As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this feature 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. Email to: [email protected].
We also encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
NAIOP supports Wounded Warrior Project
NAIOP of Northeast Florida, a regional commercial real estate trade association, recently hosted its 2011 Golf Invitational at Jacksonville Golf & Country Club and raised funds to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
The annual tournament, presented by Midtown Centre, brought together the area’s brokers and commercial real estate professionals for a day of golfing, drawings and good will.
Landon Gentry, long drive champion and North Florida resident, hosted the NAIOP/Liberty Property Trust Charity Long Drive to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, resulting in more than $750 for the organization.
“This invitational was a near sellout for NAIOP and the money raised today will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and all the organization does for our veterans,” said Erika Bjork, 2011 Golf Tournament Committee chair and a broker with Colliers International.
“We want to thank the commercial real estate industry and everyone who attended for their support during this fun golf outing. This was one of our best events yet,” she said.
Organization marks 2,800 dreams
Dreams Come True, the First Coast’s only locally based nonprofit organization dedicated to fulfilling dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses, commemorated its 2,800th dream on Oct. 4.
With dozens of supporters and friends, Dreams Come True threw a dream party hosted by the Westside Wranglers 4-H Club for its 2,800th dreamer, Christopher, a Glen St. Mary resident.
He is a 4-year-old who has been battling leukemia. He was referred by the Nemours Children’s Clinic oncology department.
Through Dreams Come True, and with the support of the Westside Wranglers 4-H Club and its annual Tessa Godwin Memorial Super Ride, Christopher and his family will experience a week-long trip to Walt Disney World.
As part of Christopher’s dream, the family will stay at the Give Kids The World Village and have the opportunity to visit all the Orlando area theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Universal, Islands of Adventures and Sea World.
Holiday grief workshops offered
The holiday season can be challenging for those who have experienced the death of a loved one.
They may find themselves torn between the need to grieve and pressure to participate in the holiday spirit. A loss can be felt more acutely at this time.
To help the bereaved through the difficult time, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida will hold “Hope for the Holidays” workshops throughout November and December.
The Hope for the Holidays program was created for families, friends and caregivers who have experienced the death of a loved one. At the workshops, Community Hospice bereavement counselors will lead discussions and group exercises on ways to cope with grief, and refocus energy on positive activities and rituals that honor and remember their loved ones.
The program is available at no charge and is open to the public, provided with support from the Carl S. Swisher Foundation Inc. Spaces can be reserved by calling 407-6355.
Donate blood for The Donna Foundation
Donating with The Blood Alliance during October means you will be helping fund breast cancer research.
The alliance is donating $1 to The Donna Foundation to honor National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for each blood donation made at any of its donor centers throughout the month.
It is additionally donating $5 for every 50 online accumulated ePoints donated back by donors this month in the Hero Rewards Store located in eDonor at www.igiveblood.com. Comcast is partnering with The Blood Alliance to contribute a monetary gift to the cause.
“The Donna Foundation funds the critical needs of breast cancer patients plus breast cancer research at Mayo Clinic. We are grateful for The Blood Alliance recognizing our life-saving enrichment to the lives of those living with breast cancer,” said Donna Deegan, breast cancer survivor and founder of The Donna Foundation.
To help The Blood Alliance give back to The Donna Foundation (www.donnahickenfoundation.org) donate blood at any alliance donor center. The promotion does not include blood drives on bloodmobiles.
The nearest blood center can be found by using the alliance’s free smart phone app iDon8 or by visiting www.igiveblood.com.
Daniel CEO inducted into hall of fame
Jim Clark, president and CEO of Daniel, has been recognized for his outstanding accomplishments in social work by his alma mater, The Ohio State University.
Clark was inducted into the university’s College of Social Work Hall of Fame. Clark received his Master of Social Work degree from OSU in 1981.
“It is such an honor to be recognized in this way by my alma mater. The Ohio State College of Social Work played such a huge role in shaping my career of helping others. I am so proud to have been selected to join this prestigious hall of fame,” said Clark.
Clark has worked as Daniel’s president and CEO for the past 13 years. He previously served the organization in other roles, including as vice president of programs.
He and his colleagues also designed and piloted Daniel’s Statewide In-patient Psychiatric Program, now used as a model throughout Florida.
Some of Clark’s other accomplishments include being one of the founders of the Jacksonville Kids Coalition. He has also served on the 7th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, chairs the Duval County Juvenile Justice Board and serves on the State Advisory group for Juvenile Justice.