by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
The Northeast Florida Builders Association didn’t have their board meeting at the NEFBA offices last month. Instead, members gathered at Trinity Rescue Mission for omelettes and coffee to hold their meeting followed by the opening of the Trinity Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Shelter in downtown Jacksonville.
NEFBA members made $800,000 of in-kind cash donations to the shelter. Construction began in July 2005 and was finished nearly three months ahead of schedule.
The 14,000-square foot emergency shelter can house nearly 100 women and children and is expected to serve 1,200 women every year.
Several Jacksonville elected officials attended the opening, including Mayor John Peyton, who advocated for the local support of citizens.
Speaking to charitable organizations, Peyton said, “You don’t have to go abroad. You can do it right here.”
The opening was attended by more than 200 people.
Here are some other items addressed at this month’s Board meeting:
• NEFBA’s charitable foundation gave $2,500 to the Downtown Ecumenical Services Big Bubba Catfish Tournament Council to help families in need. Chairman Ruven Galven accepted the check.
• City Council President Michael Corrigan was the guest speaker. It was Corrigan’s third time addressing NEFBA. The first was when Builder’s Care renovated a house in his district and the second was at last month’s Good Neighbor Award luncheon.
“Your reputation in the city has never been better,” said Corrigan.
He further addressed Jacksonville’s crime issue and Peyton’s use of prayer to curtail it. He noted different organizations that tried to issue an injunction against Peyton’s Day of Faith recently. “Imagine if that same society tried to stop NEFBA,” he said. “We’ve got to fight.”
• NEFBA President Jerry Linder asked members to sign a resolution drafted by NEFBA’s board advocating continued support for the public policy established by the Mayor and City Council regarding the privatization of Cecil Commerce Center. The resolution was passed by the members unanimously.