Teacher receives donation after shoot-a-thon to fund computers

Andrew Jackson teacher hoping to raise $10K receives donation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local high school teacher raised money for new technology in the classroom by doing a shoot-a-thon over the weekend.

Channel 4's Vic Micolucci covered the fundraiser and received an email that changed it all.

Recommended Videos



It was special delivery met with a round of applause: 26 laptops and a brand new projector, and they come with a good story.

U.S. history and SAT prep teacher Dewitt Robinson had been hoping to raise $10,000 so he could score the technology for his students at Andrew Jackson High School. Many don't have access to computers at home.

"I'll be honest with you, my right arm is starting to tighten a little bit," said Robinson. "I've got some Icy Hot."

Robinson shot hoops for 10 hours straight over the weekend, and Channel 4's Vic Micolucci was there to witness it.

"Just minutes after our story ran on Saturday at six o'clock, I got an email, and let me tell you, I was shocked," Micolucci said.

Jay Higbee from Foland and Higbee Real Estate said he was moved and promised to buy everything Robinson was aiming for.

"I was smiling more than I am smiling right now," said Robinson.

And the next day, he and his wife did.

"We felt compelled to assist Mr. Robinson," said Jay and Dianne Higbee. "We saw he was going the extra mile to educate his students and we wanted to be a part of it."

There are a lot of lessons learned in Mr. Robinson's classroom, and this one should stay with the students a very long time.

"We will be able to shift and transition to using Google Chromebooks as soon as they're set up, so give yourselves a hand," said Robinson.

This teacher said it shows the community cares and if you set your dreams high and work with all your might to achieve them, with a little help they can come true.

"When you put forth the effort, even if it's blind faith, you know at the end the perseverance will truly matter," he said.

The Higbees weren't in this to get publicity. At first, they were going to remain anonymous, but they said they wanted to show others like them that you can step up, make a donation to a cause you believe in, and help shape the future.