community organization

What is the greatest gift that you can give to veterans of the “greatest generation?”  Often, just a heartfelt thanks.

Volunteers of the Volusia Honor Air are trying to deliver a gift of thanks to former service members in the Daytona Beach area by ensuring that every World War II veteran has the opportunity to see the National Word War II Memorial.

The Memorial opened to the public in April 2004 at a time when WWII veterans were passing away at a rate of more than 1,000 per day. Many never lived to see the monument erected in their honor.

Founded by in 1997 by Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest on Vanderbilt's campus, Magdalene is a residential program for women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution and addiction. For two years, Magdelene offers housing, food, medical and dental needs, therapy, education and job training, all without charge or to the women receiving treatment.

Debbie Reid co-founded the Bikes for Kids of Utah non-profit organization. Each year the organization gives 1,000 underprivileged kids each a bike to promote exercise, give them a mode of transportation, and teach them safety. Service has always been important to Debbie. Many volunteers and sponsors step forward to help provide kids with a bike they will remember forever. Bike rides and silent auctions also raise money for the event.  The fundraising efforts are very successful and have brought in enough money to provide children with helmets, locks, and water bottles.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix had a plan to combat the increases in juvenile crime, gang activity and drug trafficking that was plaguing the West Valley.   Together with several community partners, they were preparing to tackle these challenges by expanding programs and building three new Clubhouses in these needy areas. However, to be successful in these efforts, the Boys & Girls Clubs needed to increase the fundraising and volunteer efforts of its auxiliary groups.

Dr. Ken Johnson creates smiles that will last a lifetime through the free dental work he provides to children in need. "My father was a generous, giving man who instilled in me a core value of giving back & helping out,” recalls Ken. “He raised funds for needy community members even while not having much money to support his own family.” Ken has been giving back through providing volunteer dental services throughout his entire 44 year career. As a young dentist Ken made 25 international trips to provide volunteer dental care in impoverished countries throughout the world.