ABOUT
The Donnie Canary Foundation was created in 2014 to honor the late Donnie Canary. He was a self-motivated community leader who impacted many lives in such a short time.
Our goal as an organization is to carry forward his impact and vision of success. We strive to enhance the communication, interpersonal, decision-making, and life-long learning skills of Hardee County Youth.
By investing in our youth, we will empower them to be significant players in our local economy and beyond.


COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
At Donnie Canary Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting individuals through our various initiatives. Our college scholarship program provides a graduating senior with a $2,500 scholarship.
The 2014 winner was David Gibson, the 2015 recipient was Makayla Deuberry, and the 2016 recipient was ...

TEAM DONNIE
Our pilot project, “Team Donnie”, will focus on the development of high school students, grades 10-12. Students will be nominated by classroom teachers or administrators at the end of their freshman year. Nominations will be based on student dedication and motivation to learn the skills necessary to become productive adults, in any area of interest whether college bound, technical training, or entrepreneurship.
The final team of five will be selected based on application, nomination, and panel interview. These students will each be funded an initial scholarship that they will individually, and with the assistance of their coaches, have the opportunity to grow over the next three years. They will be provided with direct one-on-one mentoring as well as workshops on money management, financial planning, interview skills, technology integration, resume writing, and business plan development.
We expect that if students will provide time, commitment, and enthusiasm that the possibilities for personal and financial growth are endless. They will learn that succeeding is a choice, and is dependent upon a winning attitude.

ANNUAL SHOTGUN SATURDAY
Each spring the Donnie Canary Foundation hosts the Shotgun Saturday event at Sweetwater Preserve. This fun day is filled with a 5-stand skeet shoot, silent auction, kids games and activities, and a wild game cookout. It is great fun for the entire family!