COMMUNITY NEWS

Alissa Tackett, center, receives a grant for the PEO Program for Continuing Education from Jacqua Ballas, Committee for Awards, left, and Janet Chitty, president of PEO Chapter CT of Ocala, right. [Submitted photo]

PEO continuing education grant

The Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) offers the Educational Loan Fund, Program for Continuing Education, International Peace Scholarship, Star Scholarship and Scholar Awards. Florida chapters also offer a Florida PEO Scholarship to a state college as well as a Cottey College Scholarship to the institute in Iowa.

The international PEO has given $78.5 million in grants. Its mission is “Where women motivate, educate and celebrate women,” the news release noted.

The PEO Chapter CT of Ocala recently awarded the PEO Program for Continuing Education (PCE) to Alissa Tackett. The grant was established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women in the United States and Canada. Recipients had their education interrupted and find it necessary to return to school to complete a degree or certification that will improve their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or their families,” according to the release.

Tackett’s aunt, from Indiana, had been a PEO member for 50 years and recommended her to the Ocala chapter. Some local memorials and funds from Chapter CT were donated in 2024 to Tackett. The chapter applied for the PCE grant in 2025, which was awarded to Tackett.

Tackett was born in Martinsville, Indiana, and relocated to Southwest Florida at the age of 2. Her academic journey led her to Florida Gulf Coast University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science. She spent 15 years working in a laboratory at Naples Community Hospital. The experience provided her with a strong foundation in clinical laboratory science. Driven by a desire to work with patients, she decided to pursue a degree in nursing. This enabled her to engage in patient care and expand her role in healthcare. She also pursued a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. She is currently working at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital on the medical/surgical/oncology unit. She also is doing clinical hours at a clinic in Fort McCoy. This allows her to provide quality care to patients with diverse medical needs. Her goal is to work as a nurse practitioner in a primary care clinic, the news release noted.

“I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance provided by the PEO. This wonderful organization has played a crucial role in helping me, as a single mother, to advance my skills and knowledge, thereby enabling me to better provide for my children financially. The grant from PEO has also afforded me the opportunity to help address a need for medical services in the community,” Tackett said in the release.

To learn more, go to peointernational.org   

VOCAL to unveil capital campaign

The 10th annual Furball gala hosted by the Voices of Change Animal League, or VOCAL, will take place Feb. 27 at the World Equestrian Center, with the theme of “Boots, Black-Tie & Best Friends: A Western Extravaganza.”

“The Furball is our signature fundraising event and sets the tone for another year of lifesaving. Eleven years ago, when we founded VOCAL, Marion County felt a lot like the ‘Wild West’ as far as animal welfare was concerned. We have worked to create an organization built around the needs of this community and have given our clients stability and hope, with affordable services that keep their beloved pets healthy and happy,” said Kate Rengel, VOCAL executive director and co-founder, in the press release.

VOCAL has evolved to provide a community pet clinic, pet food bank and rescue and adoption program.

“We have outgrown our facility,” said Lauren Carpenter, a co-founder, in the release. “We need a welcome center, flex space for education and training sessions, along with hosting events and more.”

Carpenter said a new capital campaign will be unveiled during the Furball and will detail expansion of the food bank, more exam rooms and other needed spaces.

Jenkins Subaru of Ocala is the presenting sponsor of the Furball. The dealership is part of the Subaru Share the Love initiative and selected VOCAL as a partner.

The Furball will include live and silents auctions, with emcee Lewis Stokes from 93.7 K-Country (WOGK-FM).

For tickets, go to https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E248834&id=14 or call (352) 289-0800.

Inspire Gala date change

The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County will continue to accept nominations through Feb. 27 for the Inspire Gala, a celebration of charitable leadership and impact, which now will be held on May 1.

The Inspire Gala honors individuals, businesses and organizations whose generosity and service uplift the community.

The categories of recognition are:

• Youth Philanthropist of the Year

• Emerging Nonprofit

• Nonprofit Board Member of the Year

• Nonprofit of the Year

• Corporate Partner of the Year

• The Unsung Hero

• Philanthropist of the Year

• Frank Martin Hennessey Award

• Luminary Award – Estate Planning Council of Marion County.

Completed submissions and supporting materials may be sent by mail to Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, 324 SE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34471, or by email to [email protected]. To submit a nomination online, go to ocalafoundation.org

The Inspire Gala was initially set for March 7, 2026. It now will take place May 1 at the Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala.

For tickets, contact Dawn Phelps at [email protected] or (352) 622-5020.