Freddie Figgers is an inventor, engineer and business owner. But he is also a philanthropist with a heart for persons in need. An inspiring hero who rose from humble beginnings, Mr. Figgers, through his Figgers Foundation, is doing his part to serve the Florida community by providing funds, food, food assistance and other services to families in need. Figgers and his foundation is also working to ensure people experiencing homelessness in Broward and Miami Dade Counties have a safe holiday dinner.
“When our neighbors are in need of love and a helping hand, we willingly rise to the occasion,” said inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist Freddie Figgers. “We want to show people who may have lost hope that they are important and deserve a dignified life. With care and understanding, we do our part during the Thanksgiving holiday to maybe help someone forget, for just a moment, life’s trials and tribulations.”
Freddie Figgers is one of the youngest African Americans to own and operate an independent, U.S.-based telecommunications company, Figgers Communications. Abandoned at birth and raised by his adoptive parents in Quincy, Florida, Figgers has long lived by the mantra, “we rise by lifting others.”
His foundation issued several grants this holiday season to the following organizations and communities:
Camillus House. On, Nov. 19, the Figgers Foundation provided a grant to serve up to 800 homeless individuals and families. They had 100 volunteers on hand and hosted a feast for 800 individuals. To ensure the safety of clients throughout the pandemic, mealtimes were staggered, allowing no more than 48 clients in the dining hall at any given time. In keeping with tradition, and in order to serve as many people as possible, both the Figgers Foundation and Camillus have planned to make use of Camillus’ large outdoor courtyard space. On Thanksgiving, the Camillus courtyard will be transformed into an outdoor dining area—replete with tables, chairs, tablecloths, and centerpieces to create the warm feeling of “home.”
Broward Partnership for the Homeless. The Figgers Foundation provided a grant so the Broward Partnership for the Homeless’ Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-Housing Programs could offer wholesome Thanksgiving meals and care packages (consisting of hygiene essentials, personal protective equipment and goodies for the kids). The grant will enable the organization to provide services to approximately 265 men, women and children daily living in 117 households. Of the 265 individuals, 66 are children living with a parent.
The Faith and Figgers Foundation Initiative. On Nov. 20, The Figgers Foundation distributed 1,000 turkeys as part of its Faith and Figgers Foundation Initiative. The effort served individuals and families in Gadsden and Leon Counties. “Our mission was to ensure men, women and children of Gadsden and Leon Counties had a turkey for their Thanksgiving table, said Carolyn Newman Executive Director of the Figgers Foundation.
Bradenton Turkey Distribution. On Nov. 21, The Figgers Foundation will distribute 300 turkeys to individuals and families in need in Bradenton, Florida. Using space from MCR Health, the foundation will distribute turkeys at Southeast Health Center located at 919 53rd Ave. E, Bradenton, FL 34209 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This will be a drive through event, where individuals will be served in their vehicles to ameliorate COVID-19 concerns.
Jacksonville. The Figgers Foundation will partner with Pastor Arthur Jackson to distribute turkeys and supplies at the Sunlife Stadium in Miami, Florida. Details are forthcoming.
