- February 24, 2025
Helping children was her passion, friends and family say.
Wayne Grant
News Editor
Sandy Rakes, founder and executive director of Great Kids Explorer Club, died May 31 in an apparent accidental drowning in a swimming pool at home. An autopsy was scheduled for June 1, and the results have not been released.
Rakes was remembered the next day as someone who wanted to make a difference in the lives of local children with learning difficulties.
“It was her vision and her passion,” said her husband, Terry Rakes.
Students from local elementary schools receive free tutoring at Great Kids headquarters, 100 E. Granada Blvd., Suite 220, and also at United Methodist Church, 336 S. Halifax Drive. There are also schools in Port Orange and DeLeon Springs.
The 501(3)c program partners with churches and receives donations from companies and individuals as well as the city of Ormond Beach.
The organization works closely with local schools, and helps children overcome learning and behavior issues and gain self-confidence. Sandy Rakes started the program in Ormond Beach in 2001 after seeing a model program at a church.
Susan Bacsick, tutor, said Rakes loved the kids as was known as “Miss Sandy.”
“She put in six days a week and I don’t think she ever stopped thinking about it,” she said.
According to the police report, her husband found her face down in the pool when he arrived home about 7 p.m. He performed CPR until paramedics arrived, and she was declared dead at 7:39 p.m. after being transported to a nearby hospital.
Terry Rakes told police that his wife had been with a friend at the home that afternoon until about 5 p.m. He said his wife and the friend had lunch and some drinks, and he received a text message from her at 5:30 p.m. He said she had no medical issues.
According to the police report, she had scratches on her elbow and foot.
Bacsick said the event has been a shock, but she believes the school will continue. She said a meeting of the Board of Directors has been scheduled.
Pam Fitzgerald, vice president, also hopes that Sandy Rakes’ work will go on.
“I pray and hope we will continue,” said
She said she has seen elementary school kids, who were failing, later become honor students in middle school.
Bacsick said she hopes members of the community will step up and volunteer as board members or tutors.
Terry Rakes said any donations should go to Great Kids and an announcement for a memorial service will be made later.
