The READ to Lead Award honors an individual who exhibits the bravery and willingness to lead - especially when such leadership is difficult.

Peter Racine has dedicated his life to service, guided by his mission to “connect, inspire, and support those creating a better world.” Recently retired as Senior Vice President of the Jaguars Foundation, he led more than $50 million in grants supporting children and families, literacy, education, health, veterans, and animal welfare in Northeast Florida. 

Peter began his life of service at Covenant House in New York City, later helping open shelters in Toronto and Houston, and founding Covenant House Honduras, where he served six years as Executive Director. In Jacksonville, he became the first Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, establishing in-home family prevention services in Duval and Clay counties. 

He now serves as President of the Center for Central American Empowerment, which he co-founded with his wife, Kelly, to protect and empower women and girls in Central America, and as Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville. 

Featured in Time Magazine and Dateline NBC for his humanitarian work, Peter has also received two Regional Emmy® Awards and partnered with numerous national and local organizations to advance child and family well-being. He holds degrees from Rutgers University and the Catholic Theological Union.