2024 Peace in the Pages in Honor of Roseann Duran
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Our 2024 event, held on Oct. 2 at EverBank Stadium, was named the 2024 Peace in the Pages in Honor of Roseann Duran, one of many recognitions for Roseann’s transformational, $565,000 legacy gift to READ USA.
“Roseann’s extraordinary generosity will have a far-reaching impact on literacy and community empowerment, significantly bolstering our efforts to provide high-interest books and high-quality teaching resources to children, teens, and teachers,” said Dr. Rob Kelly, READ USA CEO. “Roseann was a passionate supporter of literacy and READ USA for many years, and we remain emboldened by her steadfast belief in our mission. We are eternally grateful for her investment in the students we serve who ultimately benefit from her extraordinary gift.”
Roseann, who passed away earlier this year, leaves behind an indelible legacy on Northeast Florida through her philanthropy, volunteerism, and professional accomplishments that have inspired and supported thousands of people across all walks of life. Her highly successful career traversed the finance and marketing industries, throughout all of which Duran remained grounded in supporting the people within her organizations and across Northeast Florida’s many communities. A natural leader, she was tenacious about community involvement, both professionally and personally, and gave extensively of her time, talent, and treasure to numerous organizations in Jacksonville, which she called home since 1973. Her full obituary is accessible here.
“Roseann radiated kindness, empathy, peace, freedom, leadership, and success – the very values that underscore the meaning and purpose behind our Peace in the Pages event and all that we do at READ USA,” said Ellen Wiss, READ USA co-founder and board chair. “To know Roseann and feel her zest for life was an immense blessing, and she will be remembered as someone who has had a transformational impact on countless lives in Northeast Florida for years to come.”
The READ USA team is immensely grateful for Roseann and will continue to honor her unparalleled legacy and generosity.
In addition to the 2024 Peace in the Pages in Honor of Roseann Duran, READ USA has created additional acknowledgments in her name.
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Our Honorary Co-Chairs
Whitney Meyer, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer, Jacksonville Jaguars
Whitney Meyer served as our emcee for our 2022 Peace in the Pages event and again as our 2024 Co-Chair and Co-Emcee. She is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion – values that READ USA also embraces in all of our programming – not only at the Jaguars, but throughout our entire community. We are very grateful for her ongoing support of READ USA and our 2024 program! Read more about Whitney here.
Brian Wolfburg, President and CEO, VyStar Credit Union
Brian Wolfburg has been a long-time supporter and advocate for READ USA and literacy in our community and has led VyStar Credit Union to become a philanthropic powerhouse in the many communities it serves, particularly in our own back yard. Many thanks to Brian for lending his voice and time to READ USA! Read more about Brian here and you can watch a READ USA video featuring his family here.
Kemal Gasper, Vice President of Community Engagement, VyStar Credit Union
Kemal Gasper served as our Co-Emcee for our 2024 Peace in the Pages event but for years has supported the mission of READ USA. Kemal was instrumental in the creation of the partnership between VyStar Credit Union and The City of Jacksonville’s Mayor’s Youth At Work Program that provides READ USA Tutors the ability to establish membership and learn effective money management habits with a local credit union. Read more about this program here.
