For more than a decade, Jacksonville Magazine has made it part of our mission to recognize local people and businesses doing extraordinary work in the community.
Reading through the dozens of nomination submissions we receive from First Coast businesses hoping to be named as one of the year’s Companies With Heart honorees is always a challenging yet enjoyable task. Challenging because some of the submissions are pages long, filled with examples of contributions to nonprofit organizations, volunteer hours served, fundraisers hosted or attended and results achieved because of the charitable efforts of company staff. Those same things make reviewing the nominations enjoyable, as well, because they paint a picture of the sizable steps so many local businesses—both big and small—take each year to contribute to our community. And contribute they do.
A good measuring stick with which one can put the Northeast Florida region’s charitable side into perspective is the Community Foundation. Since 1964, this grassroots group has operated as a charitable distribution center of sorts. Individuals, businesses and others give monetary donations to the Community Foundation which, in turn, are doled out to worthy causes of all kinds. Since inception, it has received more than $1 billion in gifts and made more than $750 million in grants. In 2023 alone, the organization was gifted $88 million and sent out over $75 million. Three-quarters of the money went to local nonprofits, while 12 percent went to points elsewhere in Florida and the remainder was given to causes across the nation.
All of that from one organization based in Jacksonville. Multiply those efforts again and again, year after year. That should give you good idea of the amount of giving done here and across Northeast Florida.
Featured here are this year’s 20 Companies With Heart honorees, highlighting some of the notable partnerships and actions they undertook in the last year. We applaud their past efforts in the areas of philanthropy, volunteerism, environmental stewardship and overall spirit of giving back. We’re blessed that they are part of the city and regions. Congratulations to all of the honorees. Keep up the good work.
CTI Resource Management Services
♥ Philanthropy at CTI involves the donation of time and talent to various organizations within the communities where we live. We believe we have an obligation to leave a legacy, a positive impression of what people will know and perceive of us as an organization and individually as CTI employees. Our philosphy statement is: “We see a company that is committed to making a difference in the lives of our employees and our customers so that they can make a difference at work, at home, in their communities and the world.” This means encouraging, empowering and recognizing our employees when they make a diffference by exhibiting our CTI Life Applications. They are:
1. Patient. I have self-control in difficult situations.
2. Kind. I show encouragement, enthusiasm, and make someone’s day better.
3. Trusting. I place confidence in those around me.
4 Unselfish. I think of myself less.
5. Truthful. I define reality corporately and individually.
6. Forgiving. I release the grip of the grudge.
7. Dedicated. I stick to our values in all circumstances.
Organizations our employees have volunteered for include Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida. Our employees volunteered hours for reading tutoring for Adult Literacy. Care4Communities is a ministry in Honduras that our employees volunteer for annually. This year they continued the build for schoolrooms for Honduran children. In addition, we have volunteers that teach English as a second language to the children when they go on the mission trips here.
JWB Real Estate
♥ At JWB Real Estate Companies, we measure our success in community involvement by the positive impact we create in the lives of others and the growth we see in our community. Our efforts align with the four focus areas for the Companies With Heart award, and we’re proud to share how we make a difference. For example, At JWB, we prioritize using efficient appliances and recycling, making thoughtful choices to benefit both our residents and the community. Philanthropy is at the heart of what we do. Since 2017, our charitable foundation, JWB Cares, has worked tirelessly to give back to Jacksonville. We’re proud of the financial support we provide to local initiatives, knowing it has a meaningful impact. Arts and culture are vital to a thriving community, and we’re excited to support events such as Jacksonville PorchFest and SPAR’s initiatives in Springfield.
Volunteering is a cornerstone of our culture at JWB. Our team regularly rolls up their sleeves to support community events, from serving meals to participating in beautification projects. Our leaders set the tone, actively participating in initiatives that inspire others to get involved. We believe that hands-on action is one of the most powerful ways to give back.
Office Images
♥ In 2024, we had the opportunity to give back in ways that reflect how much we care about our community and its growth. We participated in Dreams Come True Walk, supporting children with life-threatening illnesses, and took part in STEAM Goes Red with the American Heart Association, helping young women in health and science. Through The Twelve Days of Giving, we offered elements of warmth for those in need in the cold months. Each of these efforts felt like a small way to show love for the community we are proud to be a part of and to contribute to its continued growth and well-being. In addition, employees volunteered to do yard work and wash cars for the veterans at K9s for Warriors.
River City Science Academy
♥ By fostering environmental stewardship, giving back through philanthropy, celebrating arts and culture, and engaging in volunteerism, River City Science Academy aims to instill a sense of purpose and community in our students while making a meaningful impact in Northeast Florida. Our environmental stewardship metrics of success are student participation in environmental education and activities across a variety of projects promoting sustainability and conservation, a positive impact on our local ecosystem, and the awareness of the issues our future generations will face with the empowerment and tools to make change. Some projects from the last year include: student-led recycling programs including collecting and properly disposing of paper, plastics, and electronics, inclusion in our schools-wide green initiative of providing tumblers to staff and students to cut down on plastic and paper use, STEM challenges such as building renewable energy models, participating in beach and community cleanup efforts, and collaborations with organizations such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, and St. Johns Riverkeeper who offer our community workshops and hands-on activities on conservation.
Our school’s culture of character is anchored in what we do to give back. Every month of the school year is dedicated to giving. In August, our students donated hundreds of school supplies to South American young people in a community developing a formal school system. In September, in partnership with Goodwill, students brought their donations to their school’s drop off line to help those in need. For October philanthropy, In partnership with Pink Ribbon Jax, students dress down fundraising directly benefitted underserved women in need of detection services for breast cancer and to raise awareness.
Crowley
♥ At Crowley, we measure the success of our community involvement by assessing the tangible impact of our efforts across our four key areas of focus—education, environmental sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion and health and wellness. We examine metrics such as the number of community members reached, employee volunteer hours, corporate donations and company-matched employee donations. Crowley demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through initiatives like supporting environmental education programs and promoting habitat restoration projects in the communities we serve. For example, we actively sponsor and participate in coastal clean-ups and other events to protect marine ecosystems, reflecting our dedication to preserving the planet for future generations. This year, Crowley contributed over $1 million in charitable donations, funding scholarships, workforce development programs and community organizations aligned with our pillars such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, American Heart Association, Rethreaded and Wreaths Across America.
Crowley supports arts and culture initiatives that celebrate diversity and bring communities together. This includes sponsoring cultural heritage events such as the Jax Melanin Markets that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the communities where we operate. Through partnerships with local organizations, we foster creative opportunities and cultural education for underserved populations.
LandSouth Construction
♥ LandSouth has an Owning Our Footprint Initiative that involves community involvement and giving back. For example, we have donated unused lumber and building supplies to Habitat ReStores in a variety of locations. We sponsor a multitude of non-profit organizations including Hunger Fight, Kids in Need Foundation, Once Upon A Room Halloween event, Beaches Habitat for Humanity, Beaches Boys & Girls Club, and many more. WIth our emphasis in children and education, we have donated paper, art and offices supplies, and event decorations to area schools in need. And LandSouth volunteers at a variety of events throughout the year: Seamark Mud Run, Hunger Fight, Kids in Need Backpacking event, Beaches Habitat for Humanity builds, and many more.
One employee, Bob McDonald has been instrumental in participating in multiple builds and has also brought on young women’s high schools teams to volunteer for service hours, and also learn about the construction field. He has worked with Bartram Trail High School’s Girls Softball Team, and most recently with Dana Webb, our VP of Finance, who hosted the Ponte Vedra High School JV and Varsity Girls Volleyball teams at a build for a deserving veteran.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty
♥ Our company has been committed to assisting Dreams Come True since 2013, and has found multiple ways to support the organization’s mission of using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to local children and their families facing life threatening Illnesses. In 2024 alone, the company donated more than $50,000 to Dreams Come True. These activities have included raising more than $258,000 though fundraising events and corporate donations to sponsor the dreams of 44 children in Northeast Florida. The company’s Realtors and employees have participated in dream parties hosted for each of their sponsored dreams. And last year, the company hosted and sponsored its third annual Dreams Come True Charity Golf Tournament to raise funds for the organization.
The company’s Realtors and employees provide volunteer support to more than 50 local charitable organizations. The initiatives include sponsorships, donations, board service and volunteerism. The beneficiaries include BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry), Blessings in a Backpack, the Donna Foundation, Family Support Services, Feeding Northeast Florida and other area food banks, Matanzas Riverkeeper, Pink Up the Pace, Pace Center for Girls, RAP (Riverside Avondale Preservation), Toys for Tots, neighborhood schools, churches and first responders, and others.
We plan to continue our partnership with Dreams Come True in 2025. For the other organizations that we are able to work with in 2025, we hope to make a difference through monetary donations and volunteering.
Ennis, Pellum & Associates, CPAs
♥ Our company contributes to many different organizations throughout the year. In 2024, we participated in several fundraisers, including our United Way snacks box benefitting United Way of Northeast Florida. We provide the ability for employees to select a charitable organization they are passionate about and donate to the organization through payroll deduction. Additionally, we contributed to World Central Kitchen in support of hurricane relief efforts with donations raised from an office bake-off.
Notable employee involvement include Austin Wynn, a partner with Ennis Pullum, who is the Treasurer for The Florida Theatre. Jeremy Hall, a tax manager, is the Treasurer for North Florida Archers. The firm participated in many volunteer opportunities over the past year, such as cleaning and painting apartments for the Children’s Home Society. The apartments provide safe, stable housing for young adults ages 18 to 23 who have exited foster care without families and for teen moms exiting the Teen Parent Program. In addition, every year, we adopt four families to provide Thanksgiving baskets through United Way and Duval County Full-Service Schools, who we also partner with each year for Stuff the Bus.
Coastal Wealth
♥ At Coastal Wealth, philanthropy is integral to our values. We actively support local charitable and civic organizations, contributing to causes that enhance our community’s well-being. Our team’s dedication to making a difference is evident through donations and support for community-driven causes. Volunteering is a cornerstone of our community engagement. Our team members actively participate in various initiatives, dedicating time and resources to support essential causes.
In 2024 at Coastal Wealth, we believe that contributing to our communities is more than a responsibility; it’s an honor. One of the causes closest to our hearts is the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimers. This event, held in Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, brings people together to raise awareness and essential funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. In addition, each year, Coastal Wealth team members volunteer their time with Feeding America, distributing meals to families in need and assisting in food bank initiatives. These volunteer days in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are a powerful way for our team to connect with and support those facing food insecurity. The holiday season is a reminder of the importance of compassion and support. Through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, we help spread holiday joy by adopting “Angels”—local children in need—and fulfilling their holiday wish lists.
Haskell
♥ Locally, Haskell team members from across the company participate in activities incorporating sustainability and environmental awareness in the community. One example of this is our partnership with Green Apple Day of Service, which gives parents, teachers, and students the opportunity to partner with local companies and organizations to transform neighborhood schools into healthy, safe and productive learning environments. Our employees and leadership are passionate about assisting for the greater good and conducting our operations to be a responsible corporate citizen in every location. This approach has been a part of the Haskell tradition since 1965 and is embedded in our values and corporate philosophy. Corporate giving is focused on education, arts and culture and the relief of human suffering but extends to other areas, including serving those who serve others.
This past year, Haskell supported more than 400 philanthropic partners, and its team members are extremely active in worthy causes. We are the largest benefactor and supplier of work hours to HabiJax, and this year’s United Way drive set a company record again. We also made large, directed commitments to the Together Strong Community Fund, which uses education and conversation to combat bias.
Volunteerism or Service is a part of the corporate philosophy of giving back. Haskell pays four hours per month for volunteer time during regular work hours. Haskell believes it is important to recognize the thoughtful ways our team members share their talent, time, and treasure for the greater good of society. As a company, we challenge our team members to “Live the Values” and be champions for causes. Inspiring others to participate and rally together builds friendships, pride, and stronger teams—and ties directly to our values.
VyStar Credit Union
♥ Our credit union has a simple purpose, which is to Do Good. This philosophy traces back to our founding in 1952 and guides every decision we make today. Those decisions include donating millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year, and to our employees, completing thousands of hours of volunteerism to improve the world around us.
Last year, VyStar donated more than $7 million to over 400 nonprofit organizations, and VyStar employees personally volunteered over 33,000 hours. Our employees actively serve on 158 nonprofit boards, leveraging their skills and expertise to further support and strengthen our community. We provide employees with paid time off to support the community by volunteering for a charity of their choice. Full-time employees can utilize up to 8 hours annually, while part-time employees can use up to 6 hours annually to volunteer at a charity. Additionally, through our Pay It Forward Donation Program, the company donates up to $100 to the charity of their choice once they meet their volunteer hour threshold. Last year, we contributed over $89,500 through this program.
Baptist Health
♥ Since 2019, Baptist Health has donated a portion of the food from our hospital cafeterias to the University of North Florida’s Meals on Wings initiative. Three days a week, student volunteers from UNF’s Nutrition and Dietetics program pick up unserved food prepared in Baptist kitchens and repackage it for delivery to more than 250 seniors. The food recovery program has allowed Baptist to extend its mission of caring by repurposing excess food. According to UNF, nearly 1,000 seniors in Duval County are on a waiting list to receive home-delivered meals.
More than 800 original works of art by local and national artists are on display within Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, demonstrating the transcendent power art can have in the healing process. The wide-ranging art collection includes five major commissioned works that reflect the outpatient cancer center’s exceptional level of care and enhance the patient experience for families and visitors. “The Circle,” a red granite sculpture located in the cancer center’s first-floor atrium, recently garnered its donors “The Art of Giving” award from the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. Also, Baptist Health sponsors or supports a variety of cultural events in the Jacksonville area, including the Wolfson Children’s Challenge, the Florida Forum Speakers Series, the River City Pride Festival, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Art with a Heart in Healthcare, and the annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament.
Stellar
♥ The use of sustainable materials and products is prioritized at Stellar job sites whenever possible and actively pursue recycling initiatives during demolition and renovation projects. The commitment extends to constructing eco-friendly buildings, with many of them achieving LEED certification. These buildings are designed to minimize their carbon footprints and incorporate advanced technologies that save energy and water. Notably, our Commercial Division headquarters has earned the prestigious LEED Silver Certification. This facility features innovations such as energy-efficient windows, touchless faucets, automatic flush valves, waterless urinals, a reflective roof, and other state-of-the-art elements, making it one of the first LEED-certified structures in Jacksonville.
The company’s philanthropic efforts are a key part of its mission to foster community involvement and improvement. By supporting important organizations like the Jacksonville Zoo, the Museum of Science & History (MOSH), and the YMCA, Stellar aims to enhance the local quality of life. Our contributions to the construction of MOSH Genesis and our ongoing donations demonstrate our commitment to revitalizing downtown Jacksonville, promoting educational advancement in Duval County, and preserving local heritage. In our outreach initiatives, we collaborate with organizations such as Food Brings Hope, UF Health, Dreams Come True, and Community Hospice to address social challenges and support vulnerable populations. Our efforts, including coordinating Thanksgiving baskets and upcoming Christmas partnerships, showcase our proactive approach to making a significant impact, particularly during the holiday season.
Root Realty
♥ Community involvement is deeply ingrained in Root Realty’s company values. We strive to make a positive impact by aligning our efforts with initiatives that benefit Jacksonville and beyond. Philanthropy is at the core of what we do. In 2024, The Run Home 5K raised nearly $30,000 to support Sulzbacher Village, which provides housing and services for homeless women and families, and Rethreaded, an organization empowering survivors of human trafficking. This annual event allows us to foster meaningful change and demonstrate our commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of our community.
In addition, we focus on showcasing and supporting local businesses as sponsors to bring the community together. During The Run Home 5K, we partner with a variety of Jacksonville-based businesses, from coffee shops to food trucks, creating a strong sense of local pride. These partnerships not only enhance the event experience but also highlight the vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit of our city. By connecting neighbors with the incredible businesses in their backyard, we foster a deeper appreciation for the unique culture that makes Jacksonville special.
THE PLAYERS Championship
♥ In 2024, THE PLAYERS diverted 51.7 tons of waste from landfills, recycled 77,532
pounds of materials, donated 9,469 pounds of food to local organizations, and composted 15,180 pounds of food waste. The tournament and organization has given back over $110 million to Northeast Florida since our inception, supporting more than 300 local nonprofits. THE PLAYERS celebrates our region’s culture by featuring local restaurants, artists, and brands in the fan shop. We also fund and donate to programs that support the arts here in Northeast Florida.
For 2024, we would like to recognize the 2,000 volunteers at THE PLAYERS Championship who dedicated over 66,981 service hours throughout the event. Their tireless efforts, from supporting various community initiatives to ensuring the smooth operation of the tournament, play a crucial role in the event’s success. These volunteers embody the spirit of giving back and make a lasting impact on both the tournament and Northeast Florida.
In 2025, THE PLAYERS Championship will continue to support the community through a variety of initiatives. This includes offering $50,000 grants as part of an updated PLAYERS Grants program, celebrating our 50th anniversary and benefiting local organizations. Additionally, we will support the community through our fundraising programs, volunteer efforts, event sponsorships, and other charitable activities.
Wingard
♥ Wingard’s vision statement of “Realized Potential: For our Client Partners, our Community, and our People” is exemplified in the company’s focus on philanthropy and volunteering. In total, the company provided more than $260,000 in discounted, in-kind, donations, and sponsorship support to area nonprofits in the past twelve months. In-kind and discounted services included creative, public relations, website design and development, social media management, and marketing strategy. Examples of these principles in action include: Dedicating a portion of ongoing services as in-kind donations to organizations that provide health and social impact services to the community, including Ability Housing, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing; LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, the nonprofit blood bank that serves several regional hospitals (including Wolfson Children’s Hospital); the DONNA Foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients and contributes funds to breast cancer research; Downtown Vision, a nonprofit dedicated to improving life and business in the center of the city; and Feeding Northeast Florida, the region’s largest food bank and hunger relief network.
This past year, company employees participated in two group volunteer outings, one with the Hubbard House throwing a birthday party for their shelter residence, and another with Feeding Northeast Florida sorting food. Many team members spent time volunteering at races the DONNA Foundation hosted, and the office hosted a couple of field trips for City Year Jacksonville Student Success Coaches to learn more about what a career in communications can look like.
Riverside Homes
♥ The philosophy of “Building with Heart” lies at the very core of Riverside Homes. Through philanthropy, volunteer work, and environmental initiatives, the Riverside Homes team exemplifies their commitment to giving back and safeguarding the community where they live, work, and play. As a team and as individuals, the company donates generously both monetarily and with volunteer hours to a wide variety of causes, including: Builders Care, The Healing Hearts Project, Hunger Fight, Best Buddies, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, and The Will King Foundation.
The company is deeply honored to have built this year’s ‘Home from the Heart,’ an extraordinary project dedicated to raising vital funds for Builders Care, the charitable arm of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA). Builders Care focuses on delivering cost-effective construction solutions for the elderly, disabled, and other nonprofits throughout the First Coast. The sale of this special home generated a direct donation to Builders Care, significantly bolstering their mission and annual budget. In June 2024, Riverside Homes’ owners, Chris Wood and Matt Roberts, presented a groundbreaking donation of $214,000 to Builders Care—a contribution that not only set a new record for the ‘Home from the Heart’ initiative but also marked the largest single donation ever received by the organization.
Florida Capital Bank
♥ Our tagline, “We Bring the Bank to You,” applies equally to our business model and our community involvement philosophy. In 2024, we continued to find creative ways to engage our team in service initiatives. We found success in this goal by deepening our engagement with Operation New Hope, Rethreaded, Beaches Go Green, and the Raines High School JROTC program. Whether helping a family achieve the dream of homeownership, funding a loan that will allow a small business to grow, coming together to create a brighter holiday season for foster children, or participating in virtual awareness and fundraising walks, we aim to put passion behind what we do and improve our community in the process.
Florida Capital Bank’s employee-led corporate social responsibility program focuses primarily on organizations, groups, and events that improve lives in Northeast Florida. From buying holiday gifts for children in the foster care system, to raising funds and awareness through walks with the Operation New Hope and the Baldwin Corporate Run, American Lung Association and American Heart Association, individual members of Florida Capital Bank’s team made a difference for neighbors who will never know their names. In total, the bank made direct donations totaling more than $100,000 to organizations across its service areas to including Five Star Veteran Fishing Tournament, Operation New Hope Charity Run, Down Syndrome Charity Golf Tournament, Angelwood Annual Gala, City Rescue, Armed Forces Veterans, We Care Inc., Nemours Fund Foundation, Dress for Success, and Family Support Services’ Be An Angel Program.
Ascension St. Vincent’s
♥ Ascension St. Vincent’s commitment to the community reflects its mission to serve all people, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Caring for the community involves not only providing medical treatment, but also engaging with and supporting the community to address their unique needs, improving overall health. The Mobile Health Outreach Ministry provided nearly 10,300 adult and pediatric care visits, over $2.7 million in medical care value. Also, Ascension St. Vincent’s provided $582,040 in support to 2,447 patients, assisting with transportation, infusions, medical equipment, respite care, and dialysis support.
Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside partners with local schools to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. Last year, it launched a program in partnership with Duval County Public Schools that allows students at Westside High School to work alongside associates inside the hospital and achieve their Certified Nursing Assistant licensce (CNA.) It also works with St. Paul’s School to create Operation H.E.R.O. (Health Education, Resources, and Opportunities), a program that merges STEM, emphasizing medicine and science, through monthly experiences led by Ascension physicians. In its 31st year, volunteers and associates from Ascension St. Vincent’s will prepare approximately 1,100 warm Thanksgiving meals for local seniors in need, providing many the only warm meal they will receive that day.
Vested Metals International
♥ Vested Metals held its second annual charity golf tournament in 2024, raising and giving away over $71,000 to local non-profit organizations—bringing our two year total to over $131,000 as we march towards our goal of raising and giving more than $1,000,000 in a decade. Vested also sponsors various events in the community throughout the year supporting organizations such as Adaptive Superstars, Speakeasy for a Cause supporting the American Cancer Society, Flagler College Athletics, local little league and youth sports teams and others.
The Vested Metals team spends time volunteering throughout the year, including building ramps for homeowners in need with the St. Johns Housing Partnership, sponsoring and hosting a Boys and Girls Club annual Christmas party, taking part in the Seamark Ranch Mud Run fundraiser, raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, as well as other individual serving, mentoring, and giving opportunities on community boards and organizations. We plan to continue our volunteering work with The Boys and Girls Club, Seamark Ranch, St. Johns Housing Partnership, and to hold our third annual charity golf tournament in the spring of 2025, in hopes of raising as much as $100,000 at the event.
To see the 2025 Companies With Heart feature article, click here. Nominations for next year will open in the fall.
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