SALINAS, Calif. – March 9, 2017 – Taylor Farms, the leading producer of value-added produce and healthy fresh foods, and the Future Citizens Foundation (FCF), a California-based youth development non-profit organization, are proud to announce the grand opening of the Taylor Farms Center for Learning. The state-of-the-art learning center is outfitted with the latest smart classroom technology, designed to stimulate young minds, and inspire students, from elementary school age through college.
“Taylor Farms is proud to support the Future Citizens Foundation and the innovative programs that give the youth of Monterey County the tools, support and experience needed to lead productive and healthy lives,” said Bruce Taylor, Taylor Farms Chairman and CEO. “The new Center for Learning is going to enhance the First Tee’s important role in character development with broader educational opportunities. It is our hope that our gift will encourage other major donors to support the youth of Monterey County.”
The Salinas-based learning center significantly expands the educational efforts of FCF’s First Tee of Monterey County and Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Programs, providing youth of all backgrounds access to the innovative learning component.
“We are grateful to Taylor Farms and Monterey County’s generous philanthropic community who have taken the lead to respond to the invitation to invest in our new Center for Learning,” said David Gill, Chairman of the Future Citizens Foundation Board.
The 5,000-square foot facility, located at The First Tee of Monterey’s Campus in Salinas, was initiated, and built by FCF’s Capital Campaign. Taylor Farms’ sponsorship reflects the company’s continued dedication to supporting local youth through education; providing all students the opportunity to succeed and secure a strong future for America. Other lead gifts for the Capital Campaign were made by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Andy & Phyllis D’Arrigo Charitable Foundation, David & Susan Gill, Mann Packing, and D’Arrigo Bros. Co.
The Center will provide a continuum of services to help participants from ages seven to 22 define success on their own terms, offering programs in three primary focus areas: Academia, STEAM, and Life Exploration and Preparation. Grade specific tutoring, homework assistance, coding/website development classes, vocational exploration, college preparation and mentoring support are among the variety of specific programs offered.
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Taylor Farms is North America’s favorite maker of salads and healthy fresh foods. Taylor Farms focuses on innovation by consistently developing new products and improving production methods. Taylor Farms is grounded in a commitment to quality with products harvested, packaged and shipped at the peak of freshness. Taylor Farms is family owned and based in Salinas, California with twelve operating companies and distribution facilities throughout North America. www.taylorfarms.com
The Future Citizens Foundation, a California non-profit organization, is a youth development organization that began program operations in November 2004. The mission is to offer young people of Monterey County opportunities for a better future. The Future Citizens Foundation operates three distinct programs in support of this mission; The First Tee of Monterey County, the Pay It Forward Scholarship and Mentoring Program and the Center for Learning.
Media Contacts:
Becky Edwards for Taylor Farms
bedwards@vocecomm.com
925-324-6926
Christina Barnard, Taylor Farms
cbarnard@taylorfarms.com
831-206-7731
Michele Speich, FCF
mspeich@fcf-ca.org
831-800-3455