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 encourage our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they continue to provide much-needed services with reduced resources.
Realtors raise almost $26,000 for Haven Hospice
The 10th Annual Northeast Florida Association of Realtors Bass Fishing Tournament raised almost $26,000 to benefit Haven Hospice.
This year, Haven Hospice added a Family Fun Day to the event.
Children took part in a casting tournament hosted by the University of North Florida Bass Fishing Club, with Cody Godfrey winning first place and a new fishing pole.
This year's fishing event had 92 boats, 20 more than last year.
The big winners were Wally Johns and Ryan Worthington, whose fish weighed in at more than 23 pounds and earned them $2,500. They also won $1,000 for bringing in the biggest fish, which weighed just less than 9 pounds.
Frank Streeter and James Cook came in second place and won $1,500 for their five fish, which weighed just less than 23 pounds.
Allen Hopper and Chad Willoughby won $1,000 for third place.
The association presented Hospice Haven with a check for $25,759 at the end of the tournament, which is $7,000 more than last year.
Since the association began hosting the event, it has donated more than $187,000 to Haven Hospice.
All donations benefit the Roberts Care Center in Palatka.
HabiJax celebrates 25 years
Burlap tablecloths and bright centerpieces were incorporated into Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville's "Home Sweet Home" gala at the Jacksonville Public Library Courtyard, where more than 160 people gathered to celebrate 25 years of turning the dream of homeownership into a reality for more 1,850 families.
HabiJax, the Jacksonville affiliate for Habitat for Humanity, raised more than $25,000 that will benefit building houses for more Jacksonville families.
"We were overwhelmed at all who chose to spend the evening celebrating with us," said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O'Rourke.
The evening included entertainment by Grandpa's Cough Medicine and special guest speaker Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.
HabiJax has provided homeownership to more than 1,850 families since 1988. Combined with its other homeownership services such as critical home repair, weatherization, rehabilitation and housing counseling, HabiJax has served more than 7,500 families.
HabiJax was founded in 1988 and has become the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in Duval County. HabiJax also offers owner-occupied repairs to families who cannot afford it.
For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit habijax.org.
$77,000 of aid for autism
The 9th Annual Jacksonville School for Autism Charity Golf Classic raised awareness of the developmental disorder and provided more than $77,000 for the school.
Incepture, a Jacksonville-headquartered staffing company, was a title sponsor for the event at Deerwood Country Club, which raised funds for the Jacksonville School for Autism.
"April is Autism Awareness month and this event is an important way to remind the public of this serious issue that strikes at a young age," said Libby Kelly, marketing manager at Incepture and vice chairman of the board for the school.
"The causes of autism are not yet known, but the Jacksonville School for Autism helps young people with the disorder to learn in an environment tailored for their unique needs," she said.
There were 136 golfers and volunteers who participated in the tournament.
Autism affects one in 88 children and one in 58 boys are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The school is a 501c3 not-for-profit school dedicated to helping children with autism achieve a solid foundation for learning and communication.