Inspiring Change, Elevating Communities: Association of Fundraising Professionals FL, First Coast Chapter Awards

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Recognizing the heroes who personify philanthropy

In a world where visionaries drive transformative change, we take a moment to celebrate the excellence that inspires us all. The Association of Fundraising Professionals Florida First Coast Chapter honors Northeast Florida’s philanthropy champions – those who elevate our community through their advocacy and generosity. We salute the individuals and organizations who are making a significant impact, filling crucial gaps and redefining the meaning of community giving.

Lifetime Achievement

Paul Bosland

Paul Bosland

Nominated by: Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Paul C. Bosland is a beloved community volunteer who has been actively involved in philanthropy
and leadership of numerous organizations for more than 30 years. The former board chair of Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Paul previously was a driving force for New Jersey-based Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation, providing the lead gift for their first campaign.

Paul has supported Wolfson Children’s and Baptist Health for more than 33 years, providing nearly
$2 million to support initiatives such as the Wolfson Children’s Challenge, the Baptist Nassau Capital Campaign, Wolfson Children’s expansion programs, the Baptist Health Clinical School for team members, the Baptist Jacksonville structural heart program and the Borowy Family Children’s Critical Care Tower for critically ill and injured children. In 2016, he also established a named endowment to support community health and wellness activities for Baptist Medical Center Nassau.

Outstanding Champion of Diversity

Adam Chaskin

Adam Chaskin

Nominated by: Jewish Community Alliance

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) CEO Adam Chaskin often says that while “Jewish” may be the first name of the agency, its middle name is “Community.” This belief drives his work, especially when the community faces challenges. In 2022, after antisemitic messages were projected in several locations across Jacksonville, Adam partnered with other Jewish agencies to push for legislation making it illegal to project images onto privately owned buildings. Thanks to their efforts, this legislation was passed in January 2023.

Adam also joined First Coast YMCA CEO Eric Mann to launch “Together Against Hate: Promoting Unity in Our Community.” Designed to combat all forms of hate and bias, the program organized six events throughout the city, culminating in the first-ever Racing Against Hate 5K Run/Walk.

Under Adam’s guidance, the JCA has embarked on a capital campaign, raising over $13.9 million to renovate and expand the JCA campus. His unwavering dedication ensures that the JCA remains a premier institution serving the community.

Outstanding Small Business or Civic Organization

Jacksonville Ace Group (Ace Hardware) 2 men and 2 women in Ace Hardware wearing Ace Hardware shirts and vests and smiling

Jacksonville Ace Group (Ace Hardware)

Nominated by: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Ace Hardware has built a strong legacy of community service and commitment through its partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The Jacksonville Ace Group (JAG) has consistently supported UF Health Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, raising substantial funds through year-round efforts.

JAG takes its commitment further by organizing local events, including a vendor dinner with auction proceeds benefiting CMN Hospitals. These efforts have resulted in over $2.7 million raised since 1991, with members leading additional fundraising activities like the Ace Fore Kids Golf Tournament. This dedication has had a profound impact on pediatric healthcare in Northeast Florida.

JAG’s contributions in 2023 alone totaled over $408,000, making it the highest fundraising group in the Southeast. Its donations have directly funded essential equipment and advanced care initiatives, improving the lives of countless children. Ace Hardware’s culture of helping extends beyond their stores, making them a trusted partner in enhancing healthcare for the community.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

Lauren Baker

Lauren Baker

Nominated by: UNF Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

Following in the footsteps of the civic-minded women who founded MOCA 100 years ago, Lauren Baker is paving the way for the next generation of philanthropists.

As a MOCA trustee, Lauren has devoted countless hours to improving quality of life in our community. Lauren transformed the museum’s fundraising efforts. Most notably, she chaired MOCA’s Centennial Gala: A Walk on the Wild Side, encouraging others to participate in philanthropic community service and assembling committees to plan and promote the Gala.

Lauren currently serves on the First Coast YMCA Metro Board of Directors and has previously served on the Christ Episcopal Church Preschool Board and the PVPV Rawlings Elementary School PTO Board. Lauren is the kind of philanthropist who inspires others to give back and helps to make Jacksonville the kind of place where people want to work, live and play.

Outstanding Champion of Diversity

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, smiling group of people under Berkshire Hathaway tent at outdoor event

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Florida Network Realty

Nominated by: Dreams Come True of Jacksonville

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty (BHHSFNR) exemplifies corporate philanthropy through its enduring partnership with Dreams Come True (DCT), Northeast Florida’s nonprofit that brings hope to children battling life-threatening illnesses. Since 2013, BHHSFNR has raised over $258,000, sponsoring dreams for 44 children. Its involvement extends beyond fundraising, with employees actively participating in dream parties, special celebrations, and events like DCT’s annual Walk, Run, and Roll 5K, raising an additional $90,000.

Beyond DCT, BHHSFNR has contributed to various community initiatives. The company’s annual Backpack Challenge has donated over 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, and their Holiday Luminarias with Pine Castle event supports adults with intellectual and developmental differences. BHHSFNR’s dedication to local causes is reflected in its engagement with over 50 nonprofit organizations, making a lasting impact on the community through financial contributions, volunteerism, and leadership.

Outstanding Foundation

man with white Mayo Clinic jacket speaking with two women wearing blue Sulzbacher shirts

Mayo Clinic

Nominated by: Sulzbacher

Mayo Clinic is a pillar of philanthropy in Jacksonville, Florida, contributing nearly $6 million to support close to 100 organizations in 2023 alone. Notably, Mayo Clinic donated $5 million to Sulzbacher’s Enterprise Village, a comprehensive facility addressing homelessness through housing, healthcare, and job training. This contribution underscores Mayo Clinic’s commitment to improving healthcare access
in underserved communities.

Mayo Clinic’s philanthropic efforts extend to various causes, including mental health, senior care, and reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Its leadership in community health initiatives, such as the Blue Zones Project and the Community Health Collaborative, highlights its dedication to fostering a healthier Northeast Florida. Mayo Clinic also encourages volunteerism, with over 400 employees contributing nearly 2,500 hours of service in 2023, reflecting their deep-rooted commitment to giving back to the community.

Next Generation Award

Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith

Nominated by: Jacksonville University

Ryan is a shining example of dedication and making a positive impact on others. A recent graduate
of Jacksonville University, he served as treasurer of Sigma Chi Fraternity and participated in multiple community outreach projects.

His professional endeavors, such as establishing Winward Strategies in 2022, are a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to driving economic growth in the region.

Ryan shows his dedication to philanthropic causes through engagement with organizations such
as the Child Cancer Fund, Huntsman Cancer Foundation and K9s for warriors. In 2022, Ryan committed to a multi-year gift to support both the School of Aviation and Aviation students at JU. He not only serves on the aviation advisory board, but also as a mentor to his scholarship students. In 2023, Ryan received the Scott Amos Alumnus of Distinction Award.

Ryan’s contributions and dedication to philanthropy, community service and mentorship exemplify what it is to be an inspiring example for the next generation of civic leaders.

Outstanding Philanthropist

Betty Berkman

Betty Berkman

Nominated by: Barnabas Center, Inc., Nassau County Council on Aging, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County

Betty Berkman is a true example of love of community through her family gifts and championing of organizations in Amelia Island. Betty recently provided $1 million for the Council on Aging’s Berkman Pavilion and Memorial Garden as well as a gift to the Boys and Girls Club to build a new teen center in Nassau County. Betty was recently awarded the 2024 Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County’s Champion of Youth Award, acknowledging her contributions to the betterment of youth.

Betty’s support is also evident at the Barnabas Center, where she helped create the David Berkman and Dr. Ken Owens Fund for Professional Excellence, helping the Barnabas Center recruit, train and maintain top talent.

Betty has touched many in the community with her support of Baptist Medical Center Nassau,
Story and Song Center for Arts & Culture, the YMCA, Fernandina Beach playground and many more. She exemplifies what it means to be an Outstanding Community Philanthropist.


Sara McMillan, CFRE Chapter President 2024 AFP Florida, First Coast
Sara McMillan, CFRE Chapter President 2024 AFP Florida, First Coast

“Nonprofits are critical to our Northeast Florida community, and I’m so thankful to live in a city that values philanthropy. Our AFP Florida First Coast Chapter’s role is to elevate ethical fundraising standards, ensuring that our fundraising professionals have the resources they need so our nonprofits can serve those who depend on us each day.”


Samantha D’Agostino, MBA Chapter President-Elect 2024 AFP Florida, First Coast
Samantha D’Agostino, MBA Chapter President-Elect 2024 AFP Florida, First Coast

“AFP is an invaluable resource for our nonprofit community. Whenever we can bring together our members to collaborate, provide education and resources we are able to lift up our sector and advance philanthropy on the First Coast.”


smiling people at National Philanthropy Luncheon

For more than 60 years, AFP has been the standard for professionalism in fundraising. AFP represents more than 40,000 members in 230 chapters across the world by working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs.

You can help support the advancement of philanthropy on the First Coast by making a gift today to the Be the Cause Campaign for the AFP Foundation. With your participation, the Foundation can continue providing the education, training and resources members need to enhance nonprofit organizations around the world and on the First Coast. In addition, each gift you make will take the First Coast Chapter one step closer to reaching its dollar goal and qualifying for the Chapter Partnership Grant. With your help, we can make the goal! Please consider making a gift today at afpglobal.org/donate.

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Logo - Change the World with a Giving Heart, National Philanthropy Day

www.community.afpnet.org/afpflfirstcoastchapter

Tags: Adam Chaskin, AFP, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Baptist Health, Barnabas Center, Be the Cause Campaign, berkshire hathaway homeservices florida network realty, Betty Berkman, Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Ace Group, Jacksonville University, Jewish Community Alliance, Lauren Baker, Mayo Clinic, MOCA, Nassau County Council on Aging, National Philanthropy Day, Paul Bosland, Ryan Smith, Samantha D’Agostino, Sara McMillan, Sulzbacher, UNF, Wolfson Children's Hospital


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