Opportunity made possible through a generous contribution from Ken Griffin and Stephen Ross

The Florida Council of 100 Foundation today announced the donation of 1,200 FIFA World Cup tickets to youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, giving hundreds of young Floridians the opportunity to experience one of the world's most significant sporting events firsthand.

The ticket donation was made possible through the generosity of Florida Council of 100 members Ken Griffin, Founder & CEO of Citadel, and Stephen Ross, CEO & Chairman of Related Ross, and reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for the next generation of Floridians.

The announcement comes as South Florida prepares to host one of the premier global events in sports history, further cementing the region's growing role as an international center for business, culture, innovation, and investment.

"This is about more than soccer," said Eric Silagy, Chair of The Florida Council of 100 Foundation. "The World Cup represents the very best of what Florida is becoming. It is a global event that will bring people, ideas, and opportunity from around the world to our state. We want young Floridians to be part of that experience and to see firsthand that the future being built here belongs to them as well."

The ticket donation aligns with the Foundation's broader efforts to create opportunity for Floridians while supporting initiatives that strengthen Florida's long-term competitiveness and economic future.

"Florida is attracting extraordinary investment, talent, and opportunity," said George LeMieux, Chairman of the Florida Council of 100. "As business leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that the next generation benefits from that growth. We want these young people to see what is possible in their own communities and understand that they have a place in Florida's future. Thanks to the generosity of Ken Griffin and Steve Ross, hundreds of students will have the chance to be part of a truly historic moment for our region."

South Florida will serve as one of the world's focal points during the FIFA World Cup, welcoming visitors, companies, media organizations, and leaders from around the globe.

"As Chair of the Miami Host Committee, I've seen firsthand the tremendous impact the World Cup will have on our community," said Rodney Barreto, Vice Chairman of the Florida Council of 100 and Chairman of the Miami FIFA World Cup Host Committee. "This event will showcase South Florida to billions of people worldwide. Making sure young people from our communities have the opportunity to experience it firsthand is incredibly important. These are memories that will last a lifetime and inspire the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens."

"As host of the FIFA World Cup, Miami-Dade County has a unique opportunity to showcase our community to the world and create lasting opportunities for our residents," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Making sure that young people from across South Florida can experience this event firsthand is exactly the kind of legacy we want these Games to leave behind. I am grateful to the Florida Council of 100 Foundation, Ken Griffin, and Stephen Ross for helping make that opportunity possible for hundreds of students."

The initiative also reflects the Council's broader vision for Florida's future through its Gold Coast and Ambition Accelerated efforts, which are focused on positioning Florida as a national leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, talent development, and economic opportunity.

"The World Cup is an incredible experience, but it's also a reminder of how much opportunity is being created across South Florida and throughout our state," said Mike Simas, Chief Executive Officer of The Florida Council of 100. "Through initiatives like Gold Coast and Ambition Accelerated, we're working to help ensure that the next generation of Floridians can participate in that growth, build meaningful careers, and help lead Florida's future. This donation reflects that same belief. We want these students to experience the excitement, energy, and global attention coming to our region and understand that they can be part of what comes next."

Ticket distribution will be coordinated through Boys & Girls Clubs serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

About The Florida Council of 100 and The Florida Council of 100 Foundation
The Florida Council of 100 is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of business leaders dedicated to improving Florida’s quality of life and economic well-being. Founded in 1961 at the request of Governor Farris Bryant, the Council serves as a trusted advisor to Florida’s elected officials and policymakers. Its membership represents over 200 companies employing more than 1.3 million Floridians, collectively shaping the state’s future through business-driven policy solutions and direct economic impact initiatives. The Florida Council of 100 Foundation is the Council’s nonprofit affiliate, focused on research, education and strategic initiatives that support long-term economic growth and prosperity across Florida. The Foundation plays a key role in identifying opportunities, funding forward-thinking programs and driving collaborative partnerships to strengthen Florida’s talent pipeline and innovation economy.

Media Contact: Amber Statler, amber@mcnicholas.biz, (954) 649-9840