With the school year over and summer starting, Dreams Come True of Jacksonville is partnering with public and private schools that participated in the nonprofit’s Kids Helping Kids program during the 2015-16 school year.
Students raised $38,675, enough to sponsor the dreams of 15 local children battling life-threatening illnesses. Fundraising projects included car washes, bake sales, dances and talent shows.
In addition, each group is given the chance to host a Celebration of Life dream party, which provides an opportunity for the students to meet and spend time with their sponsored child.
Schools, clubs or any youth organization interested in participating in the program can contact Kate Wirz, development coordinator for Dreams Come True, at [email protected] or (904) 296-3030.
TD Bank helps sort books for United Way
More than 3,000 books for preschoolers were sorted Tuesday morning at the Jessie Ball duPont Center by volunteers from TD Bank.
The United Way of Northeast Florida is coordinating “Summer Daze of Learning,” a two-month program focused on education.
Books donated this month by guests at Jacksonville Public Library branches will be sorted, packed in tote bags and distributed to 4-year-olds.
In July, the United Way will be a sponsor of “Stuff the Bus,” a drive to collect school supplies for middle and high school students, said Coretta Hill, United Way vice president of volunteer and community engagement.
For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities, visit unitedwaynefl.org.
CVS Health helping Orlando victims
CVS Health is supporting the OneOrlando Fund, established by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to raise money for victims and families impacted by the Pulse nightclub shooting.
The CVS Health Foundation will donate $100,000 to the fund, which also is accepting donations at OneOrlando.org.
Donations will support nonprofits helping victims and families; the LGBTQ, Hispanic and faith communities; and the future needs of the community as it moves forward.
“We are heartbroken for our customers, colleagues and the community that have been impacted by the senseless tragedy that occurred in Orlando and offer our condolences to their families and loved ones,” said Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Health.
An in-store donation campaign for the fund will continue until July 9 at all CVS Health locations.
Helping students read this summer
In collaboration with the #BringABook statewide campaign led by Volunteer Florida and ADT Security Services, Teach For America Jacksonville helped collect and sort more than 1,500 books for Biltmore Elementary School.
Three teachers at Biltmore are Teach For America corps members or alumni.
Representatives from ADT and Teach For America delivered the books as part of Florida Volunteer Month and the ADT Always Cares annual week of service.
Students received the books at the Biltmore annual reading ceremony, an event to promote summer reading.
Statewide, more than 10,000 books were collected for students in high-need communities.
The donation to Biltmore will provide students the resources they need to continue reading during the summer and begin the upcoming school year prepared for success.
Teach For America works in partnership with communities to expand educational opportunities for children in poverty.
Founded in 1990, the organization recruits and develops a corps of college graduates and professionals to make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become leaders in the effort to end educational inequity.
For more information, visit teachforamerica.org.
Townies Pizzeria sends kids to surf camp
Townies Pizzeria presented a $1,000 check to the First Coast Florida District of Eastern Surfing Association, which will help provide surf clinics for local youth.
Founded in 1967, the association promotes, preserves and protects the sport of surfing on the East Coast.
The agency introduces children to surfing, while teaching them the importance of preserving free access to a clean shoreline and ocean environment.
Townies Pizzeria in Fernandina Beach is dedicated to supporting the arts, education, sports, environmental programs, military veterans and first responders through financial support as well as in kind donations.
Tickets for Wine, Women & Shoes
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida will launch VIP table ticket sales July 11 for its third annual Wine Women & Shoes event.
A limited number of VIP tables (seats for 10) will be available for $1,500 each. Individual VIP tickets will go on sale July 25 for $150.
The organization invites local “fashionistas” to grab their best pair of heels and join the festivities at the Jessie Ball duPont Center on Sept. 24 for an afternoon of wine, fashion and fundraising.
VIP attendees will have access to unlimited wine and champagne samples, lunch, an exclusive boutique shopping experience, a fashion show and live and silent auctions.
Proceeds will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida.
Additional event information is available at bbbsnefl.org. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Ashley Strickland at (904) 727-9797 or [email protected].