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As our community continues to face a challenging economy, the Daily Record provides this page that each week chronicles 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 encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
City contributes to restore Safety Net Fund
The Community Safety Net Fund at The Community Foundation in Jacksonville will receive a $100,000 contribution from the City of Jacksonville, fueling a second round of grants to community safety net organizations in time for winter.
The City Council voted Aug. 10 to make the $100,000 investment in the Safety Net Fund, reallocating dollars originally budgeted for investment in a now-defunct feeding program.
Mayor John Peyton had made the request with the support of outgoing Council President Richard Clark and incoming Council President Jack Webb in June when the Safety Net Fund was reopened.
“We are pleased that the City of Jacksonville not only recognizes the needs facing so many of our citizens, but is eager to partner with us and other private donors to help meet those needs,” said Nina Waters, president of The Community Foundation. “The challenges we face are so great that all sectors must come together to adequately address them.”
The Community Safety Net Fund supports organizations in Jacksonville that provide food, shelter and emergency support for rent and utilities to the needy. The fund began in December 2008 when the Jessie Ball duPont Fund made a $1 million gift to establish the fund at The Community Foundation.
That gift was matched by $500,000 solicited by The Community Foundation from private donors and $100,000 from the City of Jacksonville. By summer 2009, all of those funds had been granted.
Earlier this year, it became apparent that need in Jacksonville was continuing to grow and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund made a gift of $500,000 to reopen the Safety Net Fund. To date, The Community Foundation has solicited an additional $365,000 from other private donors for the Fund.
In July, the Safety Net Fund awarded grants totaling $616,000 to 11 organizations and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund directly supported an additional $319,000 to four organizations.
“These organizations are facing unprecedented demand and we felt it was important to provide emergency funding now,” said Sherry Magill, president of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.
The Community Foundation continues to solicit contributions to the Safety Net Fund and plans another round of grant-making in the fall, as community organizations prepare to support individuals and families through the winter.
The Community Foundation in Jacksonville works to stimulate philanthropy in order to build a better community. The oldest community foundation in Florida, it has assets of $141 million.
Eckert, Hope chair Signature Chefs
The 20th anniversary of the March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Auction will be a “platinum” evening with the announcement of its executive chair, Paul Eckert, general manager of the Omni Jacksonville Hotel, and host committee chair, Gayle Hope of Wachovia Bank and Hope Jewelers.
Eckert was part of the success of previous March of Dimes’ events in Denver. He brings with him years of experience in the hospitality industry as well as a passion for March of Dimes.
“I am honored to be a part of such a well-loved event in the Jacksonville community. This year’s event will not disappoint those in attendance,” said Eckert.
Platinum is the traditional gift for a 20th wedding anniversary. It symbolizes exclusivity and prestige. It’s a fitting theme for the event with Hope, owner of Hope Jewelers in Avondale, leading the host committee.
“I have chaired this event since 2003 and am excited to celebrate its 20th anniversary with all of our guests and chefs. It is sure to be a night of elegance and bling,” said Hope.
The Signature Chefs Auction brings together 300 guests to sample the cuisine of 15 of Northeast Florida’s most talented chefs for a night of food, wine and silent and live auctions.
Area restaurants and vendors on board to create culinary delights for this year’s event include Juliette’s Restaurant, The Art Institute of Jacksonville, Aqua Grill, Bistro Aix, Cantina Laredo, The Capital Grille, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Matthew’s Restaurant, The Melting Pot, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Nineteen at TPC Sawgrass, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery, Sysco Foods of Jacksonville and Tasteful Creations.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
Jaguars honored for service
Jaguars linebacker Russell Allen has been named the Jacksonville Jaguars/Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Community Leader of the Year for 2009. As a result, daniel will receive a $6,000 check on Allen’s behalf from team sponsor Morgan Stanley.
The Jaguars partnered once again with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney to sponsor the Community Leader Award. The award, presented monthly last season, is designed to recognize those Jaguars players making an impact in the Jacksonville community.
Allen spent his rookie season visiting a local juvenile detention center monthly and sometimes several times a month. The center houses juveniles for crimes that range from weapon charges to assault and drug arrests. Allen also made numerous visits to daniel and has expanded his role in 2010 by making weekly visits to the home to speak to the children.