from staff
As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this page that will each week chronicle the efforts of local nonprofit organizations. Bailey Publishing & Communications invites 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 encourage 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.
Pet Paradise supports pet therapy
Pet Paradise, the Jacksonville-based chain of pet boarding and daycare facilities, presented a check for $15,000 to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida in support of Pet Therapy, a Community Hospice Service that is not reimbursed by insurance.
By selling Community Hospice’s 2009 Volunteer Pet Therapy calendars in each of their locations, Pet Paradise promoted the calendars and also offered 1,000 free-night-stays at its pet resorts, an in-kind contribution valued at $30,000.
“The Volunteer Pet Therapy program provides a vital service to our patients and families,” said DeAnn J. Collins, executive director of Community Hospice Foundation. “We know that it gives our patients special moments, creates lasting memories for families and enhances life for those in our care. To provide this program, we rely on community support and our annual Pet Therapy calendar.”
Easter baskets needed
Each year, the local chapter of the National Association of Industrial Office Properties (NAIOP) holds an Easter basket drive to benefit the Dreams Come True Foundation. Baskets will be collected Wednesday through April 8 to be distributed to children who are patients in local hospitals.
Baskets may be dropped off at Grubb & Ellis/Phoenix Realty at 10739 Deerwood Park Blvd. or at CB Richard Ellis at 225 Water St. This year’s goal is to collect 81 Easter baskets.
For more details call Heather Prediletto at 399-5222.
Tee off for Habitat
Habitat for Humanity St. Johns County will host a golf tournament for ladies only April 13 at the Marsh Creek Country Club. The cost is $85 per person including golf fees, cart fees, lunch and prizes.
“The lady golfers who have participated in the past not only have experienced a wonderful day of golf, food and fellowship, but they also understand and passionately support the cause for which they are playing,” said Aubrey Mulligan, special events coordinator.
The net proceeds raised at the tournament will be used to construct a Habitat home built entirely by women, with work scheduled to begin later this year.
For reservations, call 826-3252 or e-mail [email protected].
‘Go Red for Women’ results
Nationally, Jiffy Lube centers helped raise approximately $1,351,000 for the “Go Red for Women” campaign. The Jacksonville community helped Jiffy Lube raise $17,010 for the local American Heart Association’s chapter. The Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life campaign also raised funds for heart disease prevention through savings books, which were given to customers in appreciation for a $3 donation to Go Red For Women. The program began Jan. 28 and ended March 16.
“We are so grateful to our customers for making donations to support our local AHA chapter and raise greater community awareness for better heart health,” said Jim Orsi, operational manager at Jiffy Lube. “On their behalf, we are proud to present the American Heart Association with $17,010. We’re honored that we can contribute to important research and development toward wiping out this deadly disease.”
Lyn Hughes, vice president of national corporate relations for the American Heart Association stated, “We extend our deepest thanks to Jiffy Lube for this phenomenal achievement. The Maintenance Partners for Life campaign clearly made a distinct connection with consumers, and the efforts of Jiffy Lube help fight heart disease in our local communities where we all work, play, and raise families.”
Belk Spring Charity Sale to benefit local charities and schools
Belk’s Spring Charity Sale May 2 will once again benefit local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the company’s 16-state market area. Belk’s Charity Sale held last November raised more than $4.5 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations.
The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers a fundraising opportunity for participating organizations and a chance for customers to support worthwhile charities while taking advantage of special discounts on purchases made during the event.
In return for a $5 donation, customers receive a ticket admitting them to the Charity Sale May 2 from 6-10 a.m. and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent on purchases throughout the store. Customers also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double points for card purchases.
Participating local charities will sell the Charity Sale tickets in advance of the event and the proceeds from each $5 ticket will be retained by the charity. Beginning April 24, tickets may also be purchased at the store with all donations divided among the participating charities and schools. There is no limit to the number of tickets charities can sell, and no limit to the amount of money that can be raised. Belk provides tickets and collateral material at no cost to the participating nonprofit organizations.
Charity representatives interested in taking part in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event should contact their local Belk store manager for more information. In order to participate in the Belk Charity Sale, organizations must have an IRS 501(c)(3) designation.
Based in Charlotte, N.C., Belk, Inc. is the largest privately owned department store company in the United States, with more than 300 stores in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in the third generation of Belk family leadership.