from staff
As our community continues to struggle with a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this page that will each week feature local nonprofit organizations. 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.
Real Sense offers free tax preparation service
In 2003, Mayor John Peyton announced the launch of the RealSense Prosperity Campaign, a community collaboration led by United Way of Northeast Florida, to proactively provide resources to improve the prosperity of our community’s most vulnerable and economically-challenged citizens. Original funding partners included the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, United Way of Northeast Florida and the City of Jacksonville. Wachovia Bank, a Wells Fargo Company, Bank of America, the IRS, SunTrust Bank, Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, the Wal-Mart Foundation and the National Disability Institute have since become funding partners, joining the original three, all of which continue to fund the Real Sense efforts.
Today, with 70 community partners participating in RealSense, more than 300 volunteers offer free tax preparation at 53 tax sites in six counties (Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, Bradford and Putnam) to people of lower-to-moderate income. In addition to free tax service, often resulting in citizens claiming Earned Income Tax Credit for the first time in their lives, RealSense partners offer free financial classes and matched savings accounts (Individual Development Accounts – IDAs) where participants can have their savings matched at $2 for every $1 saved to promote the purchase of long-term assets. These programs help to stabilize individual finances for citizens when they need it the most and enhance the overall economy of Jacksonville.
Since its inception, RealSense has returned approximately $19 million in direct spending power to lower-to-moderate income citizens and increased the number of people helped by almost 800 percent over its first year with an average return on investment of $29 for every grant dollar spent. Approximately $14 million in federal dollars has been infused into our community through Earned Income Tax Credits and another $5 million saved in tax preparation fees. In addition, more than 40,000 student hours have been devoted to enhancing financial skills like money management and budgeting and there have been 198 IDA enrollees resulting in 35 new home owners, two new business owners and three citizens pursuing higher education.
The RealSense Prosperity Campaign is growing each year, with new resources implemented in 2009 to accommodate the hearing impaired and people with disabilities. More than ever before in the country’s economic history, the services offered by RealSense are making a real impact on the financial health of Northeast Florida. For the locations, days and times for free tax sites, call United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 632-0600 or toll-free (866) 318-0211.
– Submitted by RealSense Prosperity Campaign Special Project Coordinator Kim Oullette.
Fashion show fundraiser
PRI Productions will present “The Fashion Cure,” a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Feb. 28 at Linda Cunningham’s boutique in San Marco. Local celebrities will model spring fashions while guests participate in silent and live auctions.
Celebrity models will include Yoanna House, winner of “America’s Next Top Model,” Ch. 25 news anchor Deanna Fene, Ch. 47 anchors Dawn Lopez and John O’Conner and Miss World contestant Aleksandra Kokotovic.
“Fashion and fundraising go hand-in-hand at this premiere event and we can’t wait to turn on the lights and raise money to cure cystic fibrosis,” said Dana Troeger, director of special events for the foundation. “Our event chairperson, Charlene Shirk and honorary chairpersons Bryan and Leah Barker, are sure to make this an unforgettable evening. We encourage Northeast Florida’s fashion-lovers to show their support.”
Reservations are $100 per person and corporate tables and sponsorships are also available. For information, call 733-3560.
Chili contests for charity
The 15th Annual Raymond B. O’Dwyer Sr. “Cookin’ for Kids Chili Cookoff” will be held Saturday from noon-5 p.m. at Metropolitan Park. Admission and parking are free and the chili competition is open to everyone. Activities will include chili sampling, a silent auction, live entertainment and a custom motorcycle show and contest.
Proceeds raised from the event support the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The Springfield Wine Society will hold its Second Annual Chili Cookoff Feb. 28 at the Springfield Womans Club at 7th and Silver streets. Chili entrants include local charities, corporate teams, neighborhood teams and individuals. Each entrant has selected a Springfield-based charity to receive the proceeds of the contest should their chili be selected the winner.
The winning chili will be selected by a panel of judges and a prize will also be awarded in the “People’s Choice” category.
Tasting tickets may be purchased beginning at 1 p.m. for $13 or two for $25 and the winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Last year the event raised more than $1,500 which was donated to Springfield Animal Care and Rescue. For entry information, call 631-9801.
Car wash with a twist
Dozens of local non-profit organizations have found a solution to raising funds in a difficult economic environment by partnering with CarbuX Car Wash. Organizations can select a month for their fundraiser, then choose a four-digit code number that customers enter at the automated car wash. CarbuX tracks each wash purchased with the code number and makes a donation to the organization at the end of the month. There is no charge to the organization.
“We know fundraising isn’t easy right now, but organizations still have important financial needs and we are committed to helping as many of them as we can,” said Sylvia Jaffa, owner of CarbuX Car Wash. “People need to get their cars washed anyway, so why not help community groups benefit from that?”
Both locations, in Mandarin at 11150 San Jose Blvd. and the Northside location at 1555 Dunn Ave., are available for fundraisers. Call 268-8612 for more information.
Sailors and civilians exceed expectations
Military and civilian personnel at Naval Air Station raised $665,000 during the 2008 Northeast Florida-Southeast Georgia Combined Federal Campaign. The campaign for the region raised $2.25 million in contributions that will be distributed among non-profit organizations approved by a committee to become recipients.