As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this feature that will each week chronicle the efforts of local nonprofit organizations.
Bailey Publishing & Communications invites all members of the local nonprofit community to submit news, announcements and success stories by email to [email protected].
We also encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
Senior volunteers honored
Seniors on a Mission, a nonprofit organization that engages live-alone-at-home senior citizens in team-oriented volunteerism at Northeast Florida nonprofit organizations, recently honored more than 300 senior volunteers at its 4th Annual Filet Mignon Luncheon.
In addition to the three-course lunch service, the volunteers were treated to an announcement of the 2012 Seniors on a Mission Ambassador Pat Boone, an awards presentation of the 2011 Senior Saint Awards and a choice of household items donated by Bed Bath & Beyond.
“We truly love and appreciate our senior saints for their generous service to our local nonprofits. This is only a small token of our immense appreciation,” said Executive Director Joanne Hickox.
“We are so thankful for the Lakewood United Methodist Church allowing us to use their gymnasium and for the 75 amazing volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a success,” she said.
Announced by a video presentation, senior saints were the first to hear that Pat Boone, the famous singer, actor, producer, author, motivational speaker and native of Jacksonville, will serve as the inaugural Seniors on a Mission Ambassador for 2012. He was installed to help spread the spirit of the Jacksonville-based nonprofit.
After the video, Hickox presented the 2011 Senior Saint Awards celebrating those who attended the most community service projects, or “mission trips,” in 2011. The top honor presented, the
2011 Mighty Missionary, was awarded to Nancy Mays for attending 80 mission trips in 2011.
Founded by Hickox, Seniors on a Mission exists to encourage live-alone-at-home senior citizens to live longer, healthier and more grace- and purpose-filled, independent lives.
The Jacksonville-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides seniors with service project opportunities benefiting Northeast Florida’s nonprofit community. To date, the organization has engaged 400 Senior Saints, donated 24,000 community service hours and saved local nonprofit organizations $490,000.
More information about Seniors on a Mission is available by calling 551-4373 or by visiting seniorsonanmission.org.
Calling all football fans
St. Vincent’s Mary Virginia Terry Cancer Center is offering the chance to show off your football trivia knowledge at a free “Know Your Stats about Prostate Cancer” event.
Know Your Stats will feature food, trivia and prizes for the top three teams, as well as the opportunity to learn about some new numbers — those associated with prostate cancer.
The event is scheduled Thursday at Seasons 52 at the St. Johns Town Center. Check-in is 5:30 p.m. with the festivities slated for 6-8 p.m. All guests will receive a gift bag that includes prostate health information.
The center encourages men over the age of 40 to talk with their doctors about their PSA (prostate-specific antigen) score and receive regular physical exams. Know Your Stats will highlight what men should do to maintain their health regarding prostate cancer.
Space is limited for the event, so reservations are a must. To register, call 308-6155 or visit jaxhealth.com/prostate40.
Grant applications requested
The North Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Inc. is accepting applications for grant funds for 2012-13 for programs that reduce breast cancer mortality, especially among those who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 17. For information or an application, visit www.komennorthflorida.org.