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.
$1 million pledged for tutors and mentors
The McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation will commit $1 million over the next five years for after-school tutoring and mentoring, teen development and early learning programs.
Through the free programs the foundation hopes to increase the high school graduation rate among students in Duval County.
The organization operates two McKenzie's Academic Resource Centers in Jacksonville, located in communities with large populations of at-risk students.
The centers are open every day after school and are operated by volunteers, including teachers and teen mentors. Each center provides opportunities for more than 300 students.
"Our mission is to help young people recognize their full potential, and one of the best ways to do that is to empower youth through education," said Blake Wilson, CEO of the foundation. "Students at McKenzie's Academic Resource Centers are being provided the opportunity to receive extra academic support in an effort to get better grades, to graduate high school and to continue to excel through college."
The money will be used for teachers, support services, books, computers, transportation for students to visit local colleges and a summer day camp.
For more information, visit caregivegrow.org
Men Go Red Saturday at Adamec Harley-Davidson
American Heart Association Men Go Red and Adamec Harley-Davidson will sponsor the inaugural Heart Ride Goes Red Motorcycle Ride.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at 8909 Baymeadows Road. The ride is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The suggested donation is $25 per rider, $15 per passenger.
An after party is scheduled from noon-2 p.m. at the store.
Men Go Red supports and advocates for the cardiovascular health of the women.
Amy Gregorio, 2013 Mrs. International, and Jesse Ladoue, 2013 Miss International, will be at
the event to start the motorcycle ride. International Pageants
will host in July its final competitions in its new home of Jacksonville.
Since 2007, International Pageants has supported Go Red for Women through national volunteer and financial support and spotlights the mission of Go Red for Women during the final competition pageants featuring celebrity entertainers and hosts.
For more information about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org.
ALS walk April 12 at Seven Bridges
On April 12 more than 1,000 people are expected to join the fight to find a cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, at the Jacksonville Walk to Defeat ALS at Seven Bridges Grill & Brewery in Tinseltown.
Wheelchair-bound patients along with their families and friends will make a two-mile trek. Many who walk have a loved
one who is fighting the disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one who has lost the battle. Many people, without any personal connection, walk out of concern for those who are suffering with Lou Gehrig's Disease.
The walk is the ALS Association's signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care.
Last year, these events raised nearly $1 million around the state of Florida.
Interested walkers should call (888) 257-1717 or register online at WalktoDefeatALS.org.
Following in King's footsteps
United Way of Northeast Florida and HandsOn Jacksonville volunteered in several communities Saturday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life of service. Residents helped increase awareness about free financial education and tax preparation services, deliver heaters to senior citizens, cultivate a garden, paint a historic building and work with families to artistically design peace tiles. Jacksonville City Council member Johnny Gaffney, above, told volunteers, "Dr. King exemplified what it meant to lead a life of compassion and service. You are following his example by giving your time to improve our community." Together, the volunteers logged nearly 1,200 hours of giving back.
'Selfies' to fight breast cancer
Ashley Furniture HomeStore, official sponsor of the 26.2 with Donna National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer, is offering a way to help finish breast cancer and win a $2,620 shopping spree. When the contest launches, visit any Ashley Furniture HomeStore in Jacksonville dressed in your best "Donna" pink. Find a spot to take your "selfie," then post it and you're entered for a chance to win a $2,620.00 sleep shopping spree. Visit facebook.com/AshleyFurnitureHomeStoreJacksonville in February for contest details.