by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The Northeast Florida division of the Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund Inc. held its holiday party Dec. 6 and, in addition to celebrating the holidays, said goodbye to two retiring judges and raised money for the scholarship fund.
“It’s a great organization. Compensation claims is such a small group that we all know each other,” said Tara Sa’id, immediate past co-chair. “It’s also a great cause.”
The Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund Inc. was founded in 1991 and the organization has since raised about $1 million to assist more than 539 qualified college students earn their degrees.
During the 2010-11 selection scholarship process, the organization awarded $104,100 in scholarship funds to 47 applicants throughout Florida.
The 501(c)(3) charitable organization consists of a membership of attorneys, doctors, insurance adjusters, compensation claims judges, claims administrators, rehabilitation providers and others whose primary employment is connected within Florida’s Workers’ Compensation system.
Throughout the year, members raise scholarship funds to aid students who lack the economic ability to continue their education beyond high school or to further their college education.
The local division raised $4,100 for the fund at its holiday party at The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Avondale.
Along with fundraising, the group raised its glasses to two judges of compensations claims who were retiring to the warmer temperatures in Central and South Florida.
Judge Neal Pitts plans to retire to Orlando and Judge Stephen Rosen to St. Petersburg.
The organization also elected new leadership with Heather Byrer Carbone and Blake Hood becoming the co-chairs. Tara Sa’id and Ray Holley stepped down as co-chairs.
The Friends of 440 meets the first Friday of every month at the Mudville Grille, 3105 Beach
Blvd.
356-2466