Heart of Florida Hope Foundation, Inc.         

Our Story

In 2000, a group of parents and community leaders came together and determined that ARC Marion, Inc. needed another funding source.  ARC Marion has been a leader in caring for those with intellectual disabilities (mental retardation, Down's syndrome, autism, Prader Willi syndrome and cerebral palsy) in the Marion County community since 1959.  Their primary funding source is Medicaid waiver, and this group of individuals wanted that to change.  Thus the ARC Marion New Hope Foundation was born.

The first fundraising event, Hog for HopeTM, was held in 2002 and raised over $20,000, a big step for the Foundation. 

In 2003-04, the Foundation board of directors assisted ARC Marion with their first new construction project on the SE Maricamp Rd campus and committed to the capital campaign of paying off the building in five years.  The final payment was made in November 2009.

In 2004, the Foundation voted to change the name to the Heart of Florida Hope Foundation, though most simply know us as the Hope Foundation.

In 2007, the Foundation determined it was time to grow and hired their first employee, an Executive Director.  Though the 20 member volunteer board of directors manages the Foundation, the Executive Director runs day to day operations.

Today, the Foundation continues  to grow and flourish with new events and fundraising campaigns month after month, year after year. 

We appreciate the valuable support of the Ocala, Marion County community and our friends, partners and families literally all over the world!

 Our Executive Director

Allison Campbell came on board as Executive Director in July, 2007.  She holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication and has worked extensively in Public Relations and Marketing for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.  Allison has served as a volunteer board member on the ARC Marion Operations board since 2003.  In addition, she serves on committees for Florida Public Relations Association Ocala Chapter, United Way of Marion County and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

You may contact Allison by email.

Be sure to read the blog Advocating for Special People written by Allison.

Our Board of Directors

President

Tarn Thompson, Primerica Financial

Vice President 

Sammie Candullo, Broker-for Hire, Inc.

Treasurer

Lauren DeIorio, Community Volunteer

Secretary

Johnny Hill, SCI Inc.

Linda Bagal, Strategic Marketing Enterprises

Sherry Hunter, Ajax Construction

Kelley Jenkins, Jenkins Auto Group

Emma Luetgert, Community Volunteer

Carmen Maines, Community Volunteer

Pam Michell, Munroe Regional Medical Center

Troy Strawder, CEO, ARC Marion

William Taylor, Combined Insurance Services

Debbie Tremblay, DTI Communica-tions