The Jim Moran Foundation awarded a multiyear grant of $435,000 to Communities In Schools of Jacksonville, a dropout prevention organization helping students stay on track for graduation.
The grant will fund the agency’s Student Enrichment Program for the next two years in four schools: Lake Forest Elementary, A. Philip Randolph Academies of Technology, Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology and William M. Raines High School.
“By partnering with Communities In Schools, we are helping children and youth discover their greatest potential as they work toward graduation — and ultimately reach their life’s goals,” said Jan Moran, chairman and president of the foundation.
The enrichment program links at-risk students with site coordinators at 15 public schools. Site coordinators work with 90-100 students at each school, connecting them with services such as mentoring and tutoring.
Communities In Schools programs are designed to create a community of support for at-risk students as they and approach graduation. In fact, 100 percent of Communities In Schools senior students at A. Philip Randolph and Frank H. Peterson high schools graduated last school year.
Founded by automotive executive Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of programs and opportunities that meet the changing needs of the community. The foundation has invested more than $50 million in education, elder care, family strengthening and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 with efforts focused in Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties.
To learn more, visit jimmoranfoundation.org.
Dreams Come True benefit scheduled at V Pizza
V Pizza in Jacksonville Beach will host a charity event for “Dreams Come True” from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
A $25 general admission ticket includes all-you-can-drink beer and wine, pizza and a raffle ticket, along with valet parking.
There will be a Dream Tree set up to sponsor a child’s holiday wish this season. This is an exclusive event and tickets are limited.
Established in 1984, Dreams Come True is the only local nonprofit dedicated to granting dreams for children with life-threatening illnesses. Since its establishment, the agency has granted more than 3,000 dreams for children.
Another Broken Egg Café having fundraisers for nonprofits
Jake Alleman, franchisee and managing partner of Cojak Investments LLC, said events at Jacksonville’s first Another Broken Egg Café will be fundraisers for nonprofits.
Donations will be accepted on the two days, during which the public can dine at no charge. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31, donations will be to support PACE Center for Girls.
The following day, also from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., patrons can support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida.
Reservations are required by calling (904) 516-4757.
The restaurant, at 4820 Deer Lake Drive W., opens Nov. 3.
Art for breast cancer research
For the third year, TacoLu and lululemon athletica co-sponsored a fundraiser to benefit 26.2 with Donna and The Donna Foundation.
The sold-out painting and photography exhibit, “Brushed Bold,” showcased 14 cancer survivors whose breasts were painted with a design to represent their feelings about survival, hope, faith, and inspiration.
All survivors remain anonymous.
Artists Mobarick Abdullah II, Heather Aguilera, Jessica Becker, Bharati Chaudhuri, Jeanie Lijoi, Kurtis Loftus, Willy Meyer, Anna Miller, Whitney Myers, Taylor Peterson, Jenny Wells, Tommy Williams, and Russ Wilson painted their models in September at The Artistree Studios.
Many of the canvases were sold at the fundraiser, but several are still available through the 26.2 with Donna race office. All the models were photographed by Holly Gordon Photography and will be featured in a calendar available for purchase after Nov. 1.
Until then, the art will be on display at the Mayo Clinic Florida in the mammography area on the second floor south. Proceeds from both the canvases and the calendar sales will benefit 26.2 with Donna and The Donna Foundation.
The eighth annual 26.2 with Donna Marathon weekend is Feb. 13-15 and is expected to draw more than 10,000 registered runners. Proceeds go to breast cancer research, care and awareness. Since its inaugural year in 2008, the race has contributed more than $3.5 million to research.
Visit breastcancermarathon.com for more information.
Firehouse Subs celebrates Public Safety Month
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation celebrated more than $362,000 in life-saving equipment and funding to 18 Northeast Florida public safety organizations and military and veterans agencies on Sunday before kickoff at the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns game at EverBank Field.
The presentation recognized the results of the foundation’s largest annual fundraiser and continued a season-long partnership between Firehouse Subs and the Jaguars.
The foundation donated money and equipment, including motorized wheelchairs that can navigate through water and mud, improving mobility and helping injured military members maintain active lifestyles.
Firehouse also donated automated external defibrillators and water rescue boards, life vests, kickboards and other pool safety items.
“My brother Chris and I grew up in Jacksonville, and it makes us proud to see the community embrace our foundation and its mission to help first responders,” said Robin Sorensen, co-founder of Firehouse Subs and board chairman of Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
“This is an opportunity to show the people of Jacksonville how their support makes a difference.”
Since 2005, the foundation has donated $11 million nationwide, including more than $941,000 in the Jacksonville area.
Firehouse Subs is encouraging its guests to purchase $1 or $5 paper medallions during October in support of Public Safety Month.
Fans of Firehouse are encouraged to take #SafetySelfies by posting photos performing simple tasks such as wearing a helmet when riding a bike, stocking a first aid kit, wearing bright colors when walking at night, checking the batteries in a smoke detector, blowing out a candle before leaving a room or posing in a Firehouse Subs restaurant with a Public Safety Month medallion. Photos posted with the hashtag will be linked to http://savinglives.firehousesubs.com.