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Highlighting Jacksonville’s Philanthropic Community
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 believe 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.
Walk to support ALS research
More than 1,000 people will gather Saturday at Seven Bridges Grille near Tinseltown to join in a fight to find a cure for a deadly illness. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the Jacksonville community is rallying to change that.
Wheelchair-bound patients, along with their families and friends, will make a 2-mile trek in The Walk to Defeat ALS, hoping their paths will make a difference for ALS patients living in the area. Many who walk have a loved one who is fighting the deadly disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one who lost the battle. Many people without a personal connection walk out of a concern for those who are suffering the disease.
The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event. All funds will directly support research and patient care. Last year, the events raised more than $950,000 around Florida.
For information, call 888-257-1717 or register online at www.WalktoDefeatALS.org.
Deutsche Bank employees recognized as top volunteers
Deutsche Bank Jacksonville will receive the “Volunteers Mean Business Award” from HandsOn Jacksonville, a community volunteer agency. The award is presented to a business or corporation that has demonstrated an extraordinary degree of community involvement and volunteer service.
“Being selected as the top employee volunteer program in Jacksonville is an honor and testament to our volunteer and philanthropic efforts,” said John Lafond, head of Deutsche Bank Jacksonville. “Corporate citizenship and social responsibility are an important part of our culture and we are committed to helping make a difference in the communities we serve.”
In 2009, Deutsche Bank employees volunteered more than 1,700 hours in the Jacksonville community through efforts benefiting more than 30 local nonprofit organizations. Deutsche Bank sponsored 23 local events and its employees participated in 53 community events.
The international financial institution supports local charities focused on improving the community in the areas of housing, poverty alleviation, employment and education through financial contributions and employee volunteer hours.
The Volunteers Mean Business award and other volunteer awards will be presented at HandsOn Jacksonville’s Celebration of Service black-tie event Thursday at the Times-Union Center.
Fashion show benefits students at City Rescue Mission
Fashion, fun and fellowship is the theme of this year’s Women of Change Fashion Extravaganza for City Rescue Mission’s LifeBuilders students. The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 30 at City Rescue Mission offices at 426 S. McDuff Ave.
It will feature a fashion show and an opportunity to purchase the clothes.
“Women in our LifeBuilders program are undergoing a huge change in their life,” said Patrick Hayle, executive director of the City Rescue Mission. “The Women of Change Fashion Extravaganza helps builds their esteem during this transitionary period in their lives, while raising money for the LifeBuilders program.”
As part of the show, attendees will be able to buy the outfits the women showcase on the runway, either for themselves or to give to the women. Cynthia Montello, president of the Montello Agency, will be the emcee for the evening.
“I am thrilled to be part of such a wonderful event,” said Montello. “It is a great way to help these women recognize and appreciate their true beauty, inside and out.”
Tickets are $10, with all proceeds benefiting City Rescue Mission. Attendees are invited to a private reception at 6 p.m., which requires an RSVP. To RSVP or for more information, call Princess Evans at 387-4357, ext. 4230, or e-mail [email protected].
The LifeBuilders program is a ministry designed to rebuild lives that have been broken by substance abuse and other life-controlling problems. For many students at City Rescue Mission, it is the first step toward taking charge of their lives and beginning a sober path to recovery. Over time, they pursue jobs at City Rescue Mission in positions such as food service workers, receptionists and administrative assistants.
There are 165 students enrolled in the LifeBuilders program at City Rescue Mission. For more information about LifeBuilders, visit www.crmjax.org.
City Rescue Mission is a nonprofit, faith-based organization Downtown that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946.
Butterfly festival at Tree Hill
Tree Hill in Arlington is hosting its annual Butterfly Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The event is highlighted by the release of thousands of butterflies.
There will be live music, games, food and environmental educational activities. The Monarch Mall will feature vendors who display art, jewelry, live plants and more.
Sponsors are Entertaining U, WJCT, Environmental Services Inc., JAXPORT Gallery, Coastal Companion.com and Natural Awakenings.
Tickets to the festival are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and military personnel and $2 for children. Tree Hill is at 7152 Lone Star Road. For information, visit www.treehill.org.
Tree Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays and holidays.