FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -------------------------- Of interest to editors and journalists covering: Children/Family, Parenting, Florida Regional News MIKE WEINSTEIN NAMED PRESIDENT OF TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN Mike Weinstein Assumes Position For Florida's Premier Scholarship And Mentoring Organization. JACKSONVILLE, FL - Sept. 4, 2003 (Send2Press Newswire) -- Take Stock in Children, Florida's premier college scholarship and mentoring organization, comes under new leadership as Mike Weinstein assumes the position of president. Weinstein brings extensive leadership and development experience to the position, and his enthusiasm for helping children achieve their dreams will be a great asset to the program. In his new role, Weinstein will lead Take Stock in Children in its efforts to provide low-income youth in all of Florida's 67 counties with educational opportunities and support services. Working with corporate and government partners, Weinstein will lead Take Stock in Children's initiative to send all deserving children to school. "Take Stock in Children is leading the way in providing mentors and scholarships to the children of our state," said Governor Jeb Bush. Mike Weinstein's leadership and experience will bring Take Stock in Children to new heights. Throughout his career in Jacksonville, Weinstein has been steadfast in his dedication to creating an educated society. Weinstein believes that education determines the quality of the workforce and an educated, skilled workforce attracts better jobs, more investments, and strengthens communities. "I am very excited to serve first hand as an advocate for Florida's children, said Mike Weinstein, Education is the key to reaching success and I look forward to being a part of the plan to improve the future of Florida. Paul Avery, chairman of the board of Take Stock in Children and president of Outback Steakhouse, commented: "After an extensive national search, we are fortunate to have someone of Mike's caliber and background leading our organization. His dedication to providing opportunity to all children is in step with our mission to provide scholarships, mentors, and hope to Florida's youth. Weinstein's distinguished career in Jacksonville began in 1977 when he became the executive director of the State Attorney's office. Since then, he has worked under two mayors, headed the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, and worked as an attorney in the private sector. Weinstein is also a former public school teacher and university professor. Weinstein took a leadership role in bringing both the Jaguars and the 2005 Super Bowl to Jacksonville. He continues to serve as an executive board member of the Super Bowl Host Committee, and recently was named special assistant to Mayor John Peyton to coordinate the city's Super Bowl-related activities. Take Stock in Children's national model offers a comprehensive plan of success for selected students -- they must sign contracts to stay in school, maintain good grades, remain crime free and drug free, and meet once a week with mentors. In turn, Take Stock in Children provides each student with a four-year tuition scholarship to college or vocational school. It is a solution to overcome child poverty, academic failure and youth crime. Since 1996, Take Stock in Children has provided scholarships, mentors, and hope to more than 7,000 children throughout the state. http://www.takestockinchildren.com MEDIA CONTACT: Karin Griffin of Take Stock in Children +1-904-791-7434 kgriffin@takestockinchildren.com # # # --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Important Note: to reach the person sending the news release contact: kgriffin@takestockinchildren.com If used for publication, please send specimen copy. [source of news = Take Stock in Children] ref: http://www.send2press.com/2archive/2003/pr_03_0904-takestock.txt --------------------------------------------------------------------------- s2p/R/0c/ FL / JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA