattress sets with bedspreads to children in need, including 100 beds in one night at the second annual Stadium Sleepover at Everbank Field in Jacksonville this Summer, as well as 100 additional beds at the inaugural companion Stadium Sleepover at Wembley Stadium in London. So far this football season, the local Jacksonville HomeStores have given away over 250 beds to children in need.
Jaguars players, The Roar cheerleaders, Jaxson de Ville, and Coach Bradley, along with his family, all make a point to participate in A Hope to Dream deliveries during the year. Fineman says the Jaguars’ commitment to A Hope to Dream is vital, as is the commitment from local Ashley Furniture HomeStore customers.
“It’s difficult to describe the scene when these children, who are so thrilled to get a new bed, see our truck pull up, and then see a Jaguar player like Defensive End Tyson Alualu step out, and then help carry in and set up their new bed. It is an indescribably rewarding moment and one that we know is made possible because every time a customer buys a mattress in one of our local HomeStores, a portion of their purchase goes to providing these free beds.” Fineman said.
Families who need beds are nominated by friends, family and social service agencies. If you know of a child who needs a bed, you can submit your nomination at any Ashley Furniture HomeStore showroom on the First Coast, or online at http://www.ahopetodream.com. If you would like further information, photography/video, or to set up on or off-camera interviews please contact Tori Benjamin at tbenjamin(at)ashleyjax(dot)com or at 904-217-7367.
Kendall Goss, Kendall Communications, +1 (706) 492-3700, [email protected]
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