As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this page 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, success stories and any other information they believe would be of interest to our readers. Email to: [email protected]. We encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide much-needed services with reduced resources.
'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' Saturday
The American Cancer Society turns 100 this year, and the community is invited to participate in the society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising walk.
The annual walks, in nearly 300 communities across the country, help raise $60 million for the American Cancer Society each year. The money funds research to find, prevent, treat and cure breast cancer; ensure access to mammograms for women who need them; and provide free resources and support.
The Jacksonville Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is scheduled at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Jacksonville Landing.
"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer unites us to walk together as the most powerful force to end breast cancer," said Laura Petrillo, manager for Making Strides. "… The money you raise helps the American Cancer Society do the most for people with breast cancer today to end the disease tomorrow."
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. The event also supports the American Cancer Society's mission to fight breast cancer and save lives by helping people stay well by reducing breast cancer risk or finding it early; helping people get well by providing information and support during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in breast cancer research and by fighting back by encouraging lawmakers to enact laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
Visit makingstrideswalk.org to help the society continue saving lives. For more information about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
Gaming for Children's Miracle Network
Families, individuals and game groups are helping sick and injured children treated at Wolfson Children's Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville on Nov. 2 when "Extra Life," a fundraising effort helping Children's Miracle Network Hospitals across North America, adds a life-saving purpose to playing video, board and lawn games.
Gamers can register at extra-life.org and select Wolfson Children's Hospital or UF Health Jacksonville. When a fundraising account and goal is established, participants ask their friends and family to support their "game day."
All funds raised through Extra Life by Jacksonville and Brunswick, Ga., gamers will support the pediatric programs at Wolfson Children's Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville.
To encourage the power of group fundraising, gaming communities who raise the most collective funds can win up to $60,000 for their local hospital.
"Every year since 2008, the gaming community has increasingly embraced Extra Life as a way to give back locally for the love of gaming," said Jeromy Adams, Extra Life founder and program director.
To learn more and to register for this year's Extra Life gaming event, visit www.extra-life.org, Like on Facebook at facebook.com/extralife4kids or follow on Twitter at twitter.com/extralife4kids.
'Vintage Florida' gala Nov. 8
The Beaches Area Historical Society Inc., a nonprofit, has scheduled its annual gala Nov. 8 at the Beaches Museum Chapel.
The event raises money for the operating budget of the Beaches Museum & History Park. The museum collects, preserves and shares the history of Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and Palm Valley.
This year's gala theme is "Vintage Florida," showcasing the historic cottages and chapel on the lawn of the museum's 2-acre park. Participating restaurants include The Fish Co., Ponte Vedra and Palm Valley fish camps, Marker 32, Culhane's Irish Pub, Gregory Paul's Catering, Roy's and Bono's BBQ Jacksonville Beach.
Live and silent auctions are on the evening's agenda and include an African safari; a stay in a private home in Nosara, Costa Rica; a retreat at a Wyoming ranch; and two tickets to the owner's suite for a Jacksonville Jaguars game.
"This year's Gala on the Grounds, on the lawn with dancing in the street, is going to be a fantastic event. We hope to see old friends and new ones come out and enjoy a great evening in support of our mission," said Maarten van de Guchte, executive director.
Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased by calling (904) 241-5657.
Event sponsors include Edna and Maxwell Dickinson; Walter Dickinson; E.J. & Rob Taylor; Hillegass, Chepenik & Hood, CPAs; Morgan Mackenzie Design; Intrepid Capital; Dr. John G. Bordelon; Cornelius Construction; Gloria & Herbert Goelz; Hana Financial; Linda Lanier; Forrest & Bob Parrish and Lori and Jack Schmidt.
The Arc employment team wins $10,000
The Arc Jacksonville has been making change happen for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for almost 50 years.
This year, the organization's annual dinner during National Disabilities Awareness Month became a celebration of change that showcased ideas for innovation in four program areas.
Florida Blue Chairman and CEO Pat Geraghty was event chair and Florida Blue was the innovation sponsor for "Arc after Dark" on Oct. 16 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.
Arc's Employment Services won the "Arc After Dark" $10,000 innovation prize, an internal grant to the program receiving the most votes from guests as the best idea for implementation during the coming year. Director of Employment Services Susan Hamilton and her staff were coached by U.S. Olympic Team qualifier and motivational speaker Almon Gunter to pitch their concept.
They will use the funds to turn The Arc's job coaches into a sales and marketing team. The team will use their winnings for professional sales training, skills assessment, Toastmasters memberships and JAX Chamber workshops.