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.
Interline Brands supports HabiJax
Interline Brands Inc., together with more than 125 of its vendor partners, has donated more than $40,000 in maintenance, repair and operations products to Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville Inc. (HabiJax).
The donation, following the company's annual partners conference in Orlando, consisted of hundreds of faucets, plumbing fittings, bathroom fixtures, HVAC equipment, electrical products, tools, cleaning supplies and light fixtures.
The products will be sold at the HabiJax ReStore, a home improvement retail outlet at 5800 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville where new and refurbished home products are sold to the public.
Proceeds from the ReStore provide an important source of funding for HabiJax to build and renovate high-quality, affordable housing for low-income families in the Jacksonville area. All products and materials sold at the ReStore have been donated.
"We at Interline Brands feel privileged to have our valued suppliers who have once again stepped up and donated graciously to such a great cause," said Jonathan Bennett, Interline Brands' chief merchandising officer.
Mary Kay O'Rourke, CEO of HabiJax, said, "The money raised from the sale of these great items will help us in responding effectively to the overwhelming need for affordable housing in the Jacksonville community."
This is the fifth consecutive year that Interline Brands and its suppliers have donated products and materials to a charitable organization.
Since 2010, Interline Brands and its partners have donated more than $165,000 in products to HabiJax.
Interline Brands also supports HabiJax through employees who volunteer to work with the agency on various other homebuilding and donation projects.
Play benefits Guardian ad Litem
Orange Park Community Theatre will present at 8 p.m. Sept. 26 a special performance of the play "Hotbed Hotel" by Michael Parker with proceeds going to help local children in crisis.
Proceeds from the event will go directly to Voices for Children of the First Coast, a nonprofit organization that helps kids through the Guardian ad Litem program for the 4th Judicial Circuit.
The Guardian ad Litem program provides trained volunteers to represent the best interests of neglected and abused children as their cases go through the court system.
For more information about Voices for Children of the First Coast or to purchase tickets for $15 per person, visit voicesforchildrenjax.org.
Bike MS Sept. 28-29
On Sept. 28-29, nine cyclists with multiple sclerosis will set out for Bike MS: PGA Tour Cycle to the Shore as representatives of the "I Ride with MS" program sponsored by Genzyme, a Sanofi company.
The riders will wear special cycling jerseys while riding in the event, seeking to motivate the other 2,000 cyclists along the route and connect participants to the movement to end MS.
"I Ride with MS" program participants ride for many reasons, including to challenge themselves physically and mentally, to motivate other cyclists and to represent those living with MS who can't ride themselves.
For more information regarding the "I Ride with MS" program or Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore, visit bikefln.nationalmssociety.org.
The North Florida Chapter of the National MS Society offers programs and services to more than 18,000 people affected by MS in North Florida.
Funds raised through annual events such as Bike MS contribute to the society's programs and services and support MS research.
Heart Walk Saturday at Metropolitan Park
The American Heart Association First Coast has scheduled the 2013 Heart Walk at 8 a.m. Saturday at Metropolitan Park.
Funds raised support research, education and community programs to help combat heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 killers, respectively, of American adults. The event includes corporate walk teams, friends and family teams, individual walkers, survivors and "lifestyle heroes" who have made positive changes to reduce heart disease and stroke risk factors
The 2013 Heart Walk has again included the "Top Dog" contest. Walkers are encouraged to bring their able-bodied pups for the walk and a social media contest. Leashes are required.
For information about the Heart Walk or to make a donation, call (904) 256-5721 or visit firstcoastheartwalk.org.
St. Gerard Campus receives $30,000 award
The Meninak Club of Jacksonville presented its 2013 Charity Grant award to St. Gerard Campus on Monday. The $30,000 award will provide funds for construction of St. Gerard's new science laboratory classroom. The civic organization annually provides the grant to youth-serving nonprofits to assist with a capital project. St. Gerard, located in St. Augustine, is an independent, nonpolitical and nonsectarian facility that provides assistance to pregnant teenagers and unwed mothers. From left, Meninak President Larry Cobb, St. Gerard founder Caroline Wolff and Meninak Charity Project Chair Claude Moulton. The club meets at the Wyndham hotel.