by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Companies around the world are being forced to rein in their finances in the face of an uncertain marketplace, but one company demonstrated that it will continue to contribute to its community Monday night.
Bank of America held its “2008 Jacksonville Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Awards” ceremony Monday night at the River Club in Downtown Jacksonville. This program donates funds to “Student Leaders, Local Heros and Neighborhood Builders.”
“Through our signature philanthropic program, the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, Bank of America recognizes, rewards and encourages those who are making a difference in the 45 communities we serve throughout the United States and London,” said Greg Smith, Jacksonville President, Bank of America. “Since the program’s inception in 2004, we’ve committed $90 million to support more than 310 outstanding nonprofit organizations and more than 1,500 individuals and students, including more than $2.2 million right here in Jacksonville.”
The “Student Leaders” program provides funding to allow students to participate in a paid summer internship with a local nonprofit organization and attend a week long “Student Leadership Summit” in Washington, D.C., to develop an understanding for how government, nonprofit and private organizations interact to benefit their communities. Melissa Brown of Paxson High School, Mackenzie Crane of Bishop Kenny High School, Virginia Hickox of The Bolles School, Colby McWinn of Stanton College Preparatory School and Monique Henry of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts participated in the program.
“Local Heroes” recognizes people who donate their time to improve neighborhoods throughout Duval County. Those people selected as “Local Heroes” are given the opportunity to direct a $5,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to an eligible nonprofit organization of their choice.
Linda Ferrigno was recognized for her devotion to one of the many charitable causes she gives her time to, the I.M Sulzbacher Center. It is also the organization she chose to donate to.
Lolita Hill has been involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Jacksonville for 21 years and she will contribute her donations to the Minority Aids Coalition.
Alice Stratton created the nonprofit Beaches Women’s Partnership, which meets the needs of beaches women and families. She will donate to the organization she founded.
Karen Wolfson has served on the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital for 21 years. She is donating to Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital.
Rev. Anthony Wyche founded Second Chance Help Center, Inc. It is a nonprofit organization that “is building beautiful homes in forgotten neighborhoods.” Services have grown to include tutoring, home buying counseling and classes to help people get their GED. He will be donating to Second Chance Help Center.
The “Neighborhood Builders” award provides $200,000 in unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in recognition of their commitment and leadership in the Jacksonville community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida will use the funding to expand its programs in area high schools including Jackson and Sandalwood in Duval County, Orange Park and Green Cove in Clay County and Fernandina Beach in Nassau County. The funding will also benefit the feeder schools of the schools previously mentioned.
Hope Haven Children’s Clinic and Family Center will use the funding to expand its facilities and services so they will be able to eliminate wait lists and develop new programs to promote health and learning.
“We believe we have a responsibility to help strengthen the communities in which we do business,” said Ken Lewis, chairman, CEO and president of Bank of America. “Through the ‘Neighborhood Excellence Initiative.’ we create opportunities for individuals and families to strengthen their neighborhoods and achieve their dreams.”
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