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.
HabiJax 25th anniversary gala Thursday
HabiJax, the area affiliate for Habitat for Humanity, will host a gala to celebrate its 25th anniversary at 7 p.m. Thursday in the courtyard of the Main Library.
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, is the guest speaker.
The event will be in the Jacksonville Public Library Courtyard and will include local cuisine, cocktails and entertainment by Grandpa's Cough Medicine.
In its 25 years, the organization has helped more than 1,850 families in Northeast Florida succeed in homeownership.
"We have so many memories from the past 25 years and are looking forward to celebrating this monumental event with the community," said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O'Rourke.
HabiJax is committing its experience, housing products and services to revitalize the historic neighborhood of New Town and is offering potential homebuyers an interest-free mortgage.
Over the next four years, New Town is planned to include at least 100 new homes and rehabilitation services for 300 owner-occupied homes in the neighborhood.
Tickets for the gala are $75 and registration can be completed by contacting Paula Collett at (904) 208-6631 or [email protected].
The Jacksonville affiliate was founded in 1988 and has become the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in Duval County.
For more information, visit habijax.org.
Fishing tournament to benefit Haven Hospice
The Haven Hospice Family Fun Day is April 27 at the 10th Annual Bass Fishing Tournament, presented by the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.
Family activities are scheduled 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the City dock in Palatka.
Among the activities will be a children's casting tournament, children's fish tank fishing experience, opportunities to have pictures taken with an alligator and other reptiles, music, food, beverage, merchandise vendors and more.
Attendance is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Alisha Barratt at (904) 213-2524.
The bass tournament will start at safe light and anglers are allowed to fish until weigh-in at 3 p.m.
For more information, visit nefarbass.org.
Child abuse prevention conference April 24
The Exchange Club Family Center of Northeast Florida will host its 20th annual Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon and Conference 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 24 at the Jacksonville Marriott.
It is supported by the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation.
The luncheon and conference provide an opportunity for local organizations to discuss best practices in preventing child abuse and to honor distinguished industry leaders for commendable work in the field.
"Each year this conference gives our community's child abuse prevention organizations the opportunity to share experiences and swap notes that will help all of us serve our families more effectively," said club Program Director Prudence Williams. "By empowering parents to learn nonviolent, nurturing parenting skills, we can strengthen families and put a stop to child abuse before it ever begins."
This year's panel will discuss issues such as human trafficking, stress management, overcoming adverse childhood experiences and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Eugene Emory, director of clinical training at Emory University, will serve as the keynote speaker for the conference.
Continuing education units are offered for all conference sessions.
The conference and lunch are open to the public.
For information and reservations, visit exchangeclubfamilycenter.com.
Clay County clinic receives grant
The Way Free Medical Clinic has received a $30,000 grant from the local affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The grant will help the clinic in provide screening and diagnostic mammography services and educational materials for patients.
During the 2012-13 grant cycle the clinic, with Komen's financial assistance, was able to provide breast education to 588 patients and mammography services for 119 patients.
The clinic serves the uninsured, indigent population of Clay County.
Women who are in need of breast education can call the clinic at (904) 531-9504 or email [email protected] for more information.
'Hale & Hearty' run June 1
The Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida on June 1 will have its 2nd Annual Community First Hale & Hearty 7K in Riverside and Avondale.
The race will start at the Riverside YMCA at 7:30 a.m., with the course taking runners through Memorial Park and Riverside Park.
"Community First Hale & Hearty 7K Riverside Avondale is a celebration to connect and engage the neighborhood in a healthy activity," said John Hirabayashi, president and CEO of Community First Credit Union, which sponsors the series.
Runners will head west from the YMCA on Riverside Avenue, and continue through Five Points and its connected blocks of shopping, retail and housing located on Oak Street.
The run will finish at the YMCA in time for runners and walkers to participate in the Community First Saturday event.
Another feature of the race includes text coupons for participants. After a runner passes each of the 1-mile markers placed throughout the race course, they will receive a text message on their cell phone rewarding them with coupons for use at a Riverside business. Runners will have an opportunity to win prizes during post-race festivities.
For more information, visit haleandhearty7K.com.