Bound for College Founder Mark Sauer seen here with super volunteer Chuck Halberg.
In honor of Memorial Day: “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman
I was sitting at the bar at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington when I got the news.
My friend, Mark Sauer had passed away.
I was in Washington on a business trip and stopped into the historic Off the Record bar to relax after several days of nonstop meetings when I got the news that literally took my breath away.
Mark was not only a friend, he was an inspiration and a personal hero of mine.
I got to know Mark when he founded Delray Students First which later became Bound for College.
The nonprofit is changing the lives of local students who without the help of Mark and the organization would never be able to go college. Many are the first in their families to get a higher education.
This effort is changing lives. This effort is saving lives and this effort is breaking the cycle of poverty. And it’s all because of Mark Sauer’s passionate and relentless work on behalf of young people who became his life.
He brought love, energy, ideas, grit, resilience and intellect to the cause. Mark’s dedication attracted a legion of donors, volunteers, tutors and students to the mission. Mark sparked a movement; losing him is simply devastating and beyond words.
Over the years, Mark and I became good friends. We adore his wife Donna who worked alongside him and helped Mark build something so beautiful and so special. That mission will go on.
The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation is proud to support Bound for College. We knew that betting on Mark was a sure thing because he brought his heart to the work, making sure the kids had all they needed to make it. He spoke to teachers, coaches and employers. He handled dental and health issues, got involved with the families of those he served and led with love.
Mark and I had many conversations over the years. Usually at Granger’s where we discussed the great issues of the day and Mark’s plans for the kids he cared for so deeply. He was all about them.
He was all about changing the trajectory of their lives. I will miss our talks. He taught me, encouraged me and inspired me. And so many others can say the same thing.
He was all about changing the trajectory of their lives. I will miss our talks. He taught me, encouraged me and inspired me. And so many others can say the same thing.
His heart, his mindset was focused solely on the future. He wanted to help as many kids as possible and he was doing it.
Bound for College is spreading across the county and it’s making a difference.
Mark took on this work, this labor of love after a remarkable career in business which included running theme parks, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues. Mark was modest about his career, but he was very proud of his efforts on behalf of young children who needed a helping hand. He fell in love with Delray Beach and he changed this place for the better. He woke up everyday focused on his mission: helping kids who needed it.
His work will continue and the dividends of that work will last generations.
I will miss him terribly. We all will.
But I want to celebrate Mark’s many accomplishments. I want to remember and appreciate his heart for children who needed a helping hand for a chance at a better life. Mark was that hand and that heart for so so many. His influence will live on in the lives of these wonderful young people Mark discovered and nurtured. He saw them. He saw their limitless potential. He saw their promise and their need and he dedicated his life to meeting those needs. He gave them an opportunity, a hand-up, not a hand-out and they took it and ran with it to places we cannot yet imagine.
Their lives are better because of Mark and Bound for College. He was the best of America. He was the best of us and his heart will live on.
J&J’s
Last week we also learned that J&J’s Seafood was closing June 14 after 26 wonderful years.
John and Tina Hutchinson are terrific people and restaurateurs and this news saddened their fans—my wife and I among them.
It’s where we got engaged so J&J’s holds a special place in our hearts.
Along with Granger’s, J&J’s was a longtime go-to restaurant, a place where I can walk from my office and have a great meal and enjoy excellent and friendly service.
John is an immensely talented chef and his creativity is legendary.
This great, good place will be dearly missed. I hold out hope that they can find a place in our high rent town. Their team is precious and special and we need that kind of hospitality in our community. My heart goes out to the wonderful people who made this restaurant soar for a generation. Here’s looking at you Claudia and Courtney.
We wish for more.
We wish for more.
Delray Beach has lost one of the great ones! Mark did so much for the children of our community! I met Mark at Village Academy many years ago and he was always a great supporter of mine! I’m very saddened by this news!
It’s a huge loss, Janet. I know he was appreciative of your efforts in education.
Sincere condolences to Mark’s family and friends. What a wonderful soul!
Thank you again for your kind words on losing yet another staple in Delray Beach. A place where Mark and his wife frequented as well. We are all devastated!
Thanks so much Claudia.
I was fortunate to have spent even a short amount of time with Mark. He was one of those larger-than-life individuals with a true passion for living and a deep commitment to helping those less fortunate.
My last encounter with Mark was just a few weeks ago, at one of our Scholarship Interview Nights. He had personally driven one of his students to the interview to ensure she arrived safely and had a ride home, and of course to be her advocate!!!
Mark had a special way about him—he always made you feel like you were the only person in the room. His passing is a tremendous loss to our community and especially to the young people he so generously served.
Beautifully said Tim.
And I can personally attest that Mark had so much admiration for you and your amazing organization.
Beautifully said Jeff. I recently profiled Mark and he did not want to talk about himself, he wanted the feature to focus solely on the children and Bound for College.
It is amazing how his former life is not what he felt was important.
It is shocking that Mark is gone.
But, he left his mark on humanity – young people especially. What a legacy.
You are so blessed to have spent time with these gentle giants in Delray Beach.
Your words are liquid gold. Thank you for letting us peer into the psyche of these amazing people.
Thanks Diane.
Mark’s loss hit us all so hard. I can’t believe he’s gone. His legacy will benefit us for generations.