As our community continues to struggle with a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this page that will feature local nonprofit organizations each week. We invite all members of the local nonprofit community to submit news, announcements, success stories and any other information they feel would be of interest to our readers. E-mail to: [email protected].
We also hope that this will enable our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they try to continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
New Web site a clearinghouse for philanthropic opportunities
Some people have what they call their “favorite charity.” Some people are dedicated to a cause. Some people know how much money they’d like to invest philanthropically, but haven’t decided where to contribute.
The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida has launched a Web site that fits the needs of all three types of people.
When you visit www.wegive.org you’ll find a wide range of philanthropic opportunities that will support Northeast Florida’s IRS-sanctioned 501(c)3 nonprofit corporations.
“As the City and state budgets have gotten tighter, nonprofit organizations are diversifying their funding sources,” said Rena Coughlin, CEO of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida.
“Most organizations have incredibly small technology budgets, but we think it’s very important for organizations to catch up to the world of technology. That’s why we created WeGive.org,” she added.
Funded by grants from the DuBow Family Foundation and the Henry and Lucy Gooding Trust, the Web site allows a nonprofit organization to take advantage of the Internet to raise funds. Coughlin predicted the site will also help non-profits improve their marketing efforts, “Because before they post on the site they have to think about how to explain what they do.” She also said research indicates Web sites attract younger donors as well as first-time donors. It can also be a teaching tool.
“Parents can purchase gift certificates and give them to their children who log on to the site, learn about the many charities in North Florida and then decide where they would like to begin their practice of philanthropy. It’s also a way for children to learn about community needs and the issues that face other people,” said Coughlin.
Rotarians present Gingerbread House Extravaganza
For the past six years the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville in association with the Rotary Club of North Jacksonville and Rotoract has organized a special event at the Jacksonville Historical Society. For the sixth consecutive year, Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church on A. Phillip Randolph Boulevard near the Baseball Grounds is decorated with more than 50 handmade gingerbread houses.
The event has raised more than $450,000 for area nonprofit organizations including Ronald McDonald House, Habijax and other local charities.
The gingerbread houses are created by local individuals, restaurants, bakeries, country club chefs, architects and organizations.
The exhibit is open Wednesday-Saturday and Dec. 21-23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-16 years.
Donation from Downtown Historic Church Tour
The 2nd Annual Downtown Historic Church Tour held Dec. 6 expanded from seven to nine churches including Old St. Andrews and Greater Hill Temple Faith United. The attendance also grew this year to more than 1,000 people. Twenty percent of the paid admission ticket sales were donated to the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition (ESCH). Downtown Vision Inc. presented a check for $816 to ESCH at its membership meeting Dec. 11.
Milk and cookies with Santa to benefit food bank
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is partnering with Winn-Dixie to host the inaugural “Milk and Cookies with Santa” Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition to refreshments and Santa, guests who bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank will receive $2 off zoo admission. “We hope the result is Santa will have a sleigh full of food to deliver to the food bank, helping address the area’s hunger this holiday,” said Terry Lynn Grooms, manager of corporate donations for Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
Quarterback completes pass for families and children in need
Jaguars QB David Garrard is honorary chair of this year’s fundraising campaign for “Bright Holidays.” He will surprise dozens of families Friday when he knocks on their doors to deliver food, clothing, infant and school supplies and gifts to those who might not otherwise have them. “Bright Holidays” works with principals at Duval County Public Schools to determine who is in need of assistance. For more information, visit www.brightholidays.org.
Stellar hosts holiday luncheon at Sulzbacher Center
Employees of the design, engineering and construction firm Stellar will prepare and serve a holiday meal Friday at 11 a.m. for the homeless at the Sulzbacher Center. The volunteers will also deliver toys for the children and Stellar will provide live music, games, clowns, face painting and a visit from Santa Claus.
“The Sulzbacher Luncheon has become an annual event here at Stellar that all of our employees look forward to,” said Director of Public Relations Ali Korman. “Stellar is committed to giving back to the community and to those who may not be as blessed as we are during the holiday season.”
For more information about programs that serve homeless men, women and children, visit www.sulzbachercenter.org.
More than the Nutcracker from Florida Ballet
The Florida Ballet is offering two ways to make a difference this holiday season. A donation of $15.50 will send a child from a low-income family to a performance of The Nutcracker presented by Winn-Dixie. A contribution of $100 will honor a returning military veteran and their spouse with dinner at either bb’s or Biscotti’s and two tickets to the Nutcracker. Ballet performances are Friday evening, Saturday (matinee and evening) and a matinee on Sunday at the Florida Theatre. To use your credit card through PayPal, go to to http://floridaballet.org/holidaygift.html.