The Jacksonville Jaguars donate time and money for many causes throughout the year.
The latest effort will be for a neighboring city impacted by recent tragedy.
The team announced Thursday it is raising money for Orlando’s OneOrlando Fund, set up to provide assistance to the victims and families of those impacted by the Pulse gay nightclub shooting Sunday. A gunman killed 49 and left more than 50 wounded.
The Jaguars Foundation, the charitable arm of the team, will collect donations at jaguars.com/jaxfororlando.
Those who donate a minimum of $25 can receive a custom “Orlando United” cap. One cap will be provided for every $25 donated.
The fundraiser ends June 24.
Peter Racine, Jaguars Foundation president, in a news release said the #JaxForOrlando initiative will conclude with an additional Jaguars Foundation donation next week. The amount has not been determined, he said.
The situation hit close to home for quarterback Blake Bortles, who went to college in Orlando. The former University of Central Florida player has committed $10,000 from his foundation to the fund.
“Growing up near Orlando, I am heartbroken by the events of this past week,” Bortles said in the release. “It’s been inspirational to see the way the City of Orlando has rallied around these families and I wanted to contribute.”
Mayor Lenny Curry and the city also will be providing support. Curry is launching a “Dear Orlando” postcard campaign to give Jacksonville residents a way to express their sentiments to the Orlando community.
The postcards are available at public libraries starting next week and the campaign will run through July 30, the International Day of Friendship.
After filling them out, participants can turn them in at the libraries. City officials will send them to Orlando officials.
@writerchapman
(904) 356-2466