The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida received a surprise this week when an anonymous donor contributed $10,000 to The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.
The donor, who asked to be referred to only as “a Christian family,” seeks no recognition, but hopes the donation will encourage others to give in this season of remembering those in need.
The contribution established a milestone in philanthropy for the Salvation Army of Northeast Florida.
“It’s not unusual for us to receive anonymous donations, but we have never gotten one this big,” said Maj. Thomas McWilliams, area commander.
The Salvation Army provides toys, clothing and groceries for nearly 8,500 needy children and seniors during the holiday season. Emergency food and shelter, social services, youth programs and spiritual support are provided to thousands more throughout the year.
Almost 83 cents of every $1 raised is used to support services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to salvationarmynefl.org.
Stein Mart hosts party for Dreams Come True
Stein Mart hosted Dreams Come True families at its “18 Kids of Christmas” party.
For more than 19 years, Stein Mart has hosted the Christmas party for dream recipients of Dreams Come True. This year’s was at Veterans Memorial Arena and included food courtesy of CiCi’s Pizza in Orange Park, whose owners have been involved in the event for 16 years; a visit from Santa, with gifts provided by Stein Mart; and tours of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office vehicles and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue engines.
After the celebration, dreamers were escorted in police vehicles to Stein Mart stores for shopping. There at the stores they each received additional gifts and a $50 gift card provided by Stein Mart.
Tebow Foundation opens CURE Hospital in Philippines
The Tim Tebow Foundation announced the Tebow CURE Hospital opened in Davao City, Philippines.
The grand opening will be in the spring. However, the hospital already is helping children with the most critical orthopedic needs who otherwise would not be able to afford treatment.
The hospital, built in partnership with CURE International, is a five-story, 30-bed facility with three operating rooms specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgeries.
Currently, 17 of the hospital’s 30 beds are available and a team of 54 staff members is ready to provide care.
“I was born in the Philippines while my parents served as missionaries, and I have always had a great love and passion for the Filipino people,” Tebow said. “It is so exciting to be able to provide healing and care for these incredibly deserving children halfway around the world.”
The foundation announced its plans to build the hospital in 2011 during Tebow’s second season with the Denver Broncos. The project officially broke ground in January 2012 with construction being completed in September.
The hospital will serve children with orthopedic conditions such as clubfoot, bowed legs, cleft palate and other congenital limb abnormalities.
Buy a purse, support a nonprofit
Luxury handbag designer Dagne Dover has selected nine philanthropic influencers, including Generation W founder Donna Orender, to participate in a holiday program designed to give back to each influencer’s organization.
For each handbag purchased, Dagne Dover will donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the organizations consumers choose.
“We’re so excited to work with Deepa Gandhi, Jessy Dover and Melissa Mash at Dagne Dover this season,” said Orender. “Partnerships like this foster relationships between entrepreneurial women on the move, and allow us to continue providing a platform for women and girls to be educated, inspired and connected.”
At checkout on DagneDover.com, shoppers are invited to support Generation W, Pencils of Promise, Global Potential, Dress for Success, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Technoserve, Hot Bread Kitchen, Acción or Feed My Starving Children.
For more information on participating in the holiday experience, visit dagnedover.com.
Stellar helps Community PedsCare holiday drive
Stellar provided holiday gifts to 80 critically ill children and their families through the Community PedsCare Holiday Sponsor-a-Child drive.
Community PedsCare, a Community Hospice of Northeast Florida program, provides care and support to children facing life-threatening conditions and their families.
Stellar, a design firm, has been partnering with Community PedsCare’s Holiday Sponsor-a-Child drive for eight years. Each year, Stellar employees volunteer to anonymously sponsor a Community PedsCare patient or family member by purchasing items from their wish lists. The wish lists include gifts such as clothing, toys, games and movies.
“We’re proud of our employees for continually giving each year to this rewarding program,” said Allison Korman Shelton, Stellar vice president of government and public affairs. “Our hope is that the gifts help the children and their families focus on family and celebrating, instead of doctors and hospital beds.”