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.
HabiJax recognized for New Town
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville Inc. has been honored with the American Institute of Architects Community Service Award for its continued work and commitment to the revitalization of the New Town neighborhood.
The award is presented by AIA Jacksonville and recognizes an organization that has made a significant effort in contributing to the advancement of architecture, the arts or the environment within the community.
"Receiving this award from a well-respected organization is a tremendous honor," said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O'Rourke.
"The neighborhood of New Town is coming to life, with our first fully furnished model home and upcoming Blitz Build," O'Rourke said.
"It means a great deal to know we have the community's support and we share this honor with those who have contributed to fulfilling our mission of eliminating substandard housing in Jacksonville by building and promoting high quality, affordable housing," she said.
To make a greater impact in Jacksonville neighborhoods, the organization is committing its experience, housing products and services to revitalizing the New Town neighborhood and offering potential homebuyers an interest-free mortgage.
Over the next three years, New Town is planned to include at least 100 new homes and rehabilitation services for 300 owner-occupied homes.
HabiJax was founded in 1988 and become the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in Duval County. It has partnered with more than 1,850 families in home ownership and offers owner-occupied repairs to families who cannot afford it otherwise.
For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit habijax.org.
Lemonade stand at Nocatee in Ponte Vedra
Toll Brothers on June 8 will again support the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in more than 60 participating communities.
Participating communities, such as Coastal Oaks at Nocatee in Ponte Vedra, have scheduled lemonade stands as part of the foundation's "National Lemonade Days" weekend.
Proceeds from the event and personal donations will benefit the foundation.
The foundation started from the front-yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott, who in 2000 announced she wanted to have a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for children with cancer. Scott died in 2004 and the foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising program.
"Our homeowners and their children will assist us in hosting the lemonade stands at our community, and we look forward to a fun-filled day for a wonderful cause," said Toll Brothers North Florida Division Vice President Greg Netro.
Foundation presents 'Jacksonville's Finest'
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of North Florida has selected its honorees for this year's "Jacksonville's Finest" event, previously known as the "Single Greatest Night."
Forty men and women between the ages of 21-39 will be recognized for their leadership qualities, being active in the North Florida community and helping to make a difference in the fight to cure cystic fibrosis.
Honorees will be recognized at a June 22 black-tie optional dinner and reception at the Omni Downtown.
"We have a great group of honorees this year, representing some of Northeast Florida's largest companies and industries as well as several who own their own businesses," said Odette Struys, event chair.
"Our honorees also volunteer their time to numerous local organizations and nonprofits and we are extremely grateful for their support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation," she said.
Each honoree has committed to raise a minimum of $1,500 for cystic fibrosis medical research through individual and group fundraising efforts leading to the event.
Donations to support individual honorees in meeting their fundraising goals can be made online at nfl.cff.org. Since 1997, more than $1 million has been raised for the foundation through the event.