A celebration at TIAA Bank Field ended with a big surprise for Jacksonville families.
Fifty children were invited to come out, play games and enjoy time with their families Wednesday.
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Among them was 10-year-old Cristian Bernal who has leukemia.
“I waited until last minute to tell him, so he was excited,” Bernal's mom said.
A comfortable place to sleep, it’s something many people may take for granted. @Jaguars and @AshleyHomeStore are making sure more than 150 children in the #Jacksonville area have a good place to rest their heads this year! @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/lBV0OH3RvE
— Brittney Donovan (@brittneyANjax) August 8, 2018
“Just meeting other kids and maybe making new friends and enjoying ourselves and having fun,” Cristian said.
The Jaguars and Ashley Homestore announced at the event that each child would be getting a brand new bed.
It’s so heartwarming to see the smiles on the children’s faces. The kiddos tell me they’re so excited to be at @TIAABankField and spending time with their family having fun ❤️ @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/bIxDH9fmai
— Brittney Donovan (@brittneyANjax) August 8, 2018
Dad Issac Mason said it's something he never could've afforded to do for his 11 kids.
“I can’t even (describe) the feeling I have right now. It’s so amazing, as a father, to know that my kids can wake up in brand new beds,” Mason said.
Cristian and three other Jay Fund families received beds.
New beds were also delivered to families in the Jacksonville Police Athletic League, the Hubbard House, Catholic Charities and other local charitable organizations.
The Jaguars and Ashley Homestore have given out 2,000 beds to children in need in Jacksonville over the past six years.
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