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R2Cares Foundation to Host Free Inaugural Thanksgiving Weekend of Giving Back: Life Skills, Leadership and Community Empowerment. Special guests include MLB veterans and other influential figures in baseball and softball. The R2Cares Foundation is proud to host a special Thanksgiving Weekend of Giving Back on Nov. 22 and 23. This event brings the community together with a focus on life skills development, mental fitness, and support for aspiring youth leaders. In partnership with Varsity Sports Nation as the streaming provider, R2Cares invites families, youth, and local leaders to enjoy an enriching weekend dedicated to learning, connection, and giving back. A brief synopsis of the event is below: Friday, Nov. 22 Location: Peggy Brown Building, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 Mental Health First Aid Certification: Open to the public (10:00am to 4:30pm). Orlando Health will facilitate an Adult Certification course which teaches essential support skills, helping adults identify signs and symptoms of distress among friends, family and other members of their communities. Rise Community Solutions will facilitate Youth Mental Health First Aid which instructors parents, teachers, mentors, and coaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of a mental health or substance use problems in teens ages (12 to 18). Life Skills and Personal Development Night: Open to the media (6:00pm to 9:00pm) Join a lineup of empowering speakers, including motivational speaker Chris Singleton, Detroit Tigers Scouting Cross Checker Chip Lawrence, and leadership mentors Wil Cason and Dr. Evan Chambers. Please R.S.V.P. Saturday, Nov. 23 Location: Lake Region High School 1995 Thunder Rd, Eagle Lake, FL 33839 Kids Baseball and Softball Camp: Held at Lake Region High School in Eagle Lake, this camp will engage children in fun, educational activities promoting sportsmanship and community connection. Turkey Giveaway: To celebrate Thanksgiving, R2Cares will host a turkey giveaway at noon, bringing community members together in gratitude. Emerging Leaders Development Game: The highlight of the weekend features a special game showcasing 30 young athletes selected by professional scouts and coaches. The game, managed by Texas Rangers’ Josh Johnson and former MLB coach Allen Mills, will provide these athletes with a platform to demonstrate their skills. Special guests include MLB veterans Chris Singleton, Denard Span, Francisco Rosario, Pedro Beato, and Hezekiah Randolph, alongside softball star Hannah Adams. This inspiring team will share insights, experiences, and valuable lessons with attendees. R2Cares Founder and CEO and former MLB San Diego Padres player Ronnie Richardson said he hopes this event will help athletes understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Richardson is currently a coach with the Tampa Bay Rays. “We believe you don’t have to battle alone—it’s okay to not be okay,” said Richardson. “This event is about embracing vulnerability and finding strength in community. It’s a chance for everyone to connect beyond roles and titles, to see the person behind the athlete.” Follow RC2Cares on social media, and consider donating to support the R2Cares mission. For additional details and to get involved, visit https://www.r2cares.org/. Families and friends are invited to take advantage of a special room rate at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland. Register before November 15. About R2Cares Foundation: R2cares is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to overcome generational challenges and redefine their narratives. With a fervent belief that adversity does not dictate one's identity. Through comprehensive services and advocacy, R2cares aims to inspire, give hope, educate, and equip underserved populations with the tools necessary to thrive and lead as the next generation of empowered changemakers.
Special guests include MLB veterans and other influential figures in baseball and softball.
The R2Cares Foundation is proud to host a special Thanksgiving Weekend of Giving Back on Nov. 22 and 23. This event brings the community together with a focus on life skills development, mental fitness, and support for aspiring youth leaders. In partnership with Varsity Sports Nation as the streaming provider, R2Cares invites families, youth, and local leaders to enjoy an enriching weekend dedicated to learning, connection, and giving back.
A brief synopsis of the event is below:
Friday, Nov. 22 Location: Peggy Brown Building, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Mental Health First Aid Certification: Open to the public (10:00am to 4:30pm). Orlando Health will facilitate an Adult Certification course which teaches essential support skills, helping adults identify signs and symptoms of distress among friends, family and other members of their communities. Rise Community Solutions will facilitate Youth Mental Health First Aid which instructors parents, teachers, mentors, and coaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of a mental health or substance use problems in teens ages (12 to 18).
Life Skills and Personal Development Night: Open to the media (6:00pm to 9:00pm) Join a lineup of empowering speakers, including motivational speaker Chris Singleton, Detroit Tigers Scouting Cross Checker Chip Lawrence, and leadership mentors Wil Cason and Dr. Evan Chambers. Please R.S.V.P.
Saturday, Nov. 23 Location: Lake Region High School 1995 Thunder Rd, Eagle Lake, FL 33839
Kids Baseball and Softball Camp: Held at Lake Region High School in Eagle Lake, this camp will engage children in fun, educational activities promoting sportsmanship and community connection.
Turkey Giveaway: To celebrate Thanksgiving, R2Cares will host a turkey giveaway at noon, bringing community members together in gratitude.
Emerging Leaders Development Game: The highlight of the weekend features a special game showcasing 30 young athletes selected by professional scouts and coaches. The game, managed by Texas Rangers’ Josh Johnson and former MLB coach Allen Mills, will provide these athletes with a platform to demonstrate their skills.
Special guests include MLB veterans Chris Singleton, Denard Span, Francisco Rosario, Pedro Beato, and Hezekiah Randolph, alongside softball star Hannah Adams. This inspiring team will share insights, experiences, and valuable lessons with attendees.
R2Cares Founder and CEO and former MLB San Diego Padres player Ronnie Richardson said he hopes this event will help athletes understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Richardson is currently a coach with the Tampa Bay Rays.
“We believe you don’t have to battle alone—it’s okay to not be okay,” said Richardson. “This event is about embracing vulnerability and finding strength in community. It’s a chance for everyone to connect beyond roles and titles, to see the person behind the athlete.”
Follow RC2Cares on social media, and consider donating to support the R2Cares mission. For additional details and to get involved, visit https://www.r2cares.org/.
Families and friends are invited to take advantage of a special room rate at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland. Register before November 15.
About R2Cares Foundation: R2cares is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to overcome generational challenges and redefine their narratives. With a fervent belief that adversity does not dictate one's identity. Through comprehensive services and advocacy, R2cares aims to inspire, give hope, educate, and equip underserved populations with the tools necessary to thrive and lead as the next generation of empowered changemakers.