The University of Central Florida was proud to host our second annual United Way Day of Caring at UCF benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. The event took place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 23. About 75 middle school and high school aged students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida were gathered at the Morgridge International Reading Center on the main campus.

The main goal of the day was sharing the importance of a college education and the steps students could take now to help them achieve a college education and a successful future.  UCF also wanted to show them that learning is fun.

The day began with some exciting cheers from the Spirit Squad, including Knightro, members of Knight Moves Dance Team and the UCF Cheerleading Team. The Spirit Squad led the students in the UCF fight song as well as the Black & Gold Cheer and UCF spell out.

The students then heard from inspiring speakers, such as:

  • Wayne Jackson, Director Multicultural Academic & Support Services
  • Roderick Hollingsworth, UCF Alumnus, Boys & Girls Club Alumnus and Program Director for Taft Branch of BGCFL
  • Victor Gray, former UCF football player, UCF Alumnus and Boys & Girls Club Alumnus from Atlanta, GA

    • Students also engaged in several roundtable discussions and listened to speakers talk about their career paths, as well as what the students could do now and in college to prepare for these types of careers.  The roundtable speakers included:

  • Aimee Hitchner, Estate and Business Planning Attorney
  • Dr. Kyle Bow, Pediatrician
  • Daniel Stack, Financial Advisor

    • The students were treated to a fabulous lunch from 4Rivers BBQ, courtesy of our sponsor Kavaliro. Then members of the UCF Cheerleading Team led the students on a scavenger hunt and tour of the UCF campus.

    The day ended with inspirational messages from current UCF student athletes, Terika Henry (alumna of Boys & Girls Club) of the Women’s Track & Field Team and Jake Weiss of the Men’s Soccer Team.  There was also an autograph and picture session with the athletes and former UCF football player Victor Gray.

    The UCF Live United Campaign runs every October and has raised over $2 million for those in greatest need in Central Florida. Throughout the month, UCF hosts various events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities for our employees and students to stand together to make a positive impact. For more information on the campaign and happenings, please visit www.ucf.edu/liveunited.