Children’s Home Society of Florida, Buckner Division hosted its annual “Under the Tent” awards luncheon March 26 to honor individuals and organizations for their contributions to children.
The R. David and I. Lorraine Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Michael D. Aubin, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Aubin has made a significant impact toward improving the lives of children throughout the First Coast.
City Council member Don Redman was named Public Official of the Year. Redman is a community leader in child advocacy acting as a mentor and working to provide a safe environment for vulnerable children and teens.
Acosta Sales and Marketing claimed the Corporate Citizen of the Year Award for its initiatives benefiting the society and other charities. Acosta has been a Caring Chefs sponsor since 2004.
The Foster Parent of the Year was Vanessa Austin. Over the past few years, she has provided exceptional care for children with a variety of therapeutic needs.
Donald and Mary Riggle were recognized as Volunteers of the Year. The Riggles have devoted their time to meeting the educational needs of the children and teens in the care of the society by volunteering in after-school homework assistance program.
$1,500 grant for Aging True nutrition program
Aging True Community Senior Services has received a $1,500 grant from the Meals On Wheels Association of America on behalf of Subaru of America Inc. for its participation in the company’s sixth annual “Share the Love” event.
For every vehicle sold or leased from Nov. 21-Jan. 2, Subaru donated $250 to the customer’s choice of charity. Meals On Wheels was included for the sixth consecutive year.
Aging True Community Senior Services partnered with Subaru of Jacksonville during the 2013 holiday season to raise funds and awareness of senior hunger in Jacksonville. Associates from the local dealership served as volunteer drivers for the day and delivered meals to seniors on three routes in Subaru vehicles.
For 50 years, Aging True Community Senior Services has provided resources for individuals, families and communities to prepare for and support graceful aging. The organization participates in a network of corporate, civic and community partnerships and works with more than 600 volunteers. To learn more, visit agingtrue.org.
Martin recognized for excellence in social work
Jennifer Martin, manager of psychosocial, bereavement and community grief at Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, was recognized as Social Worker of the Year for 2014 by the regional chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
The award recognizes an individual who has made an impact in their community through advocacy, education and support.
“Jennifer exemplifies excellence and commitment in the social work field in general and in hospice work specifically where she sets a very high standard for her work and for the work of those she supervises,” said Beth Shorstein, chair of the Northeast Florida Unit of National Association of Social Workers.
Shorstein said the work Martin performs is of vital importance within the community, as families and individuals are particularly vulnerable at the end of their lives.
Gate supports Ronald McDonald House
The Gate Foundation is supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities via its spring in-store charity campaign. Through April 21, all Gate convenience stores will sell Ronald McDonald House paper houses for $1 each with proceeds to benefit the charity.
“The Ronald McDonald House Charities provide compassionate programs to the families of critically ill children lessening the burden by providing a warm and caring environment during incredibly trying times,” said Hill Peyton, chairman of The Gate Foundation.
Funds raised will help support programs operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities. The cornerstone is the local house at which families reside during their child’s treatment at a local medical facility.
Other program examples include The Family Room inside Wolfson Children’s Hospital that provides a restful atmosphere to families that utilize the program as well as Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a mobile health care facility operated by St. Vincent’s Mobile Outreach Ministry.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville supports the health and well-being of children by providing lodging and other services for critically ill, chronically ill and seriously injured children and their families.
‘Strides for Pride’ April 19
JASMYN, the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network, will hold its third annual “Strides for Pride” 5K walk and run community-building event at 8 a.m. April 19 in Riverside Park. Citi is this year’s title sponsor.
The event is open to the entire Northeast Florida community, gay and straight of all races and cultural backgrounds. More than 600 participants and spectators supported the event last year.
There will be an after-party at Bold City Brewery immediately following the award ceremony. Event participants who show their race bibs will get their first beer free.
“We are very grateful to Citi, our title sponsor, and our other sponsors for this year’s race,” said Bruce Musser, JASMYN board chairman.
Individuals and teams may register for the event by visiting jasmyn.org.
Bowling for Big Brothers Big Sisters
You can support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida by participating in Bowl for Kids’ Sake.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally, supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Matches are scheduled Saturday and April 12 at Batt Family Fun Center at 1858 Cassat Ave. Visit bbbsnefl.org/bowling to register.