by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Club continues annual Antique Show tradition
The Pilot Club of Jacksonville continues to navigate the troubled waters that are the nation’s economy while continuing to help many organizations in the community, and it was recently recognized for its efforts.
The Florida First Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recently honored The Pilot Club of Jacksonville with its 2009 Outstanding Civic Organization Award at its annual “National Philanthropy Day” luncheon at the Hyatt. The Pilot Club of Jacksonville was nominated by Dreams Come True of Jacksonville.
“We look at them as an unsung hero,” said David DeLuca, president of the board of directors for Dreams Come True of Jacksonville. “They have supported us throughout the years, as well as other organizations for decades, and we felt they hadn’t gotten the recognition they deserve.”
The Pilot club joins previous award winners the Meninak Club, Southside Businessmen’s Club, Rotary Club of Jacksonville, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, The Women’s Board of WCH, North Florida Cruising Club, First Coast Car Council and Uptown Civitan Club. The Uptown Civitan Club was the first honoree in 2000.
Chartered in 1934, The Pilot Club of Jacksonville is a volunteer organization of executive, business and professional leaders whose aim is to improve the quality of life in North Florida by supporting organizations that provide valuable services to the community. Some of those organizations are: Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Alzheimer’s Association, Police Athletic League, Children’s Home Society, Girls, Inc., Hospice of Northeast Florida, Hubbard House, P.A.C.E. Center for Girls, Mount Herman School for Exceptional Children, The Food Bank of Jacksonville, Angelwood, I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, Communities in Schools, Mission House, Little Star Center for Children, St. Andrews Lighthouse and Volunteers in Medicine.
“It was a very humbling experience to be recognized with all of those other great people and organizations,” said Sherrill Casey-Bakai, president of Pilot Club of Jacksonville. “This award was totally unexpected and we are grateful for the nomination from Dreams Come True.”
Pilot International, the parent organization of the Pilot Club of Jacksonville, was founded in 1921. The name of the organization was inspired by the riverboat pilots of that era who represented leadership and guidance.
Though not as old as the organization itself, the club’s annual antique show continues to be its biggest fundraiser. The 61st annual show will take place Jan. 22-24 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. Dealers attending the show are coming from around the corner in Jacksonville and from across the country in Texas and Illinois.
“We are having to work a little harder to bring it together because of the economic situation the country is in,” said Casey-Bakai. “We may not have as many dealers that we’ve had in the past, but we will still have a nice show.”
Other honorees from the “National Philanthropy Day” luncheon included Mia and Juliette Shelton, Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy; Prosperity Bank, Outstanding Corporation; The Chartrand Foundation, Outstanding Foundation; Dick and Marcia Morales, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser; and The Jack and Betty Demetree Family, Outstanding Philanthropists.
356-2466