More than $150,000 was raised for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children at the 18th annual Children’s Champions for Child Safety Pro Am Golf Tournament at The Palencia Club.
The honorary chairs were professional golfters Fred Funk, Jim Furyk and Mark McCumber.
This year’s sponsors included AT&T, Brumos Motor Cars and Mercedes-Benz of Orange Park, Club Car, the Vestcor Family Foundation, Callaway, GHG Insurance, Vulcan Materials Co., The Fiorentino Group, Glenn Layton Homes, RS&H, England-Thims & Miller, Hampton Golf, GreenPointe Holdings and Clockwork Marketing Services.
Since the tournament began, it has contributed more than $3.2 million to the foundation.
The nonprofit is dedicated to protecting children from all forms of child abuse and bullying by providing prevention education programs, working with organizations and engaging communities in child safety initiatives.
To learn more about the foundation, visit moniqueburrfoundation.org or call (904) 642-0210.
Teeing off for disabled people
The eighth annual Newman’s Own Challenge Golf Classic at the Golf Club at Fleming Island raised $15,387 in support of Challenge Enterprises’ Residential Program, a more than 13 percent increase over last year’s proceeds.
The program provides independent living opportunities for people with disabilities.
The event featured captain’s choice shotgun play, with an open and women’s flight. Competitions included prizes for hole-in-one, longest drive and closest to the pin
The tournament was followed by an award reception with dinner and a silent auction. Major League Baseball player Rupert Jones was the event’s celebrity golfer.
Sponsors included Newman’s Own, The Golf Club at Fleming Island, Boon Group, Clay Today and Garber Automall.
Donations fund Eureka Garden playground
Much-maligned Eureka Garden had reason to celebrate Friday when a new playground was dedicated at the Westside apartment complex.
The equipment is a positive step for the complex that’s had mold, gas leaks and plumbing issues in addition to being a consistent spot for crime.
“We hope this playground gives the children an opportunity to be kids,” said Wayman Ministries CEO Mark Griffin. “Hearing the children laugh and play are like music to my ears.”
Wayman Community Development Corp. raised more than $95,000 with the help of the Pajcic & Pajcic law firm, the Jacksonville Automotive Dealers Association, members of the Wayman Temple and Jacksonville residents.
The Rev. Richard Hamlet, owner of the apartment complex, announced during the Friday ribbon-cutting that plans are in the works to build a basketball court.
Moran Foundation supports PAL after-school program
The Jim Moran Foundation awarded a two-year grant totaling $188,400 to the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville to support its Youth Education and Success After School Program.
The program provides students who live in some of the city’s lowest-income and highest-crime neighborhoods with a safe and nurturing environment. It also gives them access to mentoring, academic tutoring, homework assistance, social development and life-skills training.
The program is operated at PAL’s Northside, Eastside, Westside and Southside centers. The program is offered to more than 500 students from Duval County — ages 5 to 14 — during the school year.
The grant will provide funding for seven instructors and three part-time bus drivers who will transport participants from neighboring schools to the PAL centers.
The organization offers services to more than 2,200 Jacksonville children annually.
For more information, visit jaxpal.com or call (904) 854-6555.
$63,750 in grants for Meals on Wheels
Aging True was awarded grants totaling $63,750 in support of Meals On Wheels.
The program delivers more than 900 meals each day to homebound seniors and disabled residents throughout North Florida.
Harbor Retirement Associates, a senior living development and management company, donated $40,000 to Meals on Wheels’ efforts. Bank of America donated $7,500 and grocer Bi-Lo, parent company of Winn-Dixie, gave the nonprofit $16,250.
Aging True Community Senior Services’ mission is to provide resources for people, families and communities to prepare for and support graceful aging. The organization has served North Florida seniors and their families for more than 50 years.
To learn more about Aging True, visit AgingTrue.org.
St. Johns County needs foster parents
Residents who would like to help St. Johns County’s children and families by becoming a foster parent, adopting a special needs youth or teen, or helping in other ways are encouraged to attend the St. Johns County Family Integrity Program’s orientation session and pre-service training classes.
The orientation session is at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5 in the Kingfisher Conference Room at the St. Johns County Health and Human Services building, 200 San Sebastian View.
Foster parent pre-service classes will be hosted at the same location from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday from Jan. 12 to March 8. The classes will offer participants a variety of educational materials delivered through a format that includes experiences with child welfare professionals presenting on all aspects of the system of care.
A considerable need exists in St. Johns County for family foster homes for teens and teen sibling groups. Prospective caregivers who have special skills to serve in a more therapeutic or medical capacity are encouraged to attend.
Becoming a licensed foster home is not necessary to help young adults moving out of foster care or who are in need of a mentor or family-style support system to assist in directing, encouraging, and supporting them to become successful adults.
To RSVP for the orientation session or pre-service training classes, or to request a brochure, contact Joy Meyerpeter at (904) 209-6131. For more information on the FIP program, visit sjcfl.us/fip.