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.
Children’s Home Society breaks fundraising record
The 29th annual Caring Chefs held Oct. 14 at The Avenues was the most successful fundraising event ever for the Children’s Home Society of Florida, Buckner Division, the society said.
The food-tasting event generated $147,500 in sponsorships and an additional $60,000 from ticket sales.
More than 60 restaurants, caterers and wine vendors showed off their culinary skills and fine wine selections for 2,300 attendees.
TacoLu, a fourth-year Caring Chefs restaurant in Jacksonville Beach, and Seasons 52, a first-time participant, were named best booths by a panel of judges consisting of the nonprofit’s volunteers and food bloggers.
Attendees chose The Capital Grille, fourth year participant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a fifth-year participant, and Café Nola, also in its fifth year, as their fan-favorite booths.
Second Harvest hosts Empty Bowls fundraiser
The 28th annual Empty Bowls Luncheon to benefit Second Harvest North Florida will be held at noon Nov. 13 at the Osborn Center.
This year’s theme is “Take the Pledge to End Hunger One Bowl at a Time” and a $1 donation equates to seven meals.
Each attendee will help provide a minimum of 210 meals with the purchase of a $30-per-person ticket.
A table for 10 is $300 for nonprofits and $600 for businesses.
The event has come to symbolize the beginning of the holiday season by demonstrating community support for those in North Florida who cope with hunger.
Area students, senior citizen groups, potters and ceramic artists have created an original ceramic bowl for every guest and attendees will select a bowl to take home.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wenourishhope.org or call (904) 730-8284.
‘Hope for the Holidays’ workshops held citywide
Community Hospice of Northeast Florida will hold “Hope for the Holidays” workshops during November and December.
The workshops are for families, friends and caregivers who have experienced the death of a loved one and help attendees reflect on their loss, cope with grief and restore a sense of hope.
Community Hospice bereavement counselors will present information about ways to cope with grief during the holiday season and attendees will learn how to refocus energy on positive activities that honor and remember their loved ones. The workshops are free and open to the public.
Find out more about locations and reserve a spot by calling (904) 407-7001.
Joyner-Kersee to speak at Boys & Girls Club dinner and auction
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida will host the 2012 Steak & Steak Dinner & Auction starting at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at 14000 Citicards Way. Six-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee will be the speaker. More information about the event, including sponsorship opportunities, can be found at bgcnf.org.
Family Foundations wins Walmart awards
Family Foundations has been recognized with two 2012 Walmart Performance Awards. The Premier Path Program Award and the Most Improved Program Award were given to the organization because of its Ways to Work program, which provides families with challenging credit histories access to low-interest loans that are used to purchase an affordable used car.
The group issued its first car loan in June 2011 and now has 60 families on the road.
Another 77 families have applied.
200 take part in CIS beach run
More than 200 children and adults participated in the fifth annual Communities In Schools Beach Run on Oct. 13 at Peter’s Point.
St. Michaels Academy placed first with the highest number of participants and won $1,000; Callahan Middle School won $500 for second place; and Hilliard Middle-Senior High School came in third.
Communities In Schools of Nassau County is a nonprofit that serves youth and encourages them to achieve in school and in life.
For more information, visit cisnassau.org or call (904) 321-2000.