Diabetes Research Institute
Founded in 1971 by a group of parents of children with diabetes who were committed to finding a cure for this devastating disease, The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRI) has evolved into an international coalition of families, patients, business leaders, celebrities, scientists, clinicians and other concerned individuals who have elevated the importance of cure-focused research and shifted the direction of funding into this critical area.
Why we Contribute:
Rick is patient at the DRI clinic and is currently on the national and regional board of directors. He is the DRI Foundation treasurer. His good health is directly linked to the outstanding care that he receives. Rick and Margarita believe in their mission to find a cure for diabetes. They have made a major commitment in their estate plan. They are members of the Heritage Society and are Governor’s Society donation level.
The Way Forward Foundation
On January 29, 2011, James “Woody” Beckham was seriously injured during a tackle while playing rugby for Florida Atlantic University in a game against the University of Miami. Woody, then just 22 sustained a complete cervical spinal cord injury that rendered him paralyzed from the chest down. After being successfully operated on by Dr. Michael Wang of Jackson Memorial Hospital’s world-renowned neurological team, Woody began his recovery process. He healed rapidly in ICU and Acute Care where he was transferred to Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital as an inpatient for two months.
After many family members and friends wanted to do more to help answer why this injury happened the foundation was formed to honor Beckham and his new community. Within a 10-month span a board was formed, people volunteered, we hosted our inaugural fundraiser and presented a check for $20,000.
Why we Contribute:
The Tonkinson Family has been a close friend of the Beckham Family and felt the need to support this important cause.
Clearwater Free Clinic
Since 1977, the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC) has provided problem oriented health care to low-income uninsured residents of upper Pinellas County by means of office visits, medications, lab work, x-rays, and specialty referrals. The Clinic, a volunteer driven non-profit, non-government medical facility, provides primary health care at no cost to those who do not qualify for government assistance and who cannot afford private medical care.
Why we Contribute:
Sarah, and her mother Pauline, have been volunteering at the CFC for several years. Most recently, Sarah has been able to complete a rotation for medical school at the Free Clinic.
Lemon City Collective
Lemon City Collective envisions a world where all families have a "village," and all children can access the best developmental support. We are building an inclusive future where everyone belongs, through providing excellent rehabilitative care, inclusion-centered activities for children with disabilities, and neurodiversity-affirming practices in Miami and beyond.
Why we Contribute:
We have learned from friends about this community oriented professional group that offers physical and occupational therapy, developemental classes, support grups to children. Their work reaches to all economic levels to make sure all children receive developmental service they provide. We want to support their efforts.
Live Like Jack Foundation
The Live Like Jack mission is to "Encourage as many people as possible to become Registered Organ Donors and help save lives". Jack made a lot of friends and helped a lot of people during his brief life and FIVE more lives after his passing. Organ donation is paramount today. The miracle of science and the master skills of physicians around the world are routinely working to save lives with donated organs and tissue.
Why we Contribute:
Steven learned about this organization fom a friend and felt compelled to support it. We understand the crucial need of organ donor and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to their mission to connect with potential organ donors and raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
ALS Therapy Development Institute
The ALS Therapy Development Institute is a non-profit biotechnology research organization whose mission is to find the cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and discover and invent effective treatments for patients who suffer this decease to recover their physical abilities, dignity, emotional resilience, and peace of mind. It is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research in the world.
Why we Contribute:
Dr. Fernando Vieira, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Scientific Officer at ALS TDI and Steven Tonkinson were college roomates while at the University of Florida. Their friendship and Dr. Vieira's life mission to find a cure for ALS inspired us to support this important scientific work.