Last month, we lost one of our best and brightest, Gino Nicolas.  One of the earliest participants of Parramore Kidz Zone, Gino graduated from Florida State University in 2015 and returned to his hometown to turn things around for the next generation of youth in Orlando. As Coordinator of the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative for the City of Orlando, Gino was bringing President Obama’s vision of opening opportunities for all kids, especially young men and boys of color, to his city and community.

Many people and organizations in Orlando felt Gino’s loss very deeply. One of those organizations was the Kiwanis Club of Orlando, which had been pivotal in founding Parramore Kidz Zone 10 years ago, in 2006, with a donation of $100,000 that helped get PKZ started.

Upon hearing of Gino’s death, the Kiwanis Club of Orlando has stepped up once again, this time to establish the Gino Nicolas Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Central Florida Foundation.  Proceeds from the fund will be used in the years to come to provide scholarships to Parramore youth who, like Gino, aspire to attend college.

Mayor Dyer will call upon Lisa Early, Director of Families, Parks and Recreation, to introduce Tom Porter, Treasurer of Kiwanis Club of Orlando.  Mr. Porter will say a few words, after which Kiwanis Club members, and members of Gino’s family, will step to the dais for photos.