AdventHealth’s 18th annual Sporting Clay Shoot offered guests an invigorating morning of clay shooting and the opportunity to support the education of future nurses, doctors and other caregivers along with essential programs and services at AdventHealth.
The event on February 15thraised over $45,000 to fund scholarships for students at Orlando-based AdventHealth University (AHU), formerly Adventist University of Health Sciences, an undergraduate and doctoral degree-granting institution. All of the donations are devoted toward merit scholarships.
Since its proceeds started exclusively benefiting students four years ago, the clay shoot has awarded $155,733 to 82 students like Jaynie Jimenez. Jimenez first heard about AHU from her high school and was attracted to the school by the passion of its staff to serve others as Jesus would.
“God lit a path for me to attend AHU and if it weren’t for the scholarships I received, my college experience that I have now wouldn’t be possible,” she said.
Jimenez, who is pursuing a degree in occupational therapy, hopes to find meaning in the one-on-one relationships she’ll develop with patients.
“Watching people progress over time and helping them achieve the daily things that come their way is one of the most rewarding parts about this career path,” she says. Occupational therapists help people with physical and mental health challenges learn to perform everyday activities, like eating, bathing and enjoying a hobby.
Founded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, AHU is one of more than 100 Adventist colleges around the world. It started in 1992 through the consolidation of four education programs then based at Florida Hospital, now AdventHealth Orlando. AHU began offering bachelor’s degrees in 1998, added master’s degrees a decade later and began offering its first doctoral degree in 2016.
The school was also one of the earliest adopters of online education, establishing AHU Online in 2001. By emphasizing a holistic approach to health education, AHU trains the next generation of caregivers to extend the healing ministry of Christ.
Fueling this mission through scholarships for students like Jimenez is one of AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida’s goals of the Sporting Clay Shoot.
“My schooling at AHU wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for generous people who help fund these scholarships,” she says. The scholarships are funded through donations and sponsorships from local Central Florida community members, businesses, and other partners eager to support the mission of AdventHealth.
Meanwhile, the event itself was a chance to find community and fellowship.
Blackjack Sporting Clays, which occupies 100 acres in beautiful Central Florida about 45 miles northwest of Orlando, offers a comprehensive collection of shotgun sports, including what’s often called target shooting or clay pigeon shooting.
The morning of the event, attendees had a complimentary breakfast and gathered around a fire to listen to announcements and instructions. Shooters were challenged by targets thrown in a mix of sizes, speeds and formations. After the smoke cleared, attendees enjoyed a BBQ lunch and the winning shooters were awarded sporting gear.
The mission of the event is embodied in the aspirations of students like Jimenez, who plans to finish her undergraduate degree, pursue a master’s and build her career and family. She suggests others who are looking for a holistic education should consider AHU.
“If you’re looking for a well-rounded place that instills Christ at the center of all you do, then this is the place for you — and I’m not sure if you’ll find that anywhere else,” she said.
AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida offers a variety of fundraising events and opportunities to get involved. The events, like AdventHealth Sporting Clay Shoot, are a time for celebrating how one common purpose can bring people together to help heal and nourish the mind, body, and spirit.
You’re invited to join the celebration in transforming the landscape of health care to focus on whole-person wellness. AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida events are perfect for friends and families, influential business leaders and companies looking to give back to people in need of hope and healing. View how you or your company can get plugged into more fundraising events, here.