Jaguars, city of Jacksonville raising money for Orlando

Quarterback Blake Bortles committed $10,000 from Jaguars Foundation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, quarterback Blake Bortles and Mayor Lenny Curry announced Thursday they're raising money for the OneOrlando Fund, which will help victims of Sunday's terror attack at Pulse Orlando nightclub.

Over the next week, the Blake Bortles Foundation will be collecting donations online through jaguars.com/jaxfororlando.

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Fans who donate a minimum of $25 will have the option to receive a custom “Orlando United” cap as a thank you gift. They can get one cap for every $25 donated.

The collection period will end on Friday.

“On behalf of the Jacksonville Jaguars and our fans, we offer our condolences to those affected by the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando,” said Jaguars Foundation President Peter Racine. “In response to the senseless acts of violence, the Jaguars Foundation is encouraging our fans to support our friends and neighbors in central Florida by donating money to the OneOrlando Fund via the Jaguars’ #JAXFORORLANDO initiative. The Jaguars Foundation will also make a donation at the conclusion of the program next Friday.”

Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, who went to Oviedo High School before attending Orlando’s University of Central Florida, has committed $10,000 from his foundation to the OneOrlando Fund.

Bortles founded The Blake Bortles Foundation in 2016.

“Growing up near Orlando, I am heartbroken by the events of this past week,” said Bortles. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families and I hope they continue to battle through these tough times. It’s been inspirational to see the way the City of Orlando has rallied around these families and I wanted to contribute. We’re honored to help support the OneOrlando Fund and its extraordinary mission to make a difference in Central Florida.”



The city of Jacksonville is launching a Dear Orlando postcard campaign to provide Jacksonville residents with the opportunity to express their thoughts and sentiments to members of the Orlando community.

The postcards will be available at public library locations throughout the city of Jacksonville starting next week.

The opening postcard message reads:

Dear Orlando -- you are a city long celebrated for magic, wonder and fun. With the love, support and sentiments of millions around the world, you will smile again. One Jacksonville for One Orlando.

You can pick up and return postcards to one of the city’s 21 library locations.

The campaign will run through July 30, the International Day of Friendship, when the cards will be sent to the City of Orlando to express Jacksonville’s support and love.

“My heart – and the hearts of our entire community – go out to the city of Orlando,” said Mayor Curry. “I applaud Blake and the Jaguars for their leadership and support of efforts to help the community heal. I encourage Jacksonville citizens to join us in sharing hope with our Florida neighbors.”

All Jaguars fans and Jacksonville residents interested in donating should visit http://www.jaguars.com/jaxfororlando/ and share their support on social media using the hashtag #JAXFORORLANDO.