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. Email 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.
Epilepsy Foundation wins social media competition
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc. has named the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida the August winner of its “The Pursuit” social media campaign.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizure disorders at the local, county and state level.
The foundation provides services to individuals and their families, regardless of their financial situation, serving more than 360,000 Floridians.
Designed to highlight and reward nonprofit organizations that assist Floridians in their pursuit of health, each month “The Pursuit” campaign features three philanthropic organizations on the company’s Facebook Fan page that have created new health, wellness, educational or social empowerment opportunities for underserved communities throughout the state.
Florida residents are then invited to vote for the nonprofit that most resonates with them. Blue Cross Blue Shield awards $3,000 to the nonprofit with the most votes and gives the runners-up $1,000 each.
Started in early 2011, organizations previously named Pursuit winners include Florida’s Vision Quest (March), Rails to Trails Conservancy (April), Memories of Love (May), the PACE Center for Girls (June) and American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund (July).
Vote for your September nonprofit of choice at www.facebook.com/BCBSFL.
Justice Coalition seeks nominations for Ted Hires Awards
The Justice Coalition is accepting nominations for the 2011 Ted Hires Legacy Awards, which will be handed out at the 3rd annual Ted Hires Legacy Dinner Nov. 3 at the Morocco Shrine Center.
There are three categories for nominees: Ted Hires Legacy Outstanding Citizen Award, Ted Hires Legacy Outstanding Business Award and Ted Hires Legacy Outstanding Government Official Award.
The Citizen Award recognizes either a victim or survivor of violent crime who has exhibited exceptional perseverance or determination or an individual who has acted bravely either to aid a victim or to prevent victimization.
The Business Award recognizes a local business owner, corporation or organization outside the victim assistance field for its service and/or contribution to victims of violent crime.
The Government Award honors a government official, agency or organization for its service to victims of violent crime.
The Justice Coalition will be accepting one nomination per person in each category and nominations must be submitted by Thursday.
The Ted Hires Legacy Dinner was established by the Justice Coalition and community leaders to become a lasting tribute to founder Ted Hires.
The event will help the Justice Coalition raise funds to carry on his legacy and continue its work assisting victims and their families in Northeast Florida. Sponsorships are available at four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze.
For more information on sponsorships and nomination guidelines, call Rebecca Dugger at 783-6312 or visit www.justicecoalition.org.
Moran named honorary chair for ‘Race for a Cure’
Audrey Moran has been named honorary chair of the 17th Annual Susan G. Komen North Florida Race for the Cure, announced Bruce Grob, executive director of the North Florida Komen affiliate.
This year’s event is scheduled Oct. 22 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.
The Susan G. Komen North Florida affiliate is part of one of the largest organizations in the country working to put an end to breast cancer.
The Race for the Cure is a 5K walk/run that places emphasis on breast cancer survivors and families of loved ones who have struggled with the disease.
The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 participants and volunteers.
According to Grob, 75 percent of the funds raised by the race, and other events held by Komen North Florida, are used to award grants to local hospitals and clinics that provide free mammograms, biopsies, educational materials, genetic testing and transportation assistance to disadvantaged residents in the five-county North Florida area.
Since the race began, the organization has awarded more than $1.5 million to help people in the community.
The remaining 25 percent of money raised supports the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.
The organization has become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world and a Komen grant has touched every major breast cancer breakthrough of the past 29 years, said Grob.
Sponsors of this year’s Race for the Cure include PRI Productions, WJXT Channel 4, First Coast Sports, Baptist Health, Beson4 Media Group, BJs Wholesale Club, Body Central, Chamberlain College of Nursing, Clear Channel Radio, The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville Magazine, Local Edge, Riverside Arts Market, Sam’s Club, Stein Mart, SunTrust and Willman Consulting Inc.
Individuals and teams may register for the Race for the Cure at www.komennorthflorida.org. Volunteers may also sign up to help out on race day at the same website.
For those who may have a conflict or are unable to join the race, a “Walk for Awareness” will be held Oct. 23 at the University of North Florida. For details, visit www.komennorthflorida.org.