Davie, FL. – The Miami Dolphins Football UNITES™ program and Air Pros USA, a leading residential air conditioning services company and the official Air Conditioning partner for the NFL team, came together to provide new a/c units for local families in the South Florida community.
“Our family was previously homeless for four months after my ex-husband and I divorced,” says Little. “Since then, we have been blessed with purchasing a new home. Our A/C unit is 25 years old, and I know it will need replacing soon. However, as a single mother, paying for two college students and being on a Florida teacher’s salary, financially it was not feasible.”
The first recipient was a Pompano Beach family nominated by Breakthrough Miami, an organization that uses a unique “students-teaching-students” model to create a vibrant learning community. Jeryhl Little and her family have dedicated themselves to the organization’s Breakthrough Village as scholars. Despite significant challenges, Little, along with her two adult children have remained dedicated to education and providing the best opportunities for her two school-aged children.
“As the official Air Conditioning partner for the Miami Dolphins, everyone at Air Pros USA is grateful for the opportunity to give back through our on-going partnership with the Miami Dolphins Football UNITES™ program,” said Anthony Perera, Chief Growth Officer for Air Pros USA. “Initiatives like these not only uplift individual families, but also strengthen the fabric of their communities.”
With the help of the Mexican American Council, Air Pros USA provided a second air conditioning unit to Brenda Garay, a Homestead mother to four children. Their A/C unit needed to be replaced, but they did not have the funds to do so. This new unit provides Brenda and her family with the essential comfort they deserve.
“We are proud to partner with Air Pros for the fourth year in a row as we continue to support members of our South Florida community,” said Miami Dolphins Vice President of Community Affairs Kim Miller. “Thanks to our Football UNITES™ community partners Breakthrough Miami, the Mexican American Council and the Miami VA Women’s Veterans Program, we were able to identify families who displayed a need for a new air conditioning unit and provide the gift of comfort from the Florida heat.”
Miami Dolphins LS Blake Ferguson in collaboration with Air Pros USA surprised Cheryl Donalson of Miami with a third unit. Donaldson, an Air Force Veteran, was nominated by the Miami VA Women’s Veterans Program. She is the caretaker of her elderly father and the devoted mother of her two-year-old daughter.
“The relief this provides for myself and my family is life altering, and our gratitude cannot be understated,” says Donalson. “We are so incredibly thankful to be recognized by the community through this gracious gift.”
Representatives from Air Pros USA and the Miami Dolphins showed up to each of the recipients’ doorsteps, surprising them with brand-new units accompanied by joyful fanfare and celebration.
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Stephanie Fonseca Miami Dolphins communication contributed to this column
