TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Dream Team Signing Day & Press Conference
12 Local Kids Fighting Illness Become TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Ambassadors Through Partnership With Dreams Come True

WHAT
Twelve local youth ages 5-17 will officially sign a certificate to join the 2026 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Dream Team, thanks to a partnership between Gator Bowl Charities and Dreams Come True. Each of these youth have embodied courage, strength, joy and pride through a battle with a life-threatening medical condition. As TaxSlayer Gator Bowl ambassadors, the Dream Team will participate in events throughout the college football season, including a special scouting trip to Gainesville for a game at the University of Florida and a meet and greet with select players from the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl participating teams.

WHEN           
Thursday, August 6, 2026
4 p.m.

WHERE       
WJCT Soundstage
100 Festival Park Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32202

EVENT PARKING
Plenty of event parking is available at WJCT.  Enter through the front entrance of WJCT and a member of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl staff will guide you to press conference location.

WHO             
2026 Dream Team Members
Greg McGarity, Gator Bowl Sports President & CEO
Luciano Noir-Jones, Gator Bowl Charities Advisory Board Chairman (Market President, Ameris Bank)
Anna Valent, Dreams Come True Executive Director

About Gator Bowl Charities
Gator Bowl Charities annually impacts over 7,500 local youth through programming designed to support the development of First Coast youth and the adults that empower them through memorable sports experiences focused on education, leadership and service.  Outreach includes partnership with over 100 local charitable organizations and schools across the First Coast. Key programs include the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Dream Team, Most Valuable Teacher Initiative,  Award of Excellence Scholarship, Send a Child to the Game, Sports Career Fair and more. 

About Dreams Come True
Since 1984, Dreams Come True has been using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to local children in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia battling life-threatening medical conditions. To date, more than 5,200 children have seen their dreams turned into realities. Dreams Come True not only provides dream experiences to local children but is a resource for their families throughout the medical journey. To learn more, visit www.DreamsComeTrue.org.