The weeks leading up to
The Players Championship in March are an especially busy time for TPC Sawgrass chefs. But that didn t stop
Azhar Mohammad, senior executive chef, and his team from traveling to
Ronald McDonald House with cars full of fresh food to prepare a meal for its residents.
The nonprofit in San Marco provides lodging, meals and transportation for families of critically ill and seriously injured children who are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
“Food is love, and being able to welcome people into our kitchen is one of the sincerest things you can do,” said
Vernetta Stewart, house executive chef. “To take time to service another kitchen or meal program speaks volumes to Chef Azhar and his team’s commitment.”
In September, a Jacksonville man who was born in a Salvation Army home for mothers in Kansas City asked if the local affiliate had similar programs for young or expectant mothers.
That inquiry led William Reid to help fund Bundle of Hope, a designated space for up to two pregnant women at a time within the Towers Center of Hope in downtown Jacksonville. His donation was matched by longtime local Salvation Army supporter David Baker for a total of $20,000.
Reid died in November, but his wife and daughter attended the recent dedication. Bill always had a soft spot in his heart for The Salvation Army, said his widow, Gayle Reid. We were pleasantly surprised and are deeply grateful for the Baker family’s matching donation and for the incredible job that The Salvation Army’s team did in putting this generosity to such beautiful use.
Bundle of Hope: The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida launches new program for expecting mothers
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In January, the non-profit opened up a “Bundle of Hope Room” in downtown Jacksonville.
“When you’re having a baby, you have all the hope in the world for the child that you’re about to bring into the world and when they’re here, so it seemed like a fitting name,” explained Tami Gonyea, Director of Social Services for the Salvation Army in Northeast Florida.
The space is meant to provide a safe haven for up to two pregnant women at any one time. The room is furnished to help make pregnant moms as comfortable as possible leading up to the birth of their child.