NOW AND BEYOND:

It has been said in times past that it takes a village to raise a child. Imagine the potential of a community who partnered up together to impact the future lives of those children. Can you imagine what lives might be touched or futures altered if we intentionally worked together?

Project Legacy helps create awareness within our community that leads to a heart of generosity as well as creating an environment of teamwork where every person is valued.

The Project Legacy team is passionate about discovering ongoing needs that face the children and youth of our community. We are committed to networking community resources to help meet those needs.

The Goal:

To secure finances and other resources that will assist in meeting the needs of various ongoing community projects which will benefit our children and youth.

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Our Story:

Every child deserves the chance to play, to belong, and to be part of something bigger than themselves. Project Legacy exists because a small group of neighbors in Lady Lake refused to let a hard season keep local kids from that chance.

Project Legacy was formed in 2009 by a group of individuals who saw a need to help children participate in local sports activities in the Lady Lake community. These individuals encountered many families who had children who wanted to participate but could not afford the fee’s and equipment due to the downturn in the economy. Through generous donations and collections, this group was able to provide scholarships to help address the needs while working together to make a difference to keep these valuable community programs alive and keep kids involved. Since then, Project Legacy has expanded its reach within the Tri-County area. Today, Project Legacy has funded over $100K through ongoing fundraising efforts and by the generosity of local organizations and clubs. Project Legacy seeks and partners with area groups to provide assistance when and where needed.

That same spirit carries us today. What began as a handful of scholarships for kids in one community has grown into a Tri-County effort spanning Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties — including the fast-growing Villages corridor — where Project Legacy partners with schools, churches, civic groups, and local businesses to meet needs as they arise. Whether it’s a scholarship for a youth sports season, direct financial assistance for a family facing a hard month, or support for a local program doing good work in our community, our approach hasn’t changed: see the need, rally the community, and show up for our kids.

Project Legacy Board of Directors

Jeff Gower, President
Jeff Gower, PresidentFinancial Advisor, Edward Jones Financial Services

Jeff Gower is retired, after serving 27 years in the heavy crane industry and 16 years as a financial advisor. Both successful careers taught him the art of carefully listening to details before matching the best products or services to suit the situation.

Jeff is deeply committed to bringing awareness to the needs of local youth as well as attracting charitable funding to support worthy programs. Immediately upon graduating from Bradley University, he became involved with their alumni association. He also is a volunteer through The Rotary Club of The Villages and the Walk to END Alzheimer’s. As a community advocate, Jeff is always looking to expand the generous reach of Project Legacy.

Jeff joined the board in 2012 and currently serves as President.

Karen Mercer, Secretary
Karen Mercer, SecretaryRealtor, Carlino Real Estate Group
Melanie Melvin, Treasurer
Melanie Melvin, Treasurer Director of Marketing & PR, Akers Media Group
Sidney Brock, Board Member
Sidney Brock, Board MemberSenior Pastor, Heritage Community Church

Sidney has been married to Merideth since 1988 and is the father of Abbie, Caleb and Anna. He is the lead pastor at Heritage Community Church.

John Strong, Board Member
John Strong, Board MemberRetired Asst. Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, The Villages High School

John is the organizer of community-based sports and charity initiatives that bring people together while supporting youth programs. His mission is to use athletics as a platform for leadership, education, and opportunity, creating a lasting impact for young people and the communities they serve.

John has been married to his wife, Julee, since 1991.

Melissa Wyatt, Board Member
Melissa Wyatt, Board MemberRetired First-Grade Teacher

Melissa has been involved with Project Legacy for several years, first as a donor and then joining the team three years ago. She grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to Florida 14 years ago. After a rewarding career as a first-grade teacher, she retired and has continued pursuing one of her greatest passions: serving and making a difference in the lives of children and youth.

Throughout her life, Melissa has volunteered with several wonderful organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Children’s Ministry at Heritage Community Church. She is also involved with Bless Fruitland Park. These experiences have strengthened her belief in the importance of investing in young lives and providing encouragement, support, and opportunities for a brighter future.

Melissa and her husband, Scott, have been married for 30 years and have two children, Austin and Erica. She is grateful to be part of the Project Legacy team and to continue doing something that has always been close to her heart.

PROJECT LEGACY

Partnering to impact future generations by creating awareness

of needs that leads to generosity.

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