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.
'Miracle on Ashley Street' scheduled Friday
Clara White Mission will host the 19th Annual "Miracle on Ashley St. Celebrity Chefs & Servers" from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at 613 W. Ashley St.
Each year, the nonprofit organizes community leaders and local chefs to prepare and serve lunch under a big tent on Ashley Street.
This year's event will spotlight the mission's new urban farm project, White Harvest Farms, by preparing menu items from ingredients grown on its Moncrief neighborhood farm.
Sysco Foods and local restaurants will prepare the meal.
More than 150 community leaders will assist in serving the homeless and share a meal with those served.
Scheduled celebrity servers include Mayor Alvin Brown, state Sen. Audrey Gibson, state Rep. Mia Jones and several WJXT TV-4 reporters.
To buy tickets, visit clarawhitemission.org, or call (904) 354-4162.
Proceeds benefit the organization's culinary training program that provides assistance and opportunity for low-income and homeless veterans and individuals.
Charity tennis tournament at Deerwood
Firehouse Subs will present the 39th Annual Firehouse Subs Men's Doubles Tennis Tournament Friday-Sunday at Deerwood County Club.
The tournament is open to the public and attracts nationally ranked players for competition.
Contenders compete in the open division for a portion of a $10,000 prize.
Winners from last year's tournament include Association of Tennis Professionals players Robert Kendrick and Brett Joelson.
On Saturday, families can participate in free activities, such as face-painting and a silent auction, from noon-5 p.m.
Auction items include Jacksonville Jaguars club seats, a Florida Keys vacation and massage sessions.
Proceeds benefit the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides life-saving equipment and support to first responders.
For more information visit firehousesubs.com/Tennis-Tourney-Event.aspx
'Helping Hands' grants available to nonprofits
TRC Staffing Services of Jacksonville has launched a grant program that provides 40 hours of free, temporary help to one local nonprofit each month.
Twelve organizations will receive a Helping Hands Grant worth $1,050 to $2,900 over the next 12 months.
Company President Keith Fairchild created the program to support local nonprofits struggling to meet staffing needs within tight timetables and budgets.
"Service demands for nonprofits are increasing while the public and private funds that support them are decreasing," he said.
Grants can be used to provide administrative, technical, professional, finance, accounting, engineering, managerial, supervisory, marketing, sales, fundraising, project management or similar support.
Recipients are chosen through a review of applications.
For more information or to apply for a grant, contact Elizabeth Brown at (904) 641-1665 or [email protected].
HabiJax building 25 homes
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville is preparing for its annual Blitz Build and needs volunteers to assist with the seven-day event.
The nonprofit has committed to building 25 homes June 1-8 in New Town, a community west of Downtown.
It is partnering with the Northeast Florida Builders Association and hundreds of volunteers to build homes for families who have qualified for HabiJax's homeownership program.
"The Blitz Build is a fun way to give back to the community," said Mary Kay O'Rourke, HabiJax president and CEO.
Volunteer opportunities include assisting in building homes and providing support at the site to help serve refreshments during breakfast and lunch.
Other needs include in-kind donations of construction materials, house builders and house sponsors.
For more information about volunteering, contact Erin Hagen at (904) 208-6674 or visit habijax.org/25th-anniversary-blitz-build.
For information about the program, contact HabiJax at (904) 798-4529.