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TALLAHASSEE – Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman today announced that the Verizon Foundation is furthering its commitment to education as an official sponsor of Governor Scott’s Shine Awards program. The Shine Award is presented to Floridians who have positively impacted children through education.

Since 2012, Verizon has invested over $2.8 million to deserving non-profits in the state of Florida. Verizon also matches employee giving and volunteer activities through their Verizon Volunteers programs.

Michelle Robinson, Region President for Verizon, said:

“Governor Scott’s commitment to providing Florida’s students with a first-class education is right in line with the Verizon Foundation’s longstanding philanthropic focus on education for K-12 youth. We are pleased to sponsor the Governor’s Shine Awards and partner together to applaud the hardworking teachers who are fostering the talented workforce of tomorrow. Governor Scott’s visionary leadership in education, along with the business-friendly climate he has established, is why Verizon chose to invest 750 jobs and construct a new building in Florida earlier this year.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman said:

“Florida has long been a national leader in corporate philanthropy, and in just the past year, $1.37 billion was given by Florida foundations and corporate givers. Volunteer Florida is pleased to partner with Governor Scott and Verizon on the Shine Awards, and we commend all public-private partnerships that are dedicated to education in our state.”

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The Volunteer Florida Foundation is a non-profit charity established, organized and operated exclusively as a direct support organization to assist the Florida Commission on Community Service, known as Volunteer Florida.  The Foundation raises funds to aid the Commission in accomplishing its goals of meeting important human needs in Florida.  The Foundation’s activities are guided by a voluntary board of directors. For more information, visit:http://www.volunteerflorida.org/about/foundation/.