A reminder that real life – and real good – is happening right here
It’s easy to get lost in the noise these days. Screens, headlines, and endless scrolls can make it feel like the world is falling apart. But if you take a moment to look up, you’ll see something different – something better.
Right here in Jacksonville, good things are happening every day. People are walking shelter dogs, mentoring students, picking up litter, reading to kids and quietly showing up for their neighbors. They’re teenagers, retirees, families and friends, everyday residents who believe that small actions still matter.
In this year’s edition of Circles, you’ve already met 20 Really Good People whose leadership and vision are shaping our city. The stories that follow are about the rest of us: the doers, the helpers, the ones who remind us that good doesn’t have to be loud to last.
So, look up. Real life – and real good – is happening right here.
Wade Barnes
Compassion at the Core
For more than a decade, Dr. Wade Barnes has served as a tireless advocate for survivors of sexual assault through his work with the Women’s Center of Jacksonville (WCJ).
Not only did he play a critical role in transitioning the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam program from the City of Jacksonville to WCJ in 2014, but he has also served as the organization’s medical director. During that time, he has ensured that each survivor who comes to WCJ receives the medical care and support they need to begin the healing process.
Dr. Wade Barnes poses, prior to his retirement, before a wall of photos of the babies he delivered
Barnes is a retired OBGYN who has delivered thousands of babies and continues to help people in this new capacity, leveraging his personal resources, creativity, and relationships to eliminate barriers to care.
“Since moving to Jacksonville in 1975, my life has been influenced by so many individuals,” Barnes said. “I have been tremendously blessed by these friends and mentors. It is such an honor to be able to give back to our community.”
Dr. John Lovejoy, Jr.
A Surgeon’s Legacy of Kindness
Dr. John Lovejoy, Jr. has made a career out of helping people, but giving back has always been a family affair for him. As a child, Lovejoy recalls watching his father, an orthopedic surgeon himself, review outstanding patient bills during the holidays and write Paid in full, Merry Christmas’ on the bills of patients he knew were struggling and mail them back as a holiday surprise. Once Lovejoy established his successful career as an orthopedic surgeon, he continued his father’s tradition of helping where and how he could, working extensively in Haiti before and after a devastating earthquake in January 2010, performing more than 180 surgeries – many of them amputations. Lovejoy continued to work in Haiti but has been unable to return there since COVID-19 and ongoing political unrest. Last year, he sponsored a pack-a-thon” at Episcopal School of Jacksonville that packed more than 50,000 meals for hungry children and adults.
Dr. John Lovejoy, Jr. (left) poses with his son and fellow surgeon in Haiti following the earthquake of 2010
John and his wife, Harriet
“You get more from giving back,” Lovejoy said.
Laurie Stasi
Artistry in Service
Laurie Stasi finds reward in using her artistic creativity to give back to the community through her volunteer work with City Rescue Mission.
She’s volunteer with the nonprofit for nearly a decade, leading Bible studies, directing Easter performances and designing landscaping for the gardens at the mission’s various locations. Behind the scenes, she’s involved with stage design, graphic design, photography and videography. And she finds great reward in interacting with the people who use the nonprofit’s services and programming.
Laurie Stasi applies her artistic skills to help change lives at City Rescue Mission
Stasi believes in the impact City Rescue Mission has on people experiencing homelessness or working through the organization’s recovery program, and she works to let each person she interacts with know she is there for them and believes in them.
“A lot of them have suffered trauma and neglect early in their life,” Stasi said. “And if you go in with a caring heart and show love to them and you aren’t judging them, but giving compassion, help and encouragement, it makes a difference in their lives.”
Dr. Libby Heineken
Illuminating Art
Art is something everyone should be able to experience, and every month, Dr. Libby Heineken helps women who are blind and/or low-vision do just that through the Women of Vision program at The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
Dr. Libby Heineken works with visually impaired, blind or low-vision women every month through the Women of Vision program at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardnes | Photo: Laura Evans
Every month, Heineken helps coordinate transportation for these women to come to the museum, where they spend time exploring the museum’s collection through Touch Tours, experience the historic gardens, and create their own artwork, from sculptures to ceramics to painting. They also spend time writing their memoirs. Heineken said she can’t imagine not being part of the program.
“I leave there a better person,” she said. “I leave there a more inspiring person to others and to me, they are the unsung heroes because they’ve really…I don’t know when I’ll ever leave because it’s just so inspiring and really has put a bright light on everything that I do in other places.”
Fred Cromwell Isaac
Champion of the Underserved
Fred Cromwell Isaac, a prominent Jacksonville attorneyin the Fourth Judicial Circuit, believes in giving back just as much as he believes in the letter of the law.
In 2024 alone, he completed more than 150 hours of pro bono work, continuing a career-long tradition of volunteering his expertise to clients through various organizations, including Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and the Jacksonville Bar Association.
Fred Cromwell Isaac with Florida Bar President Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr.
His dedication to providing free legal services to low-income and disadvantaged individuals earned him The Florida Bar President Pro Bono Service Award in 2025, an honor he received alongside 21 other lawyers at a ceremony at the Supreme Court of Florida.
A practicing lawyer for more than 50 years, Isaac has upheld his long-standing commitment to giving back. In 2024 alone, his pro bono work has included estate planning services to critically ill clients, managing several contract negotiations and disputes, and administering three probate cases.
Terry Criss
One Hour, Big Impact
Tuesday with Terry, a weekly program at Riverside Post Acute, was born from one woman’s desire to engage with and uplift others. Terry Criss had already been a longtime volunteer at the nursing home but saw an opportunity to add some variety to the residents’ day.
Terry Criss
I said, “Well, I really would like – if I’m going to come over here, I’d like to spend an hour [with the residents],” Criss recalled.
What began as a simple hour-long program sharing human interest stories from the newspapers has evolved into more of a variety program, during which Criss streams everything from interesting news stories to music videos. Criss will also include some throwback videos – anything that might engage and interest her audience, which is comprised of roughly 15 to 20 guests each week. In just one hour and with minimal effort, Criss’ popular one-woman program brightens residents’ days and gives them something to look forward to every week.
Jen Graham
Brushing Up the Neighborhood
Riverside Avondale residents are familiar with the historic white street markers posted throughout the neighborhoods. When Jen Graham noticed these markers needed a fresh coat of paint, she took charge of this neighborhood beautification project. Initially, Graham set a goal of painting one street marker a week: 52 for the year. Once she realized the breadth of the project, she connected with Riverside Avondale Preservation, which organized the support Graham needed, creating opportunities for fellow volunteers to “adopt” an intersection and providing them with supply bundles.
RAP Executive Director Shannon Blankinship with Jen Graham and RAP Board Member Perry Reynolds
Graham personally painted 38 markers, including the “unadopted” markers. Her energy and passion caught on: Eagle Scout Harper Rice brought the project into Murray Hill, painting more than 12 markers and Girl Scout Troops handled four neighborhood markers. In total, Graham donated more than 200 hours to complete the project, initially inspired by the regular walks she took through the neighborhood, and today it is rare for someone to spot an unpainted street marker in Riverside or Avondale.
Dutch DeMere
Big Impact from a Young Leader
One youth’s leadership and giving heart helped bring 150 Thanksgiving dinners to local families last year. Dutch DeMere leads North Florida School of Special Education’s (NFSSE) Junior Civitan Club. It is under his leadership as club president that it organized a food drive for Revitalize Arlington’s Turkey with a Purpose program. DeMere and his fellow JCC members packed 150 Thanksgiving meals with the help of Southeastern Grocers and
NFSSE families and staff. The meals included a turkey, pie and non-perishables. DeMere is also involved with the NFSSE Audio-Visual team.
Dutch DeMere | Photo: Julian Jones
“Dutch consistently sets an example of what leadership looks like for his peers,” said NFSSE Director of Family and Student Activities Stacy Santiago. “He is polite, respectful and always willing to lend a helping hand…He is an inclusive, thoughtful and diligent worker, and someone his peers and school staff trust and admire.”
Joshua and Jackson Bork
From Patients to Philanthropists
Twins Joshua and Jackson Bork have blended their love of golf and giving back to support the hospital that spent nearly 100 days saving their lives when they were born at just 28 weeks.
Joshua and Jackson Bork
Now 17 and thriving, Joshua and Jackson are channeling their gratitude into philanthropy. Already engaged in service – organizing fundraisers for their school’s golf team and donating baked goods from a culinary class –they have set their sights on supporting the hospital that gave them life. Last year, they hosted the first annual San Jose Scramble at San Jose Country Club to benefit Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
The effort is a family affair. The twins recruited sponsors and players, while their younger sister Jordan served as the tournament’s point of contact. Josh and Jackson, both varsity golfers, saw the event as a natural extension of their passion.
“You’re not helping us,” Josh said. “You’re helping the babies that are in the NICU …You’re helping their families.”
William Rachels
Game On for Good
For one week every summer, the Rachels family hosts neighborhood youngsters, ages five to 10, for 904 All Stars Sports Camp that not only brings boys together in a shared love of sports and camaraderie but also gives back to the community. Ford founded the camp and after two summers, younger brother William took over as camp director, marshaling aid from his friends who serve as camp counselors. William leads youngsters in activities across different sports in a fun, yet competitive setting.
The 2025 904 All Stars Sports Camp Counselors Andrew Smith, H. Burkett, Will Martell, Matt Potter, William Rachels and Teddy Wingard
“It’s refreshing to see the growing friendships between the campers and teaching them in a competitive spirit,” said William, a high school junior.
Last summer, William said approximately 20 campers participated in the camp, most of them return campers who look forward to this week every year. Proceeds are donated to various organizations every year, she added. Over the years, 904 All Stars Sports Camp has donated to Sanctuary on 8th Street, Angels for Allison and, most recently, Brooks Rehabilitation.
Sara Burk
Reel Action, Real Impact
At Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, nurse Sara Burk spends her days helping people. In the operating room, she quite literally works to change people’s lives.
Following her own family’s journey with heart disease, Burk felt the desire to do even more, resulting in the 904 Redfish Tournament – an event rooted in fishing, community and generosity. The second annual tournament took place last October at Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill, launching nearly 120 boats and raising more than $40,000 for a 10-year-old girl battling bone cancer.
Sara Burk blends fishing and philanthropy for her annual charitable fishing tournament
Wanting to inspire the next generation, she added a junior angler division to the 2025 tournament.
“I want it to be big on family… We got to let [the kids] come and fish, too,” Burk said. “That’s where I started.”
Burk is already preparing for this year, when proceeds will support V for Victory.
Ali Colteryahn
Bracelets and Bright Moments
After receiving life-saving care at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, one Nocatee teen is doing what she can to provide bright moments to families at the hospital. In 2023, Ali Colteryahn was involved in a collision with a vehicle that left her lying unconscious in the middle of the road 12 feet from the golf cart she’d been riding in.
Ali Colteryahn brightens patients’ and families’ days with handmade bracelets at Wolfson Children’s Hospital
She was airlifted to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where she underwent major brain surgery to remove a worsening brain bleed.
Ali made a full recovery and a year and a half later, she returned to the children’s hospital as a teen volunteer. Last summer, she spent time making and distributing bracelets for children to brighten their days.
Perhaps imagining the distraught time her family must have experienced in the surgical waiting area while she was in her own surgery, Ali also spent time connecting with families in that same waiting area as they awaited updates on their loved ones.
Jean McKinney
Planting Seeds of Stewardship
Last summer, St. John’s Cathedral launched its first nature-based summer camp for youngsters, called Creation Keepers. For one week, young campers experienced nature through first-hand encounters, crafts, story-time, and music, and volunteer Jean McKinney thrived as she experienced it alongside them. As much fun as the children had exploring, learning, and creating, McKinney said the experience was even more entertaining for her watching their excitement, joy, and laughter unfold.
Jean McKinney is a passionate volunteer for St. John’s Cathedral and other area organizations
In addition to her time with Creation Keepers, which McKinney said she hopes to see evolve into a monthly program as well as a summer camp, McKinney volunteers in different capacities at the cathedral and other organizations. Her passion lies in working with children and adults with special needs.
“I think great things can be done when we work together,” McKinney said. “I have seen this firsthand working and volunteering in various social services fields.”
Sarah Park
Harmonizing Hope
Sarah Park is passionate about many things – music and community advocacy among them – and has found ways to combine them through several philanthropic efforts to bring about positive change in the lives of students whenever and wherever she can.
Sarah Park
The Bolles 2025 valedictorian, Park is the co-president, alongside fellow co-president and founding member Carter Magnano of Ponte Vedra High School, of JaxTHRIVE. This teen- led nonprofit provides tutoring and other programming to refugee students. Since its inception in 2017, the organization has grown to more than 14 chapters and 350-plus volunteers who provide tutoring, mentorships and other innovative programming.
An avid violist, Park founded the Jacksonville chapter for the Back to Bach Project, serving as its regional director and working to bring classical music to underserved K-12 students and help spread the love of music. Park is also the concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Philharmonic.
Vickie Robinson
A Connection for Giving
A chance meeting with Beth Mixson, executive director of Family Promise of Jacksonville, set Vickie Robinson on a path that led to not only a new friendship but a drive to help unhoused families and children within Duval County.
Vickie Robinson packs up Easter baskets for children involved with Family Promise
The organization’s mission resonated with Robinson, especially because at the time, she said, Duval County held the state’s highest eviction rate and Robinson, and her husband James connected the organization with their congregation at Lakewood Presbyterian Church. They didn’t know it at the time, but that decision would cause a ripple effect of giving.
“That has just been our joy, to bring information or groups to our church, and Family Promise is one of those,” Robinson said.
With the help of the Robinsons’ coordination – her as secretary in charge and James as “boots on the ground,” Robinson said – the church raised enough money to provide dinners for 18 families and Easter baskets for the children.
“I was absolutely blown away,” Robinson said. “I had no idea this would fly, but it did.”
Robinson said she’s fortunate to have found the organization and a friendship in Mixson.
“I love it,” Robinson said. “One of my favorite things Beth says is ‘Everyone needs help at some point.’ And you never really know when that will be and what that help will look like.”
Bruce Musser
Transforming More Than Hair
Bruce Musser, master stylist and owner of HairPeace Salon in Riverside, knows how transformative a good haircut can be, and he and his team of stylists donated their time and skills to make sure military members and their spouses could still get one during last year’s government shutdown.
Bruce Musser
For two Tuesdays last November, Musser welcomed military service members and their spouses to the salon for free haircuts when he realized that some household budgets would likely be redirected during the shutdown.
I was like, “I bet their hair care money is going to go towards groceries, and Thanksgiving is coming up, and everybody wants to look great and feel great,” Musser said. “A haircut is refreshing. A haircut elevates you. It makes you feel good.”
The HairPeace team gives back to its community throughout the year as well: For two months every year, they ask clients if they’d like to round up their total to fundraise for JASMYN, and they also collect non-perishables for Feeding Northeast Florida.
Nora Riechmann
A Philanthropist on the Rise
Eight-year-old Nora Riechmann has always known her grandmother, Jane Riechmann, as the “Litter Lady” of Avondale.
For years, Jane has walked St. Johns Avenue in Avondale, picking up trash to keep the neighborhood clean.
Nora Riechmann
“Gammy started [cleaning up] because she doesn’t like litter and wanted to help the environment and neighborhood,” explained Nora, a third grader at John Stockton Elementary School. Now, Nora is following in her grandmother’s footsteps, embracing service and community work.
“Gammy is a role model to me and others because she helps the environment… she works very hard and sets a very good example,” said Nora.
As a Girl Scout, she’s deepened her commitment to stewardship. She also collects pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House and volunteers at church and school. Grandmother Jane couldn’t be prouder: “She is a sweet and bright young lady,” Jane said. “We are blessed.”
Bill Rotchford
Sharing Hope and Recovery
Bill Rotchford has been a part of Here Tomorrow’s journey since the organization first opened its doors in 2021. Not only is he passionate about the work he does there, but his belief in Here Tomorrow’s mission is also deeply personal.
Bill Rotchford
“I am passionate about helping Here Tomorrow be successful, sharing my experience and my own successful recovery with others,” Rotchford said.
Using his four decades of experience as an employee assistance professional, Rotchford ensures the Here Tomorrow programs remain person-centered as they encourage those in need of mental health support to seek help using authenticity and compassion.
Drawing on his professional expertise at AT&T, Rotchford’s strategic support for Here Tomorrow processes have allowed the organization to connect with people throughout the state, ensuring no one must face their challenges alone.
Rotchford now serves as Here Tomorrow’s Advisory Council Chair, enhancing its peer support programs and encouraging people as they build paths towards meaningful, empowering lives.
Kimberly Jones
Family, Health and the Call to Give
As the chief philanthropy officer and senior vice president of Baptist Health Foundation, Kimberly Jones serves as the bridge connecting the foundation with the altruistic community of Jacksonville, routing people’s generous gifts to the projects, positions or initiatives most in need of fundraising support.
Jones said her family is her constant why to continue her work in the philanthropic sector.
“I think about their health and their potential, and that’s the lens through which I see everything,” Jones said. “I’ve always been wired to try and make the community a better place and good health is the best place to start.”
Jones looks forward to working alongside the generous community that is Jacksonville and the possibilities that are unfolding as construction continues on the new McGehee Family Tower, the new four-story emergency tower Baptist broke ground on last September.
“At Baptist Health, we take our mission very seriously. We work really hard to ensure that we provide return on investment and we provide the highest quality healthcare,” Jones said. “We’re doing good in our community, we’re volunteering in our community, side-by-side with our donors.”
Sutton & Debbie McGehee
A Legacy of Impact
Debbie and Sutton McGehee’s generosity and dedication to their community has created a legacy of impact through the transformative gifts, both of time and treasure, they have made to Baptist Health throughout the years.
Sutton & Debbie McGehee
Most recently, Debbie and Sutton made a pivotal gift that made Baptist Health’s new, four-story emergency and patient tower possible at Baptist’s flagship campus, shared by Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Construction is underway for this ultramodern tower – named The McGehee Family Tower. The 123,000-square-foot building will expand access and enhance care for Northeast Florida families.
This is just the latest in a decades-long relationship of support from the McGehee Family that spans generations and underscores their commitment to doing good right here in the place they call home.
In 2020, the McGehees also contributed funds to the “Hope Starts Here” campaign that ultimately brought the Borowy Family Children’s Critical Care Tower to life. In 2017, in memory of Debbie’s late parents, the McGehees established the Del and Peggy Dallas Chair in Breast Cancer Care at Baptist MD Anderson.
“We wanted to make a lasting gift for our community that we have called home for generations,” said Debbie and Sutton McGehee. “We raised our kids here and our grandchildren are growing up here. Supporting this new patient and ER tower helps to make sure that Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital can continue to care for current and future generations of families in the Jacksonville area.”
Laura, Teri, Jack and Karla
Goodness on the Ground
EPIC Outreach is an organization devoted to rescuing and transforming the lives of animals.
Since its launch in 2015, EPIC Outreach has rescued more than 146 animals. From outreach programs to greeting guests to cleaning stalls – and every other task in between – it relies on the generosity and devotion of volunteers to fulfill its mission. EPIC Outreach has a team of devoted volunteers who donate their time, energy and effort to support the organization and its mission.
Laura, Teri, Jack and Karla
Founder and Director Jessie Miller said four of her volunteers – Lori, Teri, Jack and Karla – “don’t just show up, they shine.”
“They bring the passion, the compassion and they make EPIC continue to thrive,” said Miller.
Pawsitive Leadership
A group of students at Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies are stepping up for animals through the Wolfson Paw Society. Created by junior Sarah Robinson and founding member Ella LeMieux, the group meets biweekly to further its mission of connecting with existing nonprofit organizations to provide additional support to pet owners and animals in need in the community. Other members include Amari Cox (social media manager) and Lynah McElroy and Natalie Shepard (co-vice presidents).
Wolfson Paw Society members and their pets: Brownie and Buddy with owner Natalie Shepard; Manny with owner Ella LeMieux and Lynah McElroy with her dog Franklin
The Wolfson Paw Society plans to inspire heightened awareness of the needs of homeless dogs and cats awaiting their forever homes in shelter kennels or with foster families, and to provide support to area organizations through pet food drives, donated homemade, sustainable pet toys, and volunteering at local animal shelters.
Bi Trac
A Full Circle of Care
When Bi Trac walked through the doors of the Volunteers in Medicine’s old downtown location to volunteer, she experienced a full-circle moment, recalling her own family’s experience with the organization’s physicians when they first immigrated to the country and settled in Jacksonville, but had no health insurance.
Bi Trac
She’d occasionally join her parents at the appointments, translating to the best of her second-grade ability, but from those early days, VIM was part of her life.
Today, Trac has completed her master’s degree in public health with plans to apply to medical school. Still, throughout her college and graduate school careers, she has volunteered with VIM in various capacities, hoping to return as a physician.
“It’s just a positive environment and it just makes you want to be part of this environment, stay in [it] and that’s what influenced me to keep on giving my time to them, no matter, whatever they need,” Trac said. “If I have the time, I would love to come in and help as much as I can.”
Amy Roberts
A Heart for Giving
Murray Hill resident Amy Roberts loves helping people whenever she can and however she can. She is the person her friends go to with gently used items they no longer need because they know she will get them into the hands of those who need them.
Amy Roberts is recognized at the Jacksonville History Center’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year
Volunteerism runs deep in her veins, and Roberts also enjoys staying active with the Jacksonville History Center, volunteering each year for its beloved Gingerbread Extravaganza event.
“I enjoy it so much because you get to talk to so many people,” Roberts said. “…I feel like it’s a good way to help, because I like to help within the community, and that’s one of my ways to be able to do that and give back is to volunteer.”
Roberts is such a dedicated and steadfast volunteer for the JHC that it recognized her as its 2024 Volunteer of the Year. In addition to donating her time to the history center, Roberts also volunteers at the United Methodist Church in Murray Hill. For Roberts, volunteering and lending a hand are just part of life.
“I just feel like that’s what you’re supposed to,” she said.
Michelle Lineberger
Giving Heart to the Cause
When Michelle Lineberger heard about the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact Campaign, she seized the opportunity to make a positive impact.
Michelle Lineberger, shown here with the First Coast American Heart Association Team,
is the 2025 First Coast Leaders of Impact Campaign
Lineberger, an independent stylist, and her Impact Team spent seven weeks raising nearly $23,000 for this friendly yet impactful competition against four other First Coast competitors, which ultimately raised more than $61,000 to further AHA’s mission, services and programming.
Lineberger’s personal history with heart disease led her to step up and participate in the Leaders of Impact for everyone else who knows the devastating effect it can have on families.
“I said yes to the Leaders of Impact campaign because heart disease has touched every corner of my life – from my father’s recent diagnosis to friends my age facing cardiac challenges far too young,” Lineberger said. “My family’s history of heart attacks, and the loved ones who lost parents in childhood, remind me how urgent this fight is. Saying yes meant standing up for every family impacted by heart disease and helping give others more time with the people they love.”
Shelley Smith
Making Dreams Brighter
What began as a dinner conversation with her mother-in-law has transformed into a nearly 30-year commitment to giving back for Shelley Smith.
Shelley Smith has volunteered with Dreams Come True for nearly 30 years
The days, weeks and years Smith has spent volunteering with Dreams Come True has been as fulfilling to Smith as it has impactful for the nonprofit and its mission of, as its name suggests, making dreams come true for children facing cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and their families.
“I just feel like we really help them,” Smith said. “Even if just for a moment, but if we can alleviate some of the strain, if we can bring a smile, that’s just huge.”
Smith co-founded the Dreams Come True Women’s Board and helped organized the organization’s “Dream Closet” and, over the years, inspired her children to get involved as well through the Kids Helping Kids program at their high school.
Seeing the impact Dreams Come True makes in their families’ lives, Smith said volunteering has become an integral part of her own life.
“It’s very special,” Smith said. “I just can’t imagine ever not doing something with Dreams Come True.”
Dr. Richard Lipsey and Mrs. Cecilia Bryant
Ringing Bells, Raising Millions
Dr. Richard Lipsey and Mrs. Cecilia Bryant have been involved with The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida for more than 20 years, giving of both their time and their treasure.
The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida Area Commander Maj. Candice Biggers joins Mrs. Cecilia Bryant, Dr. Richard Lipsey and The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida Area Commander Maj. Keath Biggers
“If you’ve been fortunate and you do have some money, it’s wonderful to know that you can give it to organizations that you’ve worked with and you know are great organizations and can help people,” Cicilia said. “That’s just a great feeling.”
Both are emeritus board members of the nonprofit organization. In addition to the financial support they’ve given over the years, they both go out every December to ring bells for The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
“If we’re at Publix [on Roosevelt Boulevard] and see nobody ringing during the Christmas season, we usually go in – particularly Richard – and get the kettle and bring it out,” Cecilia said.
“We both have red aprons with our names on them, so we both go over there and just ring and say hello to all our neighbors,” Richard added. “…It’s fun.”
Through their matching-funds program with The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida, the couple has helped raise more than $2 million. They’ve set up a similar program for City Rescue Mission as well, which, according to Richard, has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Chris Shee
A Hometown Hero
When Chris Shee first learned of Best Buddies, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, back in 2002, he had no idea how much of an impact the organization would have on his life – and vice versa.
Chris Shee receives the 2025 Hometown Hero Award at Best Buddies’ annual Champion of the Year event
Shee is the owner of Heritage Farms’ Tringali Barn. He was introduced to the nonprofit by a close friend whose daughter has Down syndrome.
“Her joy and zest for life were magnetic, and her family has been truly blessed by the support of Best Buddies,” he said.
Fast forward more than 20 years, Shee has become a steadfast supporter of Best Buddies, hosting the Best Buddies Friendship Ball at the Tringali Barn and providing transportation to allow students from more schools to attend the event and join in on the festivities. In total, 400 students enjoyed a memorable night.
In addition to hosting the Friendship Ball, Shee has hosted several other fundraising events, which have raised more than a million dollars for various charities.
Trevor and Marissa Lawrence
Off the Field, On a Mission
As ambassadors for Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his wife, Marissa, are using their platform to make a real difference for kids in our community.
Trevor and Marissa Lawrence spend time crafting with patients at Wolfson Children’s Hospital during a holiday visit on December 3, 2025, sharing creativity, toys and seasonal cheer with children and their families
When the couple attended a signing ceremony at Wolfson Children’s to kick off the relationship, they expressed excitement about supporting the hospital’s mission and championing the health and well-being of children and families.
Marking the start of their ambassador roles, Trevor and Marissa Lawrence pose with their official jackets and badges at a September 2024 signing ceremony at Wolfson Children’s Hospital
From brightening patients’ hospital stays by making bedside visits and participating in crafts, to amplifying lifesaving injury prevention and safety messaging, the Lawrences are making a powerful impact on pediatric health here in Jacksonville.
Together, they exemplify how leadership off the field can leave a lasting mark on the city they call home.