A 2015 Mazda5 multiactivity vehicle was donated to the North Florida Region of the American Red Cross.
It will be used to deliver emergency supplies and services to families affected by disasters, resources to military members coming home after deployment and materials to train people in lifesaving skills such as CPR, AED and first aid.
As members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program, Mazda North American Operations helps the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters.
Mazda also will supply 17 vehicles to other Red Cross chapters.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation awarded $83,250 in workforce development and education grants to seven Northeast Florida nonprofits.
The grants support groups that provide job-skills training, employment placement and education programs.
Workforce development and education, food insecurity, and housing are top priorities of the foundation.
“While our economy continues to improve, low- and middle-income individuals across the country are still struggling to find jobs due to the skills divide and the need for job training and post-secondary education,” says Greg Smith, Northeast Florida market president for Bank of America.
Local organizations to receive the grants are:
• Jacksonville Chamber Foundation, $30,000, for the group’s Entrepreneurial Growth Division. The program provides entrepreneurial assessments, business counseling, education, mentoring and connections for business start-ups, emerging and existing small businesses and mid-size companies.
• Hope Haven, $10,250, to hire a part-time coach with Hope Academy-Project SEARCH Employment Services. The program provides workforce training for people with disabilities.
• Catholic Charities, $6,000
• Communities In Schools, $12,000
• City Year Inc., $10,000
• Florida State College Foundation, $10,000
• Learn to Read, $5,000.
For more information on nonprofit programs and services that may qualify, visit bankofamerica.com/foundation.
Through Night to Shine, the Tim Tebow Foundation financially sponsored 44 host churches in 26 states and three countries to create a prom night experience for people with special needs, ages 16 and older.
The foundation will continue the tradition Feb. 12 at up to 100 churches.
Each host church will receive up to $8,500, in addition to a detailed prom manual and prom kit full of special decorations and gifts for guests.
At the inaugural event, 15,000 volunteers and 7,000 guests participated. Each prom included a red-carpet entrance complete with “paparazzi,” limousine rides, hair and makeup stations, shoe-shining areas and the dance floor.
The guests received either a crown or a tiara to serve as a reminder that they are all kings and queens.
“We want to show each and every guest that they are special and they are loved,” said Tebow. “This is a night to celebrate who they are as a child of God, and to remind them that in God’s eyes, we are all kings and queens.”
Looking for a pet that fits your lifestyle?
Join First Coast No More Homeless Pets for the summer Mega Pet Adoption.
The event will have more than 1,000 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from local shelters and rescues available for adoption.
All pets are microchipped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and come with a city license.
They also will receive a free exam from our veterinary clinic when adopted.
The adoption fee to be determined. Adoptions for all active and retired military are free, courtesy of Doc Tony’s sponsorship.
The event is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 17-19, at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place.
Community Connections will honor Mark Lamping and the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 24, at EverBank Field.
Tribute: A Celebration of Achievement is Community Connections’ annual fundraising event that honors the commitment community leaders make to the advancement of families and children.
Lamping and the Jaguars are longtime supporters of Community Connections and will receive the 2015 Florence N. Davis Award for Community Achievement.