Seven Year NFL Veteran and community philanthropist, Michael Gaines will launch his charitable organization, The Michael Gaines Foundation on August 31-September 2 during Labor Day Weekend in Tallahassee, FL. Proceeds from the weekend will benefit the foundation’s programs and community initiatives involving literacy, healthy living, and education. The Michael Gaines Foundation is dedicated to cultivating the lives of under-served youth by providing resources and programs designed to empower, encourage and educate youth towards positive growth.

The theme for this weekend “Celebration of Excellence” is set to honor and pay homage to the individuals and community that inspired and supported the success of the former NFL player. Michael Gaines is a Tallahassee native and was a high school standout in basketball and football at Florida High School. Gaines was regarded as the number one tight end in the state of Florida. He played six different positions at Florida High School and was a heavily recruited as a high school senior before committing to University of Alabama and completing his education and college football career at University of Central Florida. Gaines was drafted in the seventh round by the Carolina Panthers in 2004 and played seven years in the NFL.

In addition to raising funds for the Michael Gaines Foundation, the charity weekend also begins a personal commitment to give back and support his former high school, Florida High School. Florida State University School is a K-12 charter school sponsored by Florida State University. It provides research and development opportunities for educators as well as providing a laboratory for teacher education. It has approximately 1700 students that represent a population typical of other school sites in Florida. It has strong programs in the academics as well as award-winning arts and athletic programs.
Portion of the proceeds from the Tallahassee Kids Fair on September 1, will be used to help support Florida State University School initiative to provide students with the best resources and facilities possible.

On Saturday, September 1, The Michael Gaines Foundation will host the Tallahassee Kids Fair sponsored by 1.800.411.PAIN. Tallahassee Kids Fair is a one of a kind interactive event that will give children of all ages in Tallahassee an opportunity to experience fun, education and health, all in a family friendly environment. The Tallahassee Kids Fair will also have representatives from colleges and universities, live entertainment, kids broadcast booth sponsored by Cumulus Radio, sports clinics, educational workshops, informational booths and a family oriented healthy eating workshop sponsored by Earthfare.

Sunday, September 2, will be the finale charity event, A Celebration of Excellence, sponsored by Capital Eurocars at the SouthWood House. A Celebration of Excellence will be hosted by Joe Bullard and comedian Tight Mike. Music for the evening will be provided by Tallahassee Nights Live.

Michael Gaines shares his thoughts on the charity weekend,” I begin my career in Tallahassee and I want to finish my life’s work here. Tallahassee has always been home for me and I would not be the man I am today with out my family, friends and community”.

The Michael Gaines Foundation has participated and executed community initiatives in the past including the Principal for a Day and Ice Cream Social with community partner Wells Fargo and Mission to Feed 1,000 Families in Tallahassee during Thanksgiving at the Leon County Civic Center.





Community Sponsors and Partners include title sponsor 1.800.411.PAIN, Capital Eurocars, Cumulus Radio Station, Florida State University Schools, Earthfare, Florida Virtual School, Tallahassee Democrat, Captiveyes, Florida Wellness Center, Department of Health, Majestic Connections, and The Allstar Group.

The charity weekend will feature activities throughout the weekend for the public to participate and help raise money to make a difference in the lives of underserved youth:

The Michael Gaines Foundation Charity Weekend Event Schedule
August 31, 2012
7pm
Florida High School Home Game

September 1, 2012
10am-5pm
Tallahassee Kids Fair
Florida High School (SouthWood Community)
3000 School House Road
Tallahassee, FL. 32311
Individual Tickets $5.00. Kids three and under are free!!

September 2, 2012
7pm
Celebration of Excellence Charity Event
SouthWood House
3255 Hemingway Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL. 32311
Tickets $40.00

Join the conversation on twitter by following @MichaelGainesFD @Allstarevents using the hashtag #MichaelGainesWeekend

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the website at www.themichaelgainesfoundation.org or call 850.270.8761.