by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The Don Brewer Center for Early Learning received a $1 million donation, a gift from former Jacksonville Children’s Commission chair Toni Crawford and her husband Andy, during a ceremony Tuesday at the future site of the center’s new children’s campus at A. Philip Randolph Park.
The Brewer Center is a collaborative effort with the JCC.
“This a day filled with emotion and satisfaction,” said Crawford. “I had a vision three years ago for this project and today it is becoming a reality. [Former City Council member] Don Brewer felt strongly that every child had the opportunity to succeed. We are fulfilling his vision to help lay the foundation for success. By presenting this check to the center, we hope to lead by example for others in the community to recognize the need and give to the center. This is a big day for our family and his.”
A groundbreaking for the campus is expected by the end of the summer with a completion date tentatively set for sometime in 2005.
Present at the ceremony were City Council vice president Lad Daniels and Council members Elaine Brown and Jim Overton, who were joined by Mayor John Delaney.
“The Crawford’s continued commitment to Jacksonville’s children is indeed an example of their unwavering care and dedication,” said Delaney of the contribution, the first from a private sponsor. “They have both served countless hours in the community to ensure all of Jacksonville’s children have the early learning foundation they need to succeed in school.”