3 minute read
Project Sanford
Helps Students Achieve College Dreams through Local Entertainment and Events BY DANIELLA HUME
An organization known for putting on big parties in Sanford hopes to give disadvantaged students a reason to celebrate with scholarship funding. Formerly known as the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, the organization Project Sanford is bringing new and exciting things to the local community.
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The group that started back in 2007 was the original marketing hub for the city. They sponsor events such as Alive After 5 and the Sanford Marketplace at Magnolia. Now they want to do even more. President of Project Sanford, Derrick Daniels, said that they are putting the focus on entertainment with their tribute shows and culture-specific events. “We are trying to be all-inclusive. We want to serve all and make sure there is a platform for everyone, every culture,” said Daniels.
As president, Daniels oversees the day-to-day operations. With a background in entertainment, he is hands-on, especially with all the special events Project Sanford puts together. Other members of the organization include Vice President Brian Casey, Treasurer Marilyn Maples, Secretary Olga Edwards, and board members, Bill Donlan and Brandon Brower.
Project Sanford is fully volunteer based and independently run. One-hundred percent of all proceeds raised goes to scholarship funding and collaboration with community programs. Also, much of what they do is in the background. They have worked with The West End, Tuffy’s Music Box, and Ladies 327, to name a few.
Daniels told us that Project Sanford has many goals, but if he had to pin one down, it would be helping students to further their education. “We would love to build a big treasure chest of funding that we can give out to kids who normally don’t have the opportunity to go to college and not have those kids start in debt,” he said. “That would be the biggest thing, just to be able to fund tuition for those who normally don’t have that opportunity on their own.”
Derrick Daniels, President of Project Sanford
In previous years, Project Sanford has provided funding to nonprofit organizations that help students in Sanford. But this year, they are also making it so students can directly apply to Project Sanford for a scholarship. In addition, they want to provide sporting grants for kids who want to play but can’t afford it, as well as draft criteria for grant money to use for students across the Seminole County community.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the nonprofit can by writing a check made out to Project Sanford Inc. It can be mailed or dropped off at the Information Center at 230 E. 1st Street in Downtown Sanford. They are currently working on a payment portal on their website for those looking to make electronic donations.
“We couldn’t do all this if it weren’t for our board members and volunteers who dedicate so much time and energy to our community,” said Daniels. “It truly takes a village to make a difference.” n
Daniella Hume owns a multimedia business located in the heart of Sanford. Daniella graduated from UCF with her broadcast journalism degree. She worked in local news for many years before leaving and starting her own company. While she isn’t working, Daniella loves to be at home with her son Luca, her husband Jerry, and their dog Luna.
