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 email news, announcements and success stories 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.
‘Rock ‘n Ride’ raises $56,000
Hundreds of motorcycles took to the streets March 17 for Daniel’s “Rock ’n Ride.”
The riders and event sponsors collectively brought in more than $56,000 to benefit programs that serve the abused, abandoned and emotionally troubled children of Daniel.
The bikers departed from the Landing and went on a 60-mile ride to the Beaches and back, highlighted by passing Daniel’s Belfort Road campus where Daniel kids held posters and waved to their benefactors.
“When you round the corner to see the kids waving and smiling, you know this is more than just a motorcycle ride,” said Daniel board member Charlie Metzkes, the event committee chair and a veteran motorcycle rider.
After the ride, bikers and other Daniel supporters returned to the Landing for a party at Mavericks.
Though there was a Van Halen concert package and a guitar signed by members of 38 Special, this year’s highest live auction item was the $1,600 raised for Mayor Alvin Brown to shave WJXT Channel 4 meteorologist Richard Nunn’s head on television.
‘Under the Tent’ awards from Children’s Home Society
Children’s Home Society of Florida, Buckner Division, hosted its annual “Under the Tent” awards ceremony Wednesday to honor local individuals and organizations for their efforts on behalf of area children.
Rob Sweeting, WJXT Channel 4 news anchor and Buckner Division board member, served as master of ceremonies for the event attended by more than 150 people.
The “R. David and I. Lorraine Thomas Child Advocate of the Year” was Marcus Drewa. For more than 45 years, Drewa, former Methodist Medical Center president and CEO, has helped thousands of underprivileged children in the Jacksonville area. Drewa and his late wife Frederica have been generous donors to Children’s Home Society of Florida for many years.
State Rep. Mia Jones was recognized as “Public Official of the Year.” Jones serves on 10 state committees dedicated to helping youth, including, the Education Policy Council, the Elder and Family Services Policy Committee and the PreK-12 Policy Committee.
“Corporate Citizen of the Year” was Fisherman’s Dock. Since 1993, Fisherman’s Dock has been a major supporter of Children’s Home Society of Florida, contributing more than $25,000 through Caring Chefs ticket purchases.
Deanna Hodges was honored as “Volunteer of the Year.” She has worked with hundreds of children and teens residing at the Buckner campus over the past six years.
“Foster Parents of the Year” were Pat and Rob Savela. After their children grew up and moved out, the Savelas became foster parents. The Savelas have helped more than 30 children during their 11 years as foster parents.
Chartered in 1902 in Jacksonville, Children’s Home Society of Florida is dedicated to embracing children and inspiring lives. For more information, visit www.chsfl.org/buckner.
Foundation supports programs for children
The MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation received a $3,500 grant from the Winn-Dixie Foundation to support the “TnT” (Tennis-n-Tutoring) program.
TnT is an after-school program that provides free services to students from kindergarten through high school ranging from homework assistance to life-skills classes and tennis lessons.
“Winn-Dixie has been a huge supporter of our foundation in several ways. The recent grant will help provide additional support for our TnT Program, which takes a multifaceted approach to ensuring academic, social and athletic success of school-aged youth,” said Terri Florio, MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation executive director.
“Winn-Dixie is at the heart of the communities we serve,” said Mary Kellmanson, marketing group vice-president of Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. and president of the Winn-Dixie Foundation.
“We are pleased to partner with the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation as together we work to make our neighborhoods a better place,” she said.