The Pond Charity Golf Classic is the kickoff to the annual Murray Bros. Caddyshack Golf Tournament, which benefits Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
At this year’s Pond, the foundation donated seven sets of turnout (or bunker) gear worth more than $26,000.
The equipment will help many of the department’s volunteer firefighters remain safe.
Through its partnership with Murray Bros. Caddyshack Golf, the foundation has donated more than $778,000 to first responders in North Florida since 2012, including more than $60,000 in donations made at the Pond tournament alone.
Leprechaun Chase raises $2,000 for elementary schools
Davidson Cares, the corporate giving program of Davidson Realty Inc., raised more than $2,000 from its Leprechaun Chase 5K and 10K and Kid’s Fun Run on March 7 at World Golf Village.
The race included 220 runners and walkers whose entries helped Davidson Cares raise funds for local schools, including Mill Creek, Wards Creek and Palencia elementary schools, Pacetti Bay Middle School and Nease High School.
More than 40 children participated in the Kid’s Fun Run around World Golf Village’s Walk of Champions.
The race’s “leprechaun,” played by Taulant Marra, was on hand to cheer on race participants at the finish line.
“We want to thank everyone who came out to support Davidson Cares at this year’s race. We had so many great folks there from competitive runners to families with strollers and dogs. Everyone had a great time,” said Davidson Realty President Sherry Davidson.
First Pedal 4 Paws bicycle tour is fundraiser for First Coast No More Homeless Pets
The inaugural Pedal 4 Paws is Saturday at Unity Plaza in Brooklyn.
The bicycle ride through the urban core is presented by e2Ride Bike Tours to benefit First Coast No More Homeless Pets.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. for $30 per person with a five-person team required to ride. Families and all levels of riders are invited to participate.
After the ride concludes, refreshments will be available in the plaza and Mama Blue will perform a concert.
For details, visit fcnmhp.org.
Animal charity provides heartworm treatment
Friends of Jacksonville Animals will provide heartworm treatment to pets at Animal Care and Protective Services, or in approved foster homes, when medical care is unavailable due to government funding shortfalls.
The Heart Care Program offers financial assistance to treat heartworm-positive animals adopted from Animal Care and Protective Services.
In 2014, $45,000 was spent to treat heartworm-positive dogs.
Since August 2011, more than 1,400 dogs have been treated through the program.
One of the many success stories is 10-year-old Chang, who was adopted in January 2014 by Richard Shoup.
When Chang was adopted, he was heartworm positive and was offered assistance by the group. As of December, Chang was heartworm free.
Shoup described Chang as “totally a different boy — tail always wagging. It was an educational experience for me. I have never had to deal with heartworm disease and did not know how it affects the whole body.”
Donations to Friends of Jacksonville Animals not only help the Heart Care Program but also assist with other medical treatment needs, medical supplies and shelter enrichment by providing basic items needed for the comfort of the animals. Monetary donations may be made at friendsofjaxanimals.com.
For more information about the animals available for adoption at Animal Care and Protective Services or to obtain a city volunteer application or foster parent application, visit coj.net/pets.
Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrating 100 years
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida will celebrate 100 years of serving youth in Jacksonville with honorary chair J.F. Bryan IV and keynote speaker, Pat Geraghty of Florida Blue.
A lunch at 11:30 a.m. April 9 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront will recognize the past, present and future of the organization. Tickets are $50.
Corporate tables are available for $1,000. For more event information and sponsorship opportunities, visit bbbsnefl.org or contact Dawn Robbins, special events manager, at [email protected].
For more information, visit bbbsnefl.org or call (904) 727-9797.