Florida High Gym Completion Campaign

Construction is underway for the Florida State University School (FSUS/Florida High) gym renovations where Charlie now coaches basketball. In his first season as head coach he helped lead the young team to their first district championship in over a decade. Florida High is a Title One Public Charter school full of dynamic student athletes who deserve 21st century facilities that will allow them to be competitive and develop their character through athletics. The school received strong support from the state of Florida and Florida State University for the current construction, but that support does not cover the finishes, furnishing, and equipment needed to complete the improvements. Florida High depends on your generous support to help make up the gap in funding experienced in comparison to large school districts. You can help build the future with your gift!

Charlie Ward, Jr. is a man whose greatness and grace know no bounds. He and wife Tonja (a Strategic Marketing & Community Engagement Consultant and NY Licensed attorney) have been married for 24 years and have three children, Caleb, Hope and Joshua. Charlie and Tonja are deeply respected in the sports community and far beyond for their solid character and unending commitment to serve others. Charlie's calm demeanor and powerful leadership message of preparation, perseverance and patience set strong examples for business leaders, organizations, students and families. He travels the country delivering his inspirational Charlie’s Chalk Talk motivational speeches, encouraging everybody to be a champion in his or her own right.

During Charlie’s NBA and coaching days (1994 – 2006), Charlie & Tonja produced and underwrote youth development sports camps and church programs throughout the country, including a Christian music and sports youth event at five NBA All-Star Weekends. Established in 2015, the Charlie & Tonja Ward Family Foundation continues the Ward family’s legacy of giving back and sharing Charlie’s inspirational messages. The Charlie & Tonja Ward Family Foundation remains committed to supporting community service projects and philanthropic causes specifically related to Christian youth development, youth sports and arts programs and disaster relief efforts.