As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this feature that will each week chronicle the efforts of local nonprofit organizations.
Bailey Publishing & Communications invites all members of the local nonprofit community to email news, announcements and success stories to: [email protected].
We also encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
Walk raises more than $500,000
The “Walk to Cure Diabetes,” presented March 24 by CSX, Gate, Vistakon and Balfour Beatty Rail at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds, raised more than $500,000. More than 6,000 corporate partners, families and vendors took part in the event to support research vital to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes and its complications.
“This year’s walk was a great experience. I am honored to have walked alongside 6,000 people in our community who are committed to curing diabetes,” said Mark Snailham, 2012 walk corporate chairman and vice president of rail services for Balfour Beatty Rail.
Following the Walk, participants played circus-themed games provided by Space Walk with music by FM-107.3 and lunch provided by Firehouse Subs, Piccadilly Cafeteria, Coffee Perks, Coca-Cola, Publix Super Markets and other local sponsors.
“The Walk to Cure Diabetes keeps growing each year and it’s because of the wonderful volunteers and staff that help make it a continuing success,” said Brooks Biagini, executive director of the North Florida Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
To learn more about JDRF and where research is being funded, visit jdrfnorthflorida.org.
‘Guns N’ Hoses’ Saturday night
The Fraternal Order of Police Foundation will host the 14th Annual “Guns N’ Hoses Fight Night” event to raise funds for local charities Saturday at Veterans Memorial Arena. Bell time is 6:30 p.m.
This year, children under the age of 16 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult who has purchased a general admission ticket. A separate ticket will be required at the gate for each child.
“After months of preparation, members of the public safety community will come together to create memories, share camaraderie and raise money to help local charities in these tough economic times,” said Robbie Freitas, executive director of the Jacksonville FOP Foundation.
Guns N’ Hoses is a boxing match that puts members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department against each other for a good cause. Money raised will go to charities including the Police Athletic League and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. To date, Guns N’ Hoses has raised more than $1.5 million for FOP and IAFF supported charities.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Arena box office or at the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 5-30 at 5530 Beach Blvd. Ticket prices depend on seat choices and range from $15 for general admission to $55 for club seating.
For more information, visit jaxfopfoundation.org or contact Freitas at 251-5934 or Teresa Eichner at 982-9028.