As our community continues to face a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this feature that each week reports the efforts of local nonprofit organizations and the individuals and businesses that support them.
Bailey Publishing & Communications invites all members of the local nonprofit community to email news, announcements and success stories to [email protected] or 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.
Stanton graduate honored with 4-year FSU scholarship
Kayla Sanders, a 2012 graduate of Stanton College Prep High School’s International Baccalaureate program, has been selected by The Jim Moran Foundation as this year’s North Florida African-American Youth Achiever. The award includes a four-year, needs-based scholarship to Florida State University.
With funding provided through The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at FSU, each year a high school senior in Duval County who qualifies for financial aid and has applied and received admission to FSU is selected for the award.
In high school, Kayla was named a National Achievement Scholar through the National Merit Foundation and an AP Scholar with distinction through the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program.
She was active in numerous organizations, including the History Honor Society, National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.
With a love for theater, Kayla also was involved in many performances and recently inducted into the International Thespian Society.
In the fall, Kayla begins FSU as a freshman. After earning her undergraduate degrees in history and international affairs, she plans to attend law school and hopes to one day work at the United Nations.
“Kayla is a bright and determined young woman who is well-deserving of this recognition,” said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. “With this opportunity and her commitment to education, I’m confident that she will reach her goals and achieve her greatest potential,” he said.
$40K given to Learning for Life
The North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America has received a $40,000 contribution to assist with the Council’s Learning for Life program.
The grant, which was given to the nonprofit organization through the Wal-Mart Foundation’s State Giving Program, will work to support the Boy Scouts’ effort to deliver research-based character education aligned with government standards that guide students in Duval County schools to achieve their full potential.
“We are grateful to Wal-Mart and their associates for making these funds available,” said Jack Sears, Scout executive and CEO for the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Grade appropriate, theme-oriented lesson plans are delivered through the Council’s Learning for Life program to students in participating public schools in Duval County.
Exploring is an aspect of Learning for Life that permits job shadowing for youth aged 14-20 to explore career options in the greater Jacksonville area.
Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
DQ Day benefits Children’s Miracle Network hospitals
On Thursday, communities throughout the U.S. and Canada once again will come together to support children in need during the combined 7th annual DQ Miracle Treat Day.
That day, participating Dairy Queen locations will donate $1 or more from every Blizzard sold to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, which will locally benefit UF & Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Last year, Dairy Queen locations across the U.S. and Canada raised more than $5 million on Miracle Treat Day for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
Since 1984, the Dairy Queen system has raised more than $90 million through fundraising efforts including Miracle Treat Day, the Miracle Balloon campaign and other local initiatives, and is one of the top 10 contributors to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
The Oreo Blizzard, still the most popular Blizzard flavor of all time, will be featured as the Miracle Treat Day “Blizzard of the Day.”
New Blizzard of the Month, Chocolate Candy Shop, as well as the rest of the Blizzard flavors, also will be available on Miracle Treat Day.
For more information about Miracle Treat Day, visit MiracleTreatDay.com.
‘Stuff the Bus’ is around the corner
Community First Credit Union has partnered with First Coast News WTLV/WJXX for Stuff The Bus, the station’s annual school supply drive.
Community First joins Publix Super Markets, The Salvation Army, The United Way of Northeast Florida and Duval County full service schools.
“Thousands of children in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia go without even the most basic classroom necessities and this campaign ensures that these children can begin the 2012 school year on the right foot,” said John Hirabayashi, president and CEO of Community First.
“It’s incredibly easy to take part in the campaign. If you’re out shopping for your own kids, pick up a few extra supplies and drop them in one of our Stuff the Bus barrels the next time you’re at Community First,” he said.
Special “Stuff the Bus” barrels are in place at area Publix Super Markets and Community First Credit Union locations throughout Northeast Florida, ready for school supply donations. The barrels will be in place through Aug. 6.
Distribution in Duval and Clay counties is set for 9 a.m. Aug. 16. Families in need of supplies may apply to participate in the Stuff the Bus program by contacting their local Salvation Army. The deadline to apply in Duval County is Friday.
Companies or corporations wishing to host a drive to collect supplies may call Holly Harmon at 301-4785. Those who would like to help sort supplies for donation may call Clanky Hires at 301-4846.
5K stadium race sends runners through EverBank Field
EverBank Field, the Jacksonville Jaguars and SMG are working together to host the 2nd Annual 5K Stadium Challenge, a fundraising event with proceeds benefiting the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation and 1st Place Sports Running Club.
The 5K Stadium Challenge will be held Aug. 4 and will take place in the evening under the lights at EverBank Field.
1st Place Sports will manage the event with a course both inside and outside the stadium. The run will include all seven levels of EverBank Field and is fit for all ages, complete with a Fun Run and walking courses. T-shirts and medals will be available for everyone.
The race will begin and end outside the South End Zone of the stadium. Runners will begin the course in waves every 15 minutes. To register and obtain full details visit www.1stplacesports.com.
356-2466