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 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.
Thrivent Financial helps Habijax
HabiJax, the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, has been awarded a grant of nearly $90,000 to fund the construction of a house in Jacksonville as part of “Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity” in 2011.
Nationally, Thrivent Financial announced a commitment of $10.4 million to Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity and its homebuilding program, continuing its support of Habitat’s mission for a sixth year. The funding will make possible the construction of 164 additional homes in 33 states.
Since its inception in 2005, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 2,500 families in the United States and around the world achieve homeownership.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans continues to be one of the largest nongovernment supporters of Habitat for Humanity International. Thrivent Builds has previously funded two homes in Jacksonville, one in 2006 and the other in 2007.
“The Thrivent Builds partnership has helped HabiJax increase the number of families served in our community,” said Mary Kay O’Rourke, president and CEO of HabiJax.
“We are so grateful for Thrivent Financial’s support of our efforts to provide decent, affordable homes in partnership with families in need,” she said.
While Thrivent Financial provides at least 55 percent of the funding for each Thrivent Builds home, local volunteers, many of them Thrivent Financial members and members of area Lutheran congregations, assist with construction and help raise additional funds.
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, also known as HabiJax, was founded in 1988 and has become the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in Duval County.
HabiJax said it is considered to be the most effective Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the United States, having partnered with more than 1,750 families in home ownership.
For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habijax.org.
Panera Bread makes donation
The Children’s Home Society of Florida started 2011 with some extra dough, thanks to Panera Bread’s $2,098.64 donation to the society.
The money was raised during “Drive-Thru for a Cause” Dec. 27 at the new Panera Bread bakery-cafe in St. Augustine.
“We are excited to have a new location in St. Augustine,” said Steve Lisner, who oversees regional operations of Panera Bread in Jacksonville.
“Whenever we open a new location, we like to use it as an opportunity to show our support for our community and the great work that CHS does,” he said.
Panera’s donation to CHS will support its programs to protect children at risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment, strengthen and stabilize families, and find safe, loving homes for children in need.
Panera partners with the society year-round. Through the local “Community Breadbox” program, Panera Bread matches 50 percent of cash donations made by customers and donates it to Children’s Home Society.
Woman’s Club busy with fundraisers
The Woman’s Club of Jacksonville continues in its community outreach through fundraisers.
Recently, a fundraiser earned more than $400 and at the group’s December meeting, the club gave the City Rescue Mission a donation of $500.
The City Rescue Mission is trying to increase the number of beds for homeless women and children from 20 to 80.
On Feb. 9, the club will have another fundraiser, “The Antique Roadshow,” from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at 631 Oak St. Lunch will be served at B. Langston by the Woman’s Club of Jacksonville. For more information or reservations, call 355-6202.
Aetna sponsors health conference
WJCT Public Broadcasting has signed Aetna as a presenting sponsor of “Speaking of Women’s Health,” the annual conference designed to educate First Coast women about their health, well-being and personal safety.
In a ceremony at the WJCT Studios on Jan. 12, Mark LaBorde, president of Aetna’s Jacksonville and Tampa markets, presented a check for $25,000 to WJCT President and CEO Michael Boylan.
This year’s Speaking of Women’s Health conference is Aug. 20 at the Hyatt Downtown. Co-hosted by WJCT and Baptist Health, the annual event features national keynote speakers, free personal screenings and breakout sessions with health and wellness experts.
As a presenting sponsor, Aetna will be represented on the steering committee that plans the event and also will facilitate a breakout session.
“Speaking of Women’s Health provides important health information that educates and empowers First Coast women,” said Boylan. “We value Aetna’s additional support, and welcome its expertise in planning this vital community event.”
Golf tournament seeking sponsors
Organizers of the 5th Annual John Rowan Memorial Golf Tournament are seeking sponsors and auction items for the upcoming tournament, which benefits the Justice Coalition.
The tournament is scheduled March 21 at Hidden Hills Country Club.
Sponsorships are available at the Emerald, Shamrock, Pot-O-Gold, Leprechaun and Clover levels or Memorial Sponsor, which includes a memorial sign of a missing or murdered loved one at one of the 18 holes.
Single player entries are also available. All participants receive a full breakfast and lunch.
Organizers are seeking auction items to be included in either a live or a silent auction. For information or donations, call the Justice Coalition at 783-6312.
The John Rowan Memorial Golf Tournament has been an important fundraiser for the Justice Coalition since its inception in 2006. Nongolfers who are interested in participating can either volunteer or donate.
Visit www.justicecoalition.org for more information or to register for the tournament.
Founded in 1995, the Justice Coalition is a grassroots organization seeking rights for victims in the criminal justice system.
Founder Ted M. Hires Sr. discovered when he and his staff were victimized by armed robbers that the victims of crime had virtually no place in the process of dispensing justice. He created the Justice Coalition to help victims of violent crime throughout Northeast Florida.
The Coalition keeps the public informed and involved through its monthly newspaper, “The Victims’ Advocate.”