Message from Chairperson

Dear Friends:

When reflecting upon how we became who we are today, we often remember those who gave us the gifts of motivation, inspiration and hope, role models who provided the necessary ingredients for the development of our moral fiber at a young age.

For many disadvantaged children in Jacksonville, former professional tennis player and committed children’s activist, MaliVai Washington, has been that inspiration. When Mal started his foundation over Nine years ago, he had a vision for bringing tennis into children’s lives in a way that would teach lessons more important than the game itself.

Mal, and all who play tennis, knows it is a game that requires both physical and mental ability. You need focus and flexibility. You need speed and unlimited patience. It is an individual sport, but it cannot be played alone. Tennis, like other sports, builds inner strength and confidence, traits children in Mal’s programs will need to meet the real life challenges that will face them long after the game is over.

Mal also realizes that with a caring staff and dedicated mentors, the Foundation can provide educational assistance and character development for these children affording them the opportunity to build better lives.

With the overwhelming success of the Foundation’s programs, Mal is now leading the effort to build Jacksonville’s first Youth Tennis and Education Complex. This complex will be a ray of hope for neighborhoods struggling to save their young people, and it will be a national model for successful after‑school programs.

Blanche and I have experienced the positive influence of a very special mentor in our own lives, and we believe that academic success is the path to independence. Therefore, we hope you will join us in supporting the good works of Mal’s foundation and this worthwhile project. We can all take part in Serving Hope and Changing Lives of Jacksonville’s children.

Sincerely,

Luther and Blanche Coggin

Honorary Chairpersons
MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation
Serving Hope, Changing Lives Capital Campaign

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