Hugh and Susan Greene honored as Guardians of the Arts

Posted on February 10, 2014 By Editor Neighborhood News

Spring for the Arts celebrates 10 years

By Kate A. Hallock,
Resident Community News

Total commitment – also known in this city as being “all in” – makes the community a great place for its residents to live and work.
It’s no wonder that San Jose residents Susan and Hugh Greene were chosen as recipients of the Cathedral Arts Project Guardians of the Arts award.

“Exhibiting what seems to be boundless energy, curiosity and dedication, day in and day out, Susan and Hugh Greene devote their lives to making their community a better place, with a particular passion for education and unleashing the power of the arts throughout all segments of our society,” said CAP executive director Kimberly Hyatt.

A former kindergarten and early childhood teacher, Susan has been a steadfast supporter of many Jacksonville causes. She currently serves on the Cathedral Arts Project’s Board of Directors, as well as the boards of the United Way of Northeast Florida, WJCT, and many other organizations. Among her many honors, Susan was awarded the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville Individual Award and the HandsOn Jacksonville Award for directing an adult ESOL school.

Hugh is President and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health. His recognitions include the Leadership Jacksonville Community Trustee Award, the OneJax Humanitarian Award, the Distinguished Business Leader Award from UNF’s Coggin College of Business, and the Excellence in Healthcare Award for his efforts on behalf of healthcare for the homeless. Most recently, he was the national winner of the Community Leader Award by Modern Healthcare magazine.

On March 7, friends of the Cathedral Arts Project will gather at Deerwood Country Club to mark the 10th year of CAP’s annual Spring for the Arts benefit, where the Greenes will be honored. This year’s event theme is Reach for the Stars and the more than 650 expected guests will enjoy stellar performances by CAP students.

As CAP commemorates one decade of the fundraising benefit that annually provides significant support for CAP’s mission, organizers felt it was essential to highlight and pay tribute to longevity and commitment to CAP, arts education, and the vision for every child in Northeast Florida to have access to first-rate arts instruction.

“Hugh and Susan are totally committed to their community and it is evident in how they give endlessly of their time and energy to help others,” said Heather Geraghty, event chair. “They are stellar examples of all that it means to ‘give back’ to the community and we can only begin to show our gratitude by honoring them at our 10th annual event.”
Past Guardians of the Arts include Steve and Diane Halverson (this year’s Honorary Chairs) and Aida Ribeiro and Fabio Mechetti (2013), Mary Virginia Terry and Marilyn and Pete Carpenter (2012), Monica and Bob Jacoby (2011), and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (2010).

The 2014 Host Committee has its own “stars”, including Marilyn and Pete Carpenter, Carol and Bill Foley, Joan and Preston Haskell, Monica and Bob Jacoby, Helen Lane, Joannie and Russell Newton, Aida Ribeiro and Fabio Mechetti, J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, and Jim Winston.