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.
Celebrating Veterans Day on the golf course
The Players Championship's Giving Back Month continued Monday with the annual Birdies for the Brave tournament at TPC Sawgrass.
Wounded military personnel and service members were joined by current and former PGA Tour players, as well as special guests in a tournament to celebrate Veterans Day.
As the teams hit the Stadium Course and Dye's Valley Course, they encountered special activities such as hitting a tee shot while wearing a Kevlar jacket.
Professional golfers included current PGA Tour player Jeff Klauk as well as past players Billy Kratzert, Leonard Thompson and Bob Duval. Special guests included former Jacksonville Jaguars player Tony Boselli and NBA Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore, who is also the city's ambassador for sports, fitness and entertainment.
"The Players Championship is humbled by the opportunity to honor so many deserving men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces," said Matt Rapp, executive director of The Players. "We're extremely grateful to be involved with Birdies for the Brave and to support such a wonderful cause that is very special to the PGA Tour."
Birdies for the Brave is a national outreach initiative that was created by golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, and subsequently adopted by the tour. For more information, visit birdiesforthebrave.org.
Helping to feed those in need
Bank of America contributed $10,000 to Clara White Mission to provide food for low-income, homeless and veterans in the Jacksonville community through White Harvest Farms. Holding the check are Martha Barrett (left) of Bank of America and Ju'Coby Pittman, president and CEO of Clara White.
Helping out a 'buddy'
The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville hosted the 11th annual Buddy Walk on Saturday at the Sea Walk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. The event promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. This year's event brought together an estimated 4,000 people for the mile walk and festivities. Among the members of the team for Molly McLaren (right) are her cousins, Allison and Cady Lee, and her big sister, Maggie McLaren. Molly's team is named Molly's Minions.
St. Vincent's receives $50,000 from Medtronic
St. Vincent's HealthCare received a two-year, $50,000 Health Access Grant from Medtronic Philanthropy in recognition of St. Vincent's continued commitment to improved access to health care in Jacksonville, with an emphasis on chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
The grant will help support St. Vincent's HealthCare programs that provide health care and education to underserved members of the community who would not otherwise have access to safe, quality medical care.
"Medtronic's grant affirms their leadership in recognizing the needs of Northeast Florida residents who are served by St. Vincent's Community Outreach Programs" said Jane Lanier, president and system chief development officer of the St. Vincent's HealthCare Foundation.
The Health Access Grant to St. Vincent's HealthCare is one of 34 grants awarded in communities around the world.
Medtronic awarded a similar grant to the Sulzbacher Center.
Teenager's family continuing his mission to help Wolfson
Before teenager AJ Donohue died of bone cancer in September 2006, he set a goal raising money for Wolfson Children's Hospital to help provide comfort to parents of children with cancer undergoing treatment at the hospital
The day before AJ died, his parents, Bill and Terrilyn Donohue, told him he'd met his goal of raising more than $50,000 for the hospital, where the teenager was treated.
Since then, his family has continued his mission through Team AJ, raising money to enhance family comfort in Wolfson Children's patient rooms and for scholarships for nurses specializing in pediatric oncology.
This morning, Team AJ will present a check for $30,000 to Wolfson Children's Hospital President Michael Aubin, initiating a fund to benefit children in the surrounding nine-county area at the brand new Wolfson Children's at Southeast Georgia Health
The Children's Specialty Center provides outpatient pediatric cardiology and rehabilitation services within the Medical Plaza at Southeast Georgia Health System's Brunswick hospital. Plans are to offer pediatric infectious disease and pediatric urology in the near future, along with other specialty services.
Customer appreciation event to benefit humane society
To celebrate a successful first four months, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is having a customer appreciation day that will also benefit the Jacksonville Humane Society.
Customers can purchase $1 raffle tickets to win Orange Leaf gift cards, merchandise and more at the event at the store at 4820 Deer Lake Drive W. in Jacksonville. All proceeds will be donated to the humane society.
Visitors will also be treated to free frozen yogurt during the 5-8 p.m. event. The raffle drawing is at 7 p.m. Customers must be present to win.
"This is an opportunity to celebrate with our fans as well as give back to this community," Jones said. "Orange Leaf is all about family and community, and being able to donate to the Jacksonville Humane Society is a testament to our willingness to live by the values of the brand."