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 believe would be of interest to our readers. Email 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.
Community Nutcracker donates $40,000
The Community Nutcracker awarded $40,000 in donations raised from the 21st annual production of The Community Nutcracker Ballet in December at the Florida Theatre.
Seven local charities received donations. They are Dreams Come True of Jacksonville; Community PedsCare of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida; We Care Jacksonville; Sanctuary on 8th Street; St. Mary's Episcopal Outreach; Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center; and Second Harvest North Florida.
For eight years, the Community Nutcracker has directly worked with Dreams Come True to help bring joy and comfort to more than 30 children battling life-threatening illnesses. This year's production raised $20,000 for the nonprofit and will directly benefit fulfilling the dreams of local children.
The remaining $20,000 was distributed among the six other charities directly supported by the Community Nutcracker.
To date the annual production has donated more than $400,000 to local charities.
$75,000 for Meals On Wheels
Aging True received a $75,000 grant from The Community Foundation in Jacksonville for its Meals On Wheels program to assist in the continued provision of healthy, hot meals and nutritional education for frail, disabled and low-income seniors residing in Jacksonville.
"As our community grows and our population ages, we have greater demand for Meals On Wheels. We struggle to keep pace with this growing need, so we are extremely grateful for of this grant by the Community Foundation," said Teresa Barton, Aging True CEO.
With nearly 50 years of experience, Aging True is committed to the health, well-being and independence of Jacksonville's seniors and to the education and support of their caregivers.
To learn more, visit agingtrue.org.
Wine gala March 15
The 9th annual Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Wine Tasting Gala is scheduled 6-9 p.m. March 15 at the Wells Fargo Center..
The event raises money for the Jay Fund, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit founded by New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin that provides comprehensive financial, emotional and practical support to families of children with cancer.
Hosted by Coughlin, the gala brings together more than 800 wine enthusiasts, gourmets, philanthropists and celebrities for local cuisine and wines from around the world.
The gala will feature food from nearly 40 Jacksonville restaurants including Ruth's Chris Steak House, Seasons 52, Eleven South Bistro, the Good Food Company, KC Crave, III Forks, Marker 32, Azurea at One Ocean Resort, the Wine Cellar and others.
Attendees will be able to bid on auction items including sports memorabilia, a wine tasting in Napa Valley, two nights at The Ritz-Carlton, in Palm Beach, a trip to Las Vegas, a historic tour of Boston.
All auction proceeds and ticket sales benefit local families receiving Jay Fund support. In 2012, the event raised $255,000.
Tickets are $120 and can be purchased online at tcjayfund.org or by calling (904) 543-2599.
'Month of Giving' at Jersey Mike's
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida is joining forces with Jersey Mike's Subs restaurants in the Jacksonville area for the 3rd Annual March "Month of Giving" fundraising campaign.
The program helps Big Brothers Big Sisters continue to bring a caring, supportive adult into the life of a child who wants or needs a mentor.
During March, customers can make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters at any area Jersey Mike's restaurant.
On March 27, a special nationwide celebration, "Day of Giving," will take place at all Jersey Mike's locations to benefit 86 charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.
All area Jersey Mike's restaurants will donate the day's sales to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida.
Last year's campaign raised almost $858,000 for 74 charities nationwide. Since 2010, Jersey Mike's locations throughout the country have raised more than $5 million for local charities and distributed more than 500,000 free sandwiches to help numerous causes.
For more information about Jersey Mike's Subs Month of Giving, visit jerseymikes.com.