Admirals Cove member Dee Decker is spearheading an essential fundraiser in honor of Caden Ingram, a standout football star and academic honor student from Jupiter, who tragically lost his life to opioid poisoning late last year. This heartbreaking event underscores a grim reality: no family is immune from the devastating impact of opioid addiction and poisoning.

Caden Ingram was more than just a football player; he was a beacon of light in his community. As a sophomore at Florida State University (FSU), Caden was well on his way to achieving greatness, both on and off the field. He excelled academically, was a leader among his peers, and his athletic prowess was widely recognized. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of many, sparking a wave of grief and a profound call to action within the Jupiter and FSU communities.

When news of Caden's passing broke, it resonated deeply, leading nearly 1,000 contributors to donate to his Gofundme page in just two days. The outpouring of support culminated in a celebration of life that drew over 400 mourners to the Admiral's Cove back lawn, a testament to his profound impact on those around him.

Caden's high school football coach, Coach Rolle, described him as "the nicest kid you will ever meet." His exceptional character was evident both on and off the field. Representing Florida in the Florida/Georgia All-State Game, his enthusiastic tackles and sacks were instrumental in securing a win for his team. Beyond his athletic achievements, Caden's leadership shone through in his community service efforts. For example, on Martin Luther King Day, he led a team to clean up the Riviera Beach waterfront. This initiative inspired even their gridiron opponents to join in the effort!

Coach Rolle, who now serves on the board of the Caden Ingram Foundation, spoke highly of Caden's ability to inspire others. "If I could create a player and person, it would be Caden," he said. "His great mentality to get better and focus on what's important pushed those around him to improve."

In the wake of Caden's death, the Caden Ingram Foundation was established to carry on his legacy of excellence and community service. The foundation's mission is twofold: to provide scholarships for further education in colleges and trade schools and to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid poisoning.

The foundation's efforts mainly focus on creating awareness about the risks of counterfeit medications. Many in the Admirals Cove community, upon learning that a counterfeit Xanax pill had claimed Caden's life, immediately reached out to their children and grandchildren to warn them about the dangers of taking any drugs not prescribed by a pharmacy.

To combat the opioid crisis, the Caden Ingram Foundation is working in partnership with the Victoria's Voice Foundation, established by the "Queen of Versailles" Jackie Siegel. This collaboration has produced comprehensive tool kits designed to educate students and parents about opioid poisoning, prevention, treatment, and the emergency administration of Narcan, an opioid antagonist.

These tool kits will be featured in gift bags at an upcoming event on August 3, 2024, at the Gray Museum in Jupiter. This event aims to provide crucial resources and support to families, helping them navigate the perils of opioid addiction and poisoning.

The Gray Museum, an impressive 43,000-square-foot facility built by Admirals members Terry and Johnny Gray, will host the August event. The museum is a marvel in itself, featuring murals created by Disney set designers that depict the Grays' life journey from working on oil rigs in Artesia, New Mexico, to Johnny's days as a drag racer and finally to his grandson's impressive performances as a teen NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing.

The museum houses over 80 collector's cars, including a one-of-a-kind Düsseldorf from the silent movie era, and showcases Johnny's drag race car and memorabilia. This unique setting will provide a memorable backdrop for the fundraiser, blending automotive history with a cause that deeply resonates with the community.

In another exciting development, the website (caden.givesmart.com) will wrap the Nashville NASCAR Truck Series Car 17 on June 28, and Taylor Gray (Terry & Johnny Gray's grandson) will drive it. This initiative not only raises funds but also spreads awareness on a national stage, merging the worlds of sports and philanthropy to honor Caden's memory and further the foundation's mission.

The upcoming fundraiser, led by Dee and supported by many Admirals Cove members, embodies the spirit of unity and resilience in the face of tragedy. By coming together to support the Caden Ingram Foundation, the community is not only honoring a remarkable young man but also taking a stand against the opioid epidemic that has claimed too many lives. According to statistics provided by Dee, opioids accounted for the loss of 120,000 lives last year and are the number one cause of death for 17-40-year-olds.

Caden's story is a poignant reminder of the importance of community, awareness, and action. Through the foundation's efforts, his legacy will continue to inspire and make a difference, one scholarship, one life saved, and one awareness campaign at a time. In the fight against opioid poisoning, every contribution counts, and together, we can make a significant impact.

 

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Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024

1:00 PM: Sponsor party (private)

2:00 PM: General Admission

Secure your spot now! Tickets can be purchased via the QR code below or through the web at https://e.givesmart.com/events/BWI/.

(Can't attend the event but still want to contribute? Visit the same link to make your donation.)