Good neighbors, big milestones and plenty worth sharing
Jacksonville’s generosity doesn’t always arrive with a giant check – although this month, one did. A San Marco concert set a giving record, Hubbard House is celebrating half a century of service, and a downtown nonprofit is making room to help more neighbors. Add some new faces in leadership and big plans for the months ahead, and there’s plenty to talk about this month.
As we prepare the next edition of Circles, themed “Giving Is Changing,” one thing is clear: Jacksonville keeps finding new ways to show up for its neighbors. Here’s who’s making news, and making a difference.
A High Note for Breakthrough T1D
The San Marco Chamber Music Society hit a particularly generous high note in September. Led by Eric and Ellen Olson, the society performed a benefit concert for Breakthrough T1D. The result: a $14,717 contribution, the society’s largest-ever donation, according to Breakthrough T1D. The check was presented recently to Breakthrough T1D Board Member Leslie Burkhalter.
The nonprofit’s Jacksonville Gala takes place Nov. 14, World Diabetes Day, and its next Jacksonville Walk is set for April 10, 2027. Two more opportunities to help turn community support into progress toward a cure for type 1 diabetes.
More Room for Neighbors in Need
Big changes are ahead for Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC). Its $3.6 million DESC Rising campaign is fully funded, and the organization expects to open a new 10,000-square-foot home at 956 N. Liberty St. in January 2027.
The new facility will expand food, clothing and emergency financial assistance, along with the Help Hub for referrals, coaching and transportation. Baptist Health has awarded DESC a $160,000 grant to support the pantry and Help Hub. In 2025, DESC supplied groceries to 7,581 people and clothing to 6,543 people. More space will allow the organization to expand services for neighbors in need.
Two Pianos, One Purpose
The musical partnership between mother Michelle Chen Kuo and son Christopher Kuo has taken them to Carnegie Hall and helped raise more than $3 million for nonprofits. But one of their longest-standing relationships is right here, with Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida (LSS).
Christopher Kuo with Michelle Chen Kuo
Their latest Jacksonville benefit was scheduled for Oct. 24 at Jacksonville University’s Terry Concert Hall, with proceeds designated for LSS programs addressing food insecurity, resettlement and family stability. The partnership comes at a particularly important time as LSS faces shortages at its food pantry.
A Gift That Can Keep on Giving
Artist and philanthropist Brette Petway has committed $500,000 over five years to the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. Her unrestricted gift will match qualifying multiyear donations dollar for dollar, potentially generating $1 million in private support.
The center also received a $461,710 state appropriation for its Sexual Assault Forensic Exam program. Together, the funding offers immediate help and something less visible but just as valuable: room to plan for the future.
50 Years of Life-Saving Work
Hubbard House is marking a milestone: 50 years of helping local survivors of domestic violence find safety and a path forward. The organization says it has served more than 168,000 survivors and their children since opening Florida’s first dedicated domestic violence shelter in 1976.
Its anniversary brings a new bridge-inspired logo and the tagline “Life-Saving. Life-Changing.” A yearlong “Since Hubbard Street” campaign will highlight the organization’s history and services. The celebration will include the Anchored in Hope gala Feb. 27, 2027, at the Florida Yacht Club. The Hubbard House Foundation is also marking its 20th anniversary.
City Rescue Mission Prepares for a New Chapter
After 11 years with City Rescue Mission, CEO Paul Stasi has announced plans to retire. Stasi, who has served as CEO since January 2021, will remain through July 31, 2027, while the board conducts a national search for his successor. The mission has served Northeast Florida for more than 80 years.
The mission says its programs and services will continue without interruption. Board Chair Craig Henderson praised Stasi’s leadership, compassion and commitment to the people the organization serves. Stasi said he remains committed to guiding the mission through the transition.
A Bigger World, A Stronger Jacksonville
Jacksonville had its own Global City Day on Oct. 20, proclaimed by Mayor Donna Deegan. The recognition came during a World Affairs Council of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Civic Council luncheon that drew 160 civic and business leaders to hear former U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti in conversation with Civic Council President and CEO Dennis Whittle.
The conversation focused on how Jacksonville’s global connections can translate into opportunities for residents. The World Affairs Council’s next event is a Nov. 3 Global Medical Innovation Series program in partnership with Mayo Clinic, featuring artificial intelligence expert Micky Tripathi.
Baptist Earns Stroke Honors
The American Heart Association has awarded its Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award – its highest recognition for stroke care – to all five Baptist Health adult hospitals. According to Matthew A. Zuino, Baptist Health president and CEO, Baptist Health has spent more than a decade developing its comprehensive stroke network.
Less Screen, More Green
Project One Health JAX marked three years and a leadership transition. October launched with $6.1 million in seed support from the Winston Family Foundation. The initiative is moving into a new phase led by the Children & Nature Network and community partners, with support from the University of North Florida.
In its first full year of evaluated neighborhood programming, the initiative reached more than 470 young people at 13 sites and delivered more than 4,300 hours of screen-free, nature-based activities. The Winston Family Foundation also announced plans to become four separate philanthropic organizations led by its trustees.
A First Round for Screening
The Borland Groover Foundation’s inaugural Fore! To Get Screened tournament brought supporters to King & Bear Golf Course on Oct. 2. Proceeds will support colorectal cancer screening access, including colonoscopy vouchers for underinsured patients, and assistance of up to $5,000 for eligible patients facing treatment-related expenses. The foundation hopes the tournament will become a recurring event alongside its March To Get Screened 5K.
Participants gather on the course during the Borland Groover Foundation’s inaugural Fore! To Get Screened golf tournament at King and Bear Golf Course.
A Four-Legged Hero Gets His Own Mini-Me
Meet Stone, a Jacksonville-based golden retriever with a serious job – and now, a stuffed-animal look-alike. Stone and his handler, John Long, travel the country responding to disasters, including the Surfside condominium collapse. He is one of three working dogs honored in Firehouse Subs’ new K-9 Crew plush collection.
The limited-edition dogs went on sale Oct. 28, National First Responders Day, at participating Firehouse Subs restaurants for $9.95 each, while supplies last. All net profits benefit the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which reports awarding more than $112 million in equipment and resources to first responders since 2005.
Miles with a Mission
Nearly 100 participants came out to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center on Oct. 3 to participate in the 10th annual Freed to Run, supporting Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s Shelter for Elders Endowment. A range of different races offered something for everyone running to raise funds for housing-related legal services for vulnerable seniors facing various threats to stable housing.
Mike Freed, founder of Freed to Run, holds a commemorative plaque celebrating a decade of impact at the 2026 event.
A Son’s Legacy, A Mother’s Mission
Volunteers joined Natasha Jackson for the inaugural Care Package Outreach event on Sept. 27 for Matthew’s Legacy of Light Foundation. One hundred care packages were distributed to seniors and people experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit is founded in memory of Jackson’s son, Matthew, whom she lost to gun violence last year; it transforms her loss into action through gun violence advocacy, outreach, mental health awareness and youth support.
Volunteers join Natasha Jackson for Matthew’s Legacy of Light’s inaugural Care Package Outreach to distribute 100 care packages throughout the community.