When Reverend George B. Dix, Jr. asked his congregation at PASSAGE Family Church to raise $2000 for Metcalfe and Rawlings elementary schools, he got much more than he bargained for—about 50 times more.

Reverend Dix, his wife Michele and a large group of members of the congregation recently announced to the School Board of Alachua County that their 1400 members had raised $100,000 for local schools. That money will be made available to schools and teachers to fund special projects, and Reverend Dix says they plan to raise the total fund amount to $1 million.

“We believe in our hearts that all children are important to all of us,” he said. “We’ve decided we want to have a sustained, long-term impact on our community. 

Reverend Dix, who is himself a graduate of Alachua County Public Schools, says the church’s contributions to schools and students will not be limited to the cash grants to schools. The church will provide mentors and volunteers in the schools and tutoring and counseling programs at the church’s facility. Dix will also spend more time preaching about the need for parental involvement in education.

“As a pastor, I’m really going to push parental engagement much harder and much more positively so that our parents will become involved to an even greater degree than they are now.”

School Board members were both shocked and thrilled with Pastor Dix’ announcement and what it means for schools and the community in the long term.

“I am truly speechless,” said Chairman Ginger Childs. “What a wonderful gift, to support an initiative that helps all children.”

“I don’t have the words to express how grateful we are,” said School Board Vice-Chairman Janie Williams. “I believe that when other churches find out what you’re doing, they’re going to step up too.”

Board member Tina Pinkoson said the contribution of the church and its members is just what is needed to help all students, particularly those who are struggling.

“Schools can’t do it all,” she said. “It has to be the community getting behind the schools, and this is a perfect example.”

Reverend Dix said he is confident about the ongoing support of his congregation for this ambitious initiative.

“I really believe that people in our congregation understand that it’s our children we’re talking about, and they really deserve our best,” he said.