The Daily Record invites the local nonprofit community to submit news, announcements, success stories and other information they believe would be of interest to our readers. Email to: [email protected].
Casino cruise to benefit Children of Fallen Patriots
Victory Casino Cruises has initiated Play it Forward, a philanthropic program developed to give back to the community. The program helps Victory raise awareness and funds for nonprofits on a monthly basis.
This month, Victory is partnering with the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, which provides college scholarships, supplemental grants and educational counseling for military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
“We have always given back to the communities that we operate in, and this new program gives us the opportunity to benefit one unique and worthy local group each month,” said Lester Bullock, CEO of Victory Casino Cruises. “Upon learning of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, we knew they would be a great fit for this program,”
For each guest aboard the Victory II at 7 p.m. Friday, the company will donate $5 to the foundation.
For a sold-out cruise, that equates to up to $3,000.
Visit victoryjax.com for reservations.
Dignity U Wear getting veterans dressed for work
The Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville and Deutsche Bank, is investing $10,000 in Dignity U Wear to help veterans in North Florida transitioning from a military career into the civilian workforce.
The grant will pay for new work-appropriate clothing for veterans.
Dignity U Wear procures new clothing through a network of national, regional and local apparel industry partners. The clothing is shipped to the Jacksonville national headquarters warehouse, where volunteers sort and package it. The clothing is delivered to nonprofit agencies in Northeast Florida for distribution.
For more information about Dignity U Wear, visit dignityuwear.org.
Former Jaguar Darius teaches girls to dare to dream
EverBank partnered with NFL All-Pro and former Jacksonville Jaguar Donovin Darius to host a D.A.R.E. to Dream Life Camp at EverBank Field on Saturday.
Three hundred girls ages 9-16 got a behind-the-scenes experience at EverBank Field, including games and an interactive session on financial literacy supported by EverFi, an education technology company focused on teaching critical skills to students.
The girls, as well as their parents or guardians, learned money management habits and how to better plan for the future.
“Empowering our youth with the knowledge to manage finances is vital,” said Blake Wilson, EverBank’s president and chief operating officer. “We are very proud to make this a fun, engaging event at EverBank Field alongside the Donovin Darius Foundation.”
D.A.R.E. stands for Dignity, Achievement, Respect and Empowerment. “As a father of three children, I embrace the important responsibility of this position,” said Darius. “Our camps create a great learning atmosphere and our wonderful partners provide the tools to allow these young ladies to become successful.”
Winn-Dixie donates to Wounded Warrior Project
Winn-Dixie presented a check for $36,910 to the Wounded Warrior Project just before the Sept. 6 Wounded Warrior 8K at Metropolitan Park.
The donation from Winn-Dixie customers and Winn-Dixie floral suppliers Falcon Farms, Superior Florals, Sunshine Bouquet and Nature’s Flowers, was a result of a Memorial Day rose promotion in area stores with a portion of proceeds benefiting Wounded Warrior.
The funds will be used for initiatives to support and empower injured service members.
Fashion show to benefit Home Again St. Johns
Panache’s Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show to benefit Home Again St. Johns will be 8 p.m. Saturday at VW of St. Augustine, the lead sponsor of the event.
Designers will have models wearing fashions made of recycled materials, such as electrical cords, VW hubcaps, expired Panache promotional materials, fiber optics, packaging materials and duct tape.
The event was held last year at the World Golf Village and attracted more than 900 attendees and 100 models who raised $28,000 for five nonprofits.
Tickets for the fashion show are $45 each with group rates available. Tickets may be purchased at the two Panache locations, Home Again St. Johns and VW of St. Augustine or at getpanache.com. A video of the last Eco Fashion Show is posted on the website.
For more information about the fashion show or Home Again St. Johns, contact Diane Machaby at (904) 687-6043
Apartment association sponsors canned food drive
The First Coast Apartment Association has kicked off its annual canned food drive in Northeast Florida.
“We believe that what we do every day matters. As an industry, we strive to make a positive impact in the community and our food drive is a natural fit,” said Holly Fox of Fancy Fox Designs, association board member and co-chair for the drive.
Collection boxes are being set up in apartment communities and offices to collect food for the Clara White Mission.
“The apartment association’s canned food drive is a great example of stepping up to serve their community. Hunger is a reality for some, every day, not just in our most challenged communities,” said Ju’Coby Pittman, president and CEO of Clara White.
Association volunteers will pick up donations Nov. 18-20. Cans will be delivered to the mission Nov. 21. For information, contact the association at (904) 292-1345 or email [email protected].