Our Team

Rev. Mark Niznik

Chairman
352-454-2644
fathermark1@gmail.com

“I’m in non-profit work because I love God and humanity. I am moved to action because my heart breaks for the suffering, and I wish to ease that suffering, utilizing the abilities and gifts God has granted me.” -Father Mark Niznik

Father Mark became a priest in 2000. Prior, he graduated from Western New England College in 1984 with a BSBA in Quantitative Methods. After five years of office work, Father Mark improved his public speaking skills as he became a successful stand-up comedy comedian for the next eight years. In 1997, he answered God’s calling and entered the seminary for a three-year formation period.

With over 40 years public speaking experience, Father Mark is a sought-after keynote speaker for many events.

Father Mark grew up playing sports as part of a suburban existence. His dad was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, and his mom worked as a data entry operator at a local hospital.

Father Mark was also an altar server at his church from age six to when he went off to college. This experience opened his eyes to the poor’s challenges as he accompanied his Pastor to bring much-needed aid.

Father Mark found ways to personally support homeless folks throughout his life, helping them with food, clothing, transportation, and some spare money when able.

Upon entering the seminary, Father Mark became even more passionate about helping the poor. And when Father Mark received his assignment as Pastor of a parish in Florida, helping the poor became part of his daily life. Father Mark was a co-founder of a tri-county inter-alliance faith group and supported the local soup kitchen and social services programs.

In 2006, Father Mark’s wife asked him if the parish could set up a collection box at the church entrance to begin collecting personal hygiene items for homeless children at a particular school. This was the beginning of the Clean Kids Backpack Program (CKBP). Father Mark took a foothold as the CKBP became the main charitable program of the parish.

Thanks to God’s blessing and under Father Mark’s leadership and direct effort, the CKBP expanded throughout the school district of Marion County, FL. The program supported 67 schools, and today hygiene items have also been distributed into Lake, Sumter, Miami/Dade, Seminole, and Orange Counties of Florida and even Lowndes County, GA.

Father Mark has expanded CKBP resources to now include aiding law enforcement K9 and homeless veterans programs.

Getting To Know Father Mark:

Sharing His Gifts with the World

In his groundbreaking book, 27 Messiah, Father Mark has drawn so much from the pool of life, capturing the essence of soul searching and personal discovery. His readers acknowledge a stronger component of faith in their lives as they begin to realize they don’t have to succumb to and be of the world while in it.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/27-Messiah-Rev-Mark-Niznik-ebook/dp/B0CN657BQ8/

In Music

On Spotfiy: https://open.spotify.com/album/4AvqwbFBMqrrfoZKGL6bfO

On Pandora: https://pandora.app.link/cXql6RxZOIb

Father Mark’s Favorite Quotes:

“Who though, was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited…”. – St. Paul explaining who Jesus was to the Philippians (ref. Phil. 2:6).

“I have become all things to all people, so that by all possible means I might save some…” – St. Paul explaining his ministry to the Corinthians (ref. 1 Cor 9:22).

Deacon Gail Lazenby

Director and Rotary Club Liaison

Deacon Gail heads up the Rotary Club Foundation of the Villages partnership we have through the Rotary Club of the Villages, FL Breakfast Group. Deacon Gail has served Rotary Club International as Chapter President and presides over the club’s philanthropic official selection of the Clean Kids Backpack Program. Over the years, Rotary Club International has helped collect hundreds of thousands of personal hygiene items along with sizable financial contributions for the homeless communities we serve. 

Deacon Gail is a retired school administrator and Fire Department Captain, with over 50 years of experience in education and training, making him a seasoned veteran in navigating school systems and districts that become our clients. His compassion for homeless children is evident through his personal stewardship, using his talents effectively, and making a real difference in their lives.

Deacon Gail sort of enjoys golf, lol – depending on his scorecard. He can also be found before sun-up each week, readying for the Rotary Club breakfast meeting and persuading members to part with their free personal care items from hotels and cruise ships! Deacon Gail has connected his Rotary Club and others to using online shopping and shipping of hygiene items and raise additional funds for CKBP.

Additional CKBP Staff

Global Merchant Partners: We are excited to be working with GMP as a recent addition to our dedicated volunteer crew. GMP has set up a credit card processing system with a net-zero cost to businesses to help raise funds for St. Paul’s charitable outreach program. 

Diane Clair: Diane volunteers much of her time to the cause and is on the scene for every related event. Diane is hardworking and dedicated to service for whatever task is needed. She brings an upbeat, positive spirit to the team.

Laurie Karp: Laurie is a professional organizer and is essential in creating our personal care product line-ups for presentation and packaging to assist those transporting items.

Mark and Melissa Gilbert: This couple shines in helping accumulate and distribute our inventories along with breaking down exhibits and much of the unsung work needed. They selflessly bring comfort where needed as they stand ready to help at a moment’s notice.

Al Becker: Al is preparing to become a deacon in our church. His tireless efforts in helping us collect, organize, and distribute hygiene items are greatly appreciated. Please keep Al in your prayers as he continues in his formation for holy orders.

Dave McKeon: Dave can be found at our events helping with photos and as part of our round table discussions on developing client relations and growth of CKBP. Dave has a career history in developing executives in multiple industries and brings a keen sense of managing our group effectively.

Susan Cameron: Sue is an experienced video producer and owner of Wild Zebra out of Tavares, FL. Sue has a working relationship with Father Mark, stretching over two decades collaborating on projects for local businesses and artistic endeavors. Sue has been an advocate for the homeless, utilizing her talents to bring awareness in effective ways and a great volunteer for our CKBP.