Long-Time Community Leaders John & Kelly Ferguson Honored by FUTURES

Daytona Beach, FL – Cobb Cole attorney John Ferguson and his wife, Kelly, were recognized for their community contributions at the FUTURES Foundation signature event of the year on Saturday, April 21. More than 350 people attended the foundation’s 2018 Caribbean Party, Presented by Cobb Cole, at the all-new Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach.

This year’s event exceeded previous attendance records and generated more than $100,000 to fund the foundation’s programs. In addition to Presenting Sponsor Cobb Cole, the Premier sponsors were Hyatt and Cici Brown, and Halifax Insurance Partners/Reames Employee Benefits Solutions. The evening included a “Top 10” roast of the Fergusons led by Kathy Milthorpe of the Ladies Professional Golf Association and a presentation to the Fergusons by Artist Barry Barnett of an artist’s proof of “Otter Creek.”

Since its inception in 1985, FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools has provided programs supporting excellence in education in the county’s public schools through the support of its business community, civic leaders and individuals. It provides mini-grants to teachers, arranges for mentoring, extends college scholarships to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to succeed academically and honors teachers with its annual Teacher of the Year banquet and First Year Teacher Awards.

A Volusia County native, Mr. Ferguson practices in the areas of merger and acquisitions, business organization and transactions, franchise law, commercial finance, and general corporate and contract law. Mrs. Ferguson is a Realtor with Adams Cameron & Co., Realtors. They have two children and live in Holly Hill. Mr. Ferguson also serves as the Chairman of the board of directors for the Florida Hospital Memorial Foundation and was president and chairman of the board of directors for Cobb Cole from 2010 through 2014.

The Fergusons have been active supporters of FUTURES for many years with Mr. Ferguson serving as Board President in 2006-07 and Mrs. Ferguson serving as Executive Director from 2011-2014. “FUTURES is not only an integral part of our education community, providing opportunities to children and families who would not otherwise have a chance to succeed; it’s also an integral part of our business community,” Mr. Ferguson said. “The programs supported by FUTURES help provide our economy with a stronger, more vibrant and educated workforce. As we continue growing as a community, bringing new companies to our area – and helping existing companies expand – having an intelligent and motivated workforce is paramount.”

Cobb Cole, a Club Member of FUTURES since 1986, was the presenting sponsor of the Caribbean Party, which is one of the first events at the new Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. “We were very excited to be a presenting sponsor at one of the first events at the new Hard Rock,” said Heather Bond Vargas, Cobb Cole’s Managing Partner. “The Hard Rock is part of the Volusia County renaissance we have all worked so hard to bring about. This event was a celebration not only of a great organization and an amazing couple, but of the bright future ahead for all of us.”

FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools, a non-profit direct support organization founded in 1985, engages business and civic leaders to promote and achieve educational excellence for Volusia County Public Schools. FUTURES’ 31-member volunteer board of directors consists of business and community leaders who raise funds and awareness in support of educational and recognition programs. Its vision is for all Volusia County Public School students to be equipped and prepared for college or career success. For additional information about FUTURES, please contact Executive Director Cynthia Ramirez at 386.255.6475, ext. 50730, or caperric@volusia.k12.fl.us, or visit its website at www.FUTURESVolusia.org.

Cobb Cole is committed to the expectation of excellence set forth by its founders more than 90 years ago, and the depth and breadth of its areas of expertise is unmatched in the East Central Florida area. The firm has more than 20 attorneys who represent regional, statewide, and national clients in litigation, corporate, real estate, family law, land use matters, estate planning, employment law, intellectual property, environmental matters and immigration. Cobb Cole is recognized as Top Ranked Law Firm based on the AV-Preeminent Ratings of its attorneys by Martindale-Hubbell. Their website is cobbcole.com.

Photo: Artist Barry Barnett, left, presented an artist’s proof of “Otter Creek” to FUTURES Caribbean Party honorees John and Kelly Ferguson during the April 21^st fundraiser at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach.