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Highlighting Jacksonville’s Philanthropic Community
As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this page that will each week chronicle the efforts of local nonprofit organizations. Bailey Publishing & Communications invites all members of the local nonprofit community to submit news, announcements, success stories and any other information they feel would be of interest to our readers. E-mail to: [email protected].
We also encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they try to continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
Toys for Tots at maurices
Children are busy making their holiday wish lists with the hope that they’ll find “that special toy” under the tree. With countless families experiencing tough financial times, many children won’t find any toys waiting for them this holiday season.
Fashion retailer maurices has become a new national partner with Toys for Tots and will collect toys for disadvantaged children at its Pablo Creek Shopping Center location.
All new, unwrapped toys collected through Dec. 10 at maurices, Target Shopping Center on Beach and Hodges, will be distributed to local families by Toys for Tots. As a special thank you, maurices will give those who make a donation a coupon for 20 percent off a regular-priced item.
“Many families are facing difficult times,” said maurices’ Manager Sara Brooker. “But we want children to still experience the joys of the holiday season. Our hope is that this toy drive brings lots of happiness and smiles to the young people in our community. It’s so much fun to buy little dolls and toy trucks but we’re also encouraging customers to think about buying presents for tweens and teens who are sometimes forgotten. Things like board games, books, fragrances, jewelry and accessories make great gifts for older children.”
The goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver a message of hope, through a new toy during the holidays, to less fortunate youngsters. The organization estimates that there will be 1 million more children in need this holiday season.
Shopping spree for kids at Sulzbacher Center
Pepsi Bottling Group and Wal-Mart in partnership with Frito, 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Sleiman Enterprises, The Jacksonville Landing, Sam’s Clubs, Subway, University of Phoenix and the Jacksonville Jaguars provided each child living at the Sulzbacher Center with a $75 Wal-Mart gift card to purchase school clothes. The children and their parents arrived at Wal-Mart Store 3309 on Phillips Highway early in the morning and were greeted by members of the partnering groups. The kids were visibly excited about the opportunity to purchase new clothes to wear to school.
Sulzbacher Center’s Director of Shelter Services Brian Snow said, “This has made such a huge impact on the children living at the Sulzbacher Center. We are grateful for the support of all of the community partners who came together to provide new school clothing and school supplies for our children.”
Home builder collecting toys
Drees Homes is supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve annual Toys for Tots Program. Drees will be collecting new unwrapped toys at models at designated communities until Dec. 12.
“Every child deserves a new toy, particularly during the holidays,” said David Drees, president of Drees Homes. “We are happy to work with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to bring happiness and hope to children who need it most.”
Donations will be accepted at Drees models during regular business hours: Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Friday and Sunday from noon-5:30 p.m.
For more than 62 years, the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children.
Drees builds in eleven communities in Northeast Florida. In West Jacksonville, Drees builds in Sandler’s Preserve, Beatrice Walk, Glenda’s Meadow, Pickett’s Cove and Waterbrook Falls. In North Jacksonville, buyers can find a Drees home in North Campus, Campus Hills, Dunn Creek Pointe and Oakbrook. Drees also offers homes in Clay County at Two Creeks and in MacClenny at Rolling Meadows.
Gala in nation’s oldest city
Habitat for Humanity’s annual holiday “Gala for Humanity” is the event that kicks off the holiday season in St. Johns County. Mayor Joe Boles of St. Augustine will be returning master of ceremonies for the evening and will assist in the live auction, which will include tickets to see the Jacksonville Jaguars, autographed sports memorabilia and exclusive vacation getaways.
More than 175 local artists and merchants will donate art, gift certificates, services and merchandise for a silent auction. Hot hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner and dessert bar will be provided by 95 Cordova.
“Volunteers are anxiously underway on planning for the affiliate’s annual major fundraiser of the year. Last year we enjoyed our most successful gala to date, raising just over $30,000. We are looking forward to the same success this year for this not-to-be-missed event!” said Aubrey Mulligan, special events coordinator.
If you are interested in making a donation call 904- 687-7694.
Habitat for Humanity’s ‘Gala for Humanity’ is at the Casa Monica Hotel Dec. 10 from 6-11 p.m. Ticket cost is $65 per person or $120.00 per couple. Call the Habitat for Humanity office at 904-826-3252 to reserve tickets.
‘Santa Dollars’ benefit youngsters
Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) is partnering with Publix Super Markets this holiday season with “Santa Dollars.”
A Santa Dollar is an actual dollar bill with a trademarked and registered “Santa” seal that covers George Washington’s face. The seal is removable so the bill remains legal tender and can be spent or kept as a collectible. Through Dec. 27, Publix customers can purchase the holiday currency for $2.50 with $1 going directly to charity.
Chartered in Jacksonville in 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida is dedicated to embracing children and inspiring lives. CHS works to restore and strengthen families through its various programs and services such as adoption, foster care and child abuse prevention programs. For more information about CHS visit www.chsfl.org/buckner.
Golf tourney a success
The Harvey Bernhardt Foundation raised more than $22,000 during its 2nd annual Harvey Bernhardt Foundation Golf Tournament at Deerwood Country Club. The tournament was presented by the law firm Driver, McAfee, Peek & Hawthorne.
All tournament proceeds benefit the foundation which provides financial assistance for hardship cases related to medical or natural disaster or victims of crime.
“We exceeded our expectations by raising $7,000 more than last year, and we had 24 foursomes. We are delighted this golf tournament is becoming a local favorite,” said Wes Bernhardt, chairman of the foundation. “We were especially proud to honor the military by inviting three local sailors from NAS to play with us, too.”
The Harvey Bernhardt Foundation honors the memory of Dr. Harvey Bernhardt, a pathologist from Jacksonville who served the North Florida community for more than 20 years. The mission of The Harvey Bernhardt Foundation is to provide one-time financial assistance for hardship cases related to medical or natural disaster or victims of crime. Recipients must be citizens living and working in the North Florida community and must be referred by a community leader.
For more information visit www.TheCompassionateAssist.org or contact Monica Bernhardt at 386-5662 or [email protected].
Toys, toiletries needed
CornerStone Homes is collecting supplies for the children at daniel, an organization that provides an array of programs and services aimed at enhancing the lives of children and their families.
“We believe in supporting worthy and charitable causes that help improve the quality of life for others and make the community a better place to live,” said Mark Downing, managing partner of CornerStone Homes. “We encourage everyone to join us in our efforts to assist the children at daniel. Please purchase extra items when you shop and drop off these supplies at a CornerStone Homes model near you.”
The items being accepted for the daniel collection drive include new toys, board games, DVDs, art supplies, batteries, bedding, towels, toiletries, socks and clothing for both boys and girls.
All of the company’s model homes in Northeast Florida will serve as drop-off locations for the charity drive. The company is collecting in the communities of Austin Park at Nocatee, Doctors Inlet Reserve, Eagle Landing, Kensington and Rolling Hills.
“This is a great way for our community to come together and help others,” Downing said. “We truly appreciate the involvement and support of everyone who joins our efforts to make a difference in the lives of the children at daniel.”
CornerStone Homes is building in neighborhoods including Austin Park at Nocatee, Doctors Inlet Reserve, Eagle Harbor, Eagle Landing, GroveWood at World Golf Village, Hunter Oaks, Kensington, MuraBella, Palencia, RiverTown and Rolling Hills and on privately owned home sites.
For more information call 786-7000 or visit www.mycornerstonehomes.com.
Foundation hosting golf tournament
The Monique Burr Foundation’s Jinglebells Pro-Am Golf Tournament presented by AT&T, Hampton Golf and Zurich is Dec. 8 at The Golf Club at South Hampton. The tournament offers corporations and individuals the opportunity to golf for a good cause and tee off with 25 of the game’s biggest names and celebrities from the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, Nationwide Tour and LPGA TOUR.
“More than 130 influential business leaders and civic leaders from our area are expected to participate in this event as well as some of the greatest players in the game today, and I am pleased to be this year’s honorary chairman,” said PGA Tour golfer Fred Funk, who also will play in the tournament.
Dec. 7, teams can play a complimentary round at The Golf Club at South Hampton, which will be followed by a pairings party and preregistration. The next day the tournament will begin at 10 a.m. and lunch will be served at the turn. At 3:30 p.m. a cocktail reception and awards ceremony will be held. Throughout the day, several contests will take place including a hole-in-one car giveaway, lowest net, lowest gross, longest putt, longest drive and closest to the pin.
More than 25 celebrity golfers will participate in this year’s tournament, including Jim Furyk, Fred Funk, Mark McCumber and many others. Honorary chairpersons for the tournament are Fred Funk, Mark McCumber and Jim Furyk. This year’s tournament chairs are M.G. Orender and Robert Castranova.
Since the tournament began more than 10 years ago, it has raised more than $2.5 million for the foundation. Sponsorship opportunities range from $550 to $25,000. Individuals can sign up for $2,750 and four-person teams can sign up for $11,000, which includes a pairing with a celebrity golfer, complimentary team practice round and pairing party and a gift package for each player.
More information about the tournament is available online at www.moniqueburrfoundation.org or by calling Lynn Layton at 642-0210.
Construction company wins bed race
City Rescue Mission raised more than $16,000 at their annual Bed Race & Family Festival. The race featured nine teams who created a bed and raced for trophies and recognition.
“The Bed Race is one of our signature events,” said Bill Duguid, COO of City Rescue Mission. “Each year, it’s a surprise to see what the teams do to their beds and the costumes they put together. The Family Fun Festival was a great addition to the event and provided food and entertainment once the races were completed.”
Nine teams decorated their bed to the theme of “Jacksonville’s History and Landmarks.” AIGA Jacksonville won the award for the best-decorated bed, while A. J. Johns Construction Company was named the overall winner of the race. Each team also sought sponsorships for the race and through their efforts raised more than $16,000.
“We are so proud of these teams who worked diligently to present us with such a large donation,” said Duguid. “We are so grateful to the North Florida community for its generous support during these difficult times. It will help us greatly during the busy holiday season.”
City Rescue Mission is still accepting donations for the race. The funds raised at the Bed Race & Family Fun Festival will benefit all of City Rescue Mission’s programs for the needy in Jacksonville. To donate, visit www.crmjax.org.
City Rescue Mission is a faith-based organization that does not receive any support from local, state or federal government organizations. The mission relies solely on donations to provide its breadth of services to the homeless in needy in Jacksonville. In addition to emergency shelter services City Rescue Mission offers a long-term comprehensive program to help the homeless get off the streets and back on their feet.