Sharing the good work of our nonprofit partners in North and South Florida
As the holidays approach, I want to thank you for reaching out and sharing your spirit of giving and caring every day of the year. My husband often said, "So long as I can help others, even a little, I am happy." May we each find a reason to be happy this season and continue to work together in 2013 to bring hope to those who still need someone to believe in them.
Warmest wishes for the holidays
and a happy, healthy New Year,
Chairman and President
The Jim Moran Foundation
For over three decades of providing educational opportunities and advocacy for children of migrant families in Palm Beach County, Donna Marie Goray has been named the 2012 recipient of The Jim Moran Foundation Award.
With this honor, Goray received a $50,000 unrestricted grant for the Farmworker Children's Council, Inc. — the nonprofit of her choice — and a bronze sculpture created by South Florida artist George Gadson of an open book with a child climbing a ladder supported by an outstretched hand.
"Donna is an inspiring example of leading with commitment and heart," said Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. "I know my husband would want to recognize her for making a real difference in the lives of those children who have been impacted by her unconditional love, encouragement and guidance."
More than 30 years ago, Goray began volunteering in a migrant housing community through her church. Inspired by the hard working families they served, Goray soon founded the Farmworker Children's Council with a mission to provide free educational, social, recreational and cultural services for children of laborers in the agricultural, nursery and equestrian fields of Palm Beach County. The organization has since grown to offer homework assistance during the school year and enriching educational programming in the summer to nearly 200 children and teens annually.
Read the full story.
For children in an impoverished area of Jacksonville, MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation offers a safe space to learn, play, and grow. The Jim Moran Foundation supports one of its core programs, Tennis & Tutoring, through a grant for 70 third through fifth grade students.
Each day, children receive homework assistance, tennis or fitness sessions, and positive life skills classes that include character development and community involvement opportunities. For those who need intensive academic support, additional tutoring and mentoring are provided. With more than 80% of children returning year-over-year — often through high school — MaliVai offers a continuum of support that prepares youth for brighter futures.
Third-grade student Armoni (pictured above) has become an avid reader through MaliVai's Book Club that matches children with volunteers to help them discover a love of learning.
Connect with MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation.
Recognizing the increasing demand from food pantries for nutritious food and fresh produce, United Way of Broward County established Project Lifeline in 2009. Since that time, The Jim Moran Foundation has proudly supported 50% of the food distribution initiative, contributing $1 million to date. Altogether this successful program has provided approximately 3.5 million pounds of healthy food to help those who are hungry.
"If ever a title for a project was aptly named it certainly is Project Lifeline," said Catherine Penny Loughan, CEO of The Pantry of Broward, one of the program's 25 participating food banks. "One can feel the hum in the air on Monday mornings when our volunteers at The Pantry of Broward are anticipating the arrival of the Project Lifeline truck. For many it is the only way they receive fresh produce and vegetables. To some people who are used to shopping at grocery stores and open air markets this probably wouldn't be big news, but to our clients it is akin to handing them a life preserver in their very stormy sea."
Learn more about United Way of Broward County.