Carl N. Cannon, 2005 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
A selfless and committed volunteer fundraiser, Carl N. Cannon epitomizes civic pride. Carl Cannon’s commitment to organizations like the Zoo and the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast is easy to document. Currently serving as chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, his leadership has contributed to the success in raising over $25 million. Along with his support to the Zoo, Cannon served as Chair of the YMCA Board of Trustees, and later accepted the capital leadership position for the YMCA. His organization, leadership and direction resulted in the most successful campaign the YMCA had ever participated in, resulting in $10.8 million in support.  Cannon has been described as having a quiet motivation to encouraging others to contribute and help with leadership giving.  

Dr. France Bartlett Kinne, 2005 Outstanding Philanthropist
A name synonymous with generosity and civic support, Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne is the 2005 Outstanding Philanthropist. Dr. Kinne’s goodwill has benefited the First Coast for more than 40 years. Not only the first female to serve as a Dean of a College of Fine Arts in the United States, Dr. Kinne continued to break down barriers to women, becoming the first female to serve as a college President in the State of Florida at Jacksonville University. She held the post of President at Jacksonville University for ten years and later went on to become JU’s first Chancellor and finally as Chancellor Emeritus. Providing her time, talent and treasure, Dr. Kinne continues to support the fine arts in both large and small ways. One outstanding example is her $1 million gift to the Fran Kinne Endowment for the Fine Arts, which allowed her to challenge JU alumni to contribute an additional $2 million.  

Jason Metcalfe, 2005 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
At age 11, Jason Metcalfe attended a party at his school principal’s house and struck up a conversation with George Chapman, the principal’s husband.  One day, Metcalfe witnessed Chapman in a wheelchair, later learning that his friend had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Pooling his tooth fairy money and his allowance to buy candy resulted in a successful development effort. He resold the candy to students and teachers at his school to great success. His small, initial goal of $500 quickly resulted in $5,624 in three months.  Today, Jason is a national advocate and spokesperson for the National ALS Association, and has even lobbied in Congress. Sadly, George Chapman passed away in 2004, but Jason Metcalfe’s personal commitment to become an ALS researcher and to his tremendous fundraising determination continue.

Lucy B. Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust, 2005 Outstanding Foundation  In December 2004, an unprecedented gift of $5,000,000 was presented to establish the Lucy Gooding Children’s Neurosurgery Center at Baptist Health’s Wolfson Children’s Hospital – the largest gift for the Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust and also for the recipient. With a lack of neurosurgeons in our community, this gift has provided incredible direct impact on young patients with spina bifida, epilepsy, brain tumors, head injuries and other brain illness.  Gooding Foundation awards have funded numerous organizations in our community, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Bolles School, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Catholic Charities, Hope Haven Clinic, PACE Center for Girls, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent’s Foundation, and many others. Lucy Gooding, a woman characterized by her love and compassion for children, sadly passed away in 2002, but her legacy to our community continues through the guidance of the trustees of her trust.

Publix Super Markets, 2005 Outstanding Corporation
In our community, Publix has consistently supported countless organizations addressing issues of personal crisis, health and physical challenges, and education. In nominating Publix for the award, the Salvation Army shared how significant the grocery chain has been as a partner in battling hunger in Jacksonville. Within the last five years alone, Publix has contributed over $212,000 to provide food for the Salvation Army’s “Food for Families” program. In addition to monetary contributions, Publix has also provided thousands and thousands of cans of food, supporting the “Can-U-Care” food drive.  From management to shoppers to store employees, Publix infuses its charitable giving throughout the company, providing more than just a generous monetary check to many of our community’s worthy non-profit agencies.

Salvation Army’s Jacksonville Women’s Auxiliary, 2005 Outstanding Civic Organization
With 150 members strong, the dedicated and compassionate women conduct a number of projects throughout the year all with a single goal of meeting the needs of clients in Salvation Army programs. The Auxiliary members have an endless sense of energy and creativity, resulting in events and projects that have touched hundreds of thousands of lives on the First Coast. Debuting in 1986, the Auxiliary’s premier annual event is the Celebrity Chefs Luncheon and Silent Auction which has net $1.1 million in proceeds for the Salvation Army’s Jacksonville programs. Beyond the very necessary fundraising efforts, the Auxiliary also helps to found important initiatives like the Salvation Army’s Child Development Center, a state-of-the-art facility providing nationally-accredited child care and school readiness. The Auxiliary provided not only important oversight of operations and finances, the members also contribute several $5,000 tuition scholarships, enable children from homeless families to enjoy excellent care and learning experiences.