Bucs’ Jackson Creates Fund For Military Kids, Kicks Off First Event Tonight At MacDinton’s

Posted Dec 18, 2012 by Howard Altman

Updated Dec 18, 2012 at 02:30 PM

Vincent Jackson makes big contributions to the Bucs on the field, but he is trying to have an even bigger impact off the field.

Jackson, a wide receiver, has formed the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, dedicated to “helping children stay connected with parents or loved ones serving in the military,” according to the newly formed organization.

The Foundation’s first event, which will be attended by Jackson, will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight at MacDinton’s Irish Pub & Restaurant located at 405 South Howard Avenue in Tampa.

According to a release:

Though the event is free to the public, a $15 donation is suggested and will afford guests two complimentary drinks, courtesy of sponsors Stoli and Sierra Nevada. Proceeds will assist Jackson in Action in providing military families at MacDill Air Force Base the best tools (books, computer programs aps, tapes, games, comics or videos) to enable communication and bonding between deployed parents and their children and to keep the families back home in good educational, emotional and physical health while their loved one is away.

“I am looking forward to a great night and really making a difference in the lives of military families right here in Tampa Bay,” said Jackson. “I am thankful for the support Jackson in Action has received from MacDinton’s and grateful to have been provided one of the best venues in the area for this event.”

“At MacDinton’s we are always looking for ways to give back, especially to those who are serving our country,” said Chris Sweeney, General Manager of MacDinton’s. “We are proud to partner with Vincent Jackson for this event and extend an invite to our loyal and generous customers. I am looking forward to a great night and future involvement with Jackson in Action.”

“The three pillars of the Foundation are 1) educational, 2) mental / emotional and 3) and physical health for the military families back home,” says Gregg Williams, Director of Jackson in Action. “When a parent is deployed, kids school grades often decline and social issues emerge. Jackson in Action is here to keep military families intact and healthy.”

About MacDinton’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
MacDinton’s is located in South Tampa, and now downtown St. Petersburg. Since 2002, MacDinton’s Irish Pub has been serving the over-21 crowd and offers live music, using a mixture of bands and solo acts. Food is “traditional Irish fare with a twist.” MacDinton’s is also Tampa’s exclusive spot for The Six Nation’s Rugby, FA Cup, EPL and Champions League soccer. For more information, visit: www.macdintons.com

About Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, Inc.
The mission of the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, Inc., is to help United States servicemen and servicewomen stay connected with the children during their deployments away from home and raise community awareness of the relational issues existing between deployed United States service members and their children. Formed in November of 2012, the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, call (718) 791-5727 or visit: (jacksoninaction83.org).