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To have your event included on Community Update, please send all relevant information to:
Sue Wagner
Community Update
P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611-8405
The e-mail address is swagner@wuft.org, with the words “Community Update” in the subject line.
Community Update and Public Service Announcements are available to non-profit organizations only. All submissions must be received TWO weeks prior to the event. Please include only the basic facts: who, what, where, when and why and a phone number or website address for more information.
Events will be included in this online listing and if time permits they will be featured in on-air public service announcements.
Sunday Assembly Gainesville
Sept.15 | 11 a.m.
Pride Center in Springhill Professional Center
3850 NW 83rd Street, Suite 201
Gainesville
The monthly gathering of the secular community will feature guest speaker Zoharah Simmons, a Professor Emerita of African American Religions & Islamic Studies at the University of Florida. She has been involved in organizations which have promulgated civil rights. She is the founding member of the National Council of Elders, and a board member of the SNCC Legacy Project and the Civic Media center. The title of her talk is: “My Odyssey in the Civil Rights Movement: from Then to Now”. The session is also available on Zoom. More information sagainesville.weebly.com or via email at SundayAssembly32601@gmail.com.
Gainesville Woman's Club Open House and Reception
Sept. 15 | 2 to 4 p.m.
GWC Clubhouse
2809 West University Ave.
Gainesville
The community is invited to join the 205 GWC members, event sponsors, donors, community partners at this special event. Since 1903, the Gainesville Woman’s Club has dedicated it’s work for charitable, scientific and educational purposes and to civic engagement. This Community Open House will highlight the numerous programs supported with funds, raised through their Festival of Trees, Bodacious Handbag Bingo, Spring Fashion Show, Rummage Sale, and with gifts of volunteer hours and materials. Organizations receiving financial support include Altrusa House, Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs, Camp Crystal, Peaceful Paths, Caring & Sharing School, Guardian Ad Litem, Girls Place, Star Theatre and Boy Scouts. More information available at gainesvillewomansclub.org.
Strides for Sickle Cell
Sept. 21 | Registration 10-11 a.m. | Walk/Vendor Fair 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Depot Park
874 SE4th Street
Gainesville
The UF Health Sickle Cell Disease Program invites the community to join the 2nd annual Strides for Sickle Cell event featuring a fun walk in the park along with food, health resources, vendors, and community partners. Proceeds support Streetlight’s Sickle Cell Warriors, a program that provides compassionate care and personalized resources to young patients living with sickle cell disease. More information at Giving.UFHealth.org/StridesForSickleCell
Cancer Chomp in support of the Wells Brain Tumor Center @ UF
Sept. 28 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Cancer & Genetics Research Complex
Gainesville
The 3rd annual Cancer Chomp, a brain tumor event presented by the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy in conjunction with the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida features a 5K run/walk, Kid Zone, charitable organizations, community vendors, mini therapy horses, the UF Gator Mascots, the UF Gator Band, and more. The event is free to attend though there is a small fee to participate in the 5k run/walk. Proceeds will support pediatric and adult brain tumor patients receiving care at UF Health in Gainesville Registration for the 5k is open now until midnight on Sept.16 and will open again on the morning of the event. For more details or to register for the 5k, go to Giving.UFHealth.org/CancerChomp
Gainesville Pride Festival 2024
Pride Days Events | Sept. 21-29
Pride Festival | Sept. 28, 12 to 8 p.m.
Bo Didley Plaza and surrounding streets
Downtown Gainesville
Presented by the Pride Community Center of North Central FloridaThe theme for Gainesville Pride 2024 is “Power in Pride” and will feature entertainment highlighting local LGBTQ+ performers, activities for all ages, and a variety of vendors. More information is available at https://gainesvillepride.org/2024pridedays/
McIntosh 1890's Festival
Oct. 12 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5835 Avenue G
McIntosh
Live oak canopies up and down the streets and avenues of Victorian homes provide shade and a festive backdrop for all day free musical entertainment. A variety of food vendors will be set up including kettle corn, hot dogs, Queens apples, home made ice cream and funnel cakes. There will be 280 juried vendors with arts and crafts, antiques, metalwork, plants, one of a kind gifts and homemade treats. The event is presented by the Friends of McIntosh. More information available at www.mcintosh1890sfestival.com and www.facebook.com/mcintoshfestival.
Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers & Gainesville Garden Club
Fall Horticultural Expo & Plant Sale
Oct. 19 |9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alachua County Agriculture & Equestrian Center
23100 W. Newberry Road
Newberry
The Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program and Gainesville Garden Club are excited to announce this upcoming event that will offer a fun-filled, family friendly day of learning, exploration, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone. Admission and parking are free. More information available from Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary, Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent, 352-955-2402 or email cnazarioleary@ufl.edu
Gainesville Race for Inclusion
Dec. 7 | 8:30 a.m.
University of Florida Flavet Field
Woodlawn Drive
Gainesville
Special Olympics Florida’s "Race for Inclusion" is coming to Gainesville. Funds raised from the "Race for Inclusion" helps support more than 70,000 Special Olympics Florida athletes across the state and in our region. It’s a movement to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are treated with dignity and respect. For more information and to register visit RaceforInclusion.org.
Spring Hill Timebank
Ongoing
Timebank brings people together to match needs with skills. People of all ages and all abilities can join. For every hour of work done for a member, the individual will receive one time credit to “buy” an hours worth of work from another member. For more information contact Andy at 727-517-1148 or springhilltimeback.org.
Donate Used Musical Instruments to the Hernando Youth Orchestra
Ongoing
The Orchestra is collecting used musical instruments for talented young musicians who can’t afford to buy or replace their own. Donations of unneeded instruments will be repaired if necessary before passing it on to a student. Call 352-600-9555 for more information or to make a donation. We’ll pick up your instrument and give you a tax deductible receipt. More information
Nature Coast Community Services Foundation Homeless Services
Ongoing
The Nature Coast Community Services Foundation is serving the homeless of Hernando with food, clothing, shoes, job, IDs, food stamps, spaying and neutering pets, transportation and more. Volunteers are needed. For more information call Ellen at 352-600-9555.
Elder Options Referral Helpline
1-800-262-2243
Ongoing
Elder Options is the Area Agency on Aging for sixteen counties in North Central Florida. The agency oversees the efficient administration of home and community care programs and long term care services for elder Floridians. In partnership with lead agencies and local service providers, the agency serves thousands of frail, low-income seniors each year, providing home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), personal care, transportation and other in-home services that help seniors to remain at home safely and with dignity and avoid or delay the need for more expensive nursing home care. Call the Elder Helpline for referral to resources.
Hernando Youth Orchestra needs young musicians, ages 6 to 18
Rehearsals are on Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Heather Community Center
9100 Nakoma Way
Weeki Watchee
Hernando Youth Orchestra has resumed rehearsals and is recruiting new members. We need young musicians aged ages 6-18, and adult mentors to support them. HYO plays classical music and gives several concerts throughout the year. You must be able to read music and play an instrument. Instruments are also available to loan to those in need. Sign up at www.HernandoYouthOrchestra.org or call 352-600-9555. If you have an instrument to donate, call and it will be picked for a tax deductible receipt.
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) Bicycle Collection
Hernando County
Ongoing
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) and Grace Presbyterian Bicycle Ministry is collecting unwanted bicycles (or parts thereof) that will be reconditioned and given to the needy. Call 352-600-9555 to schedule a free pick up.
WhyHunger Hotline
Ongoing
Need help finding healthy, free food in your community? Call the WhyHunger Hotline at 1-800-5-HUNGRY to be connected to food assistance in your neighborhood. You can also text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 to get a list to your phone and search online at whyhunger.org/findfood.
Be the Hope A Child Needs, Become a Foster Parent
Partnership for Strong Families
North Central Florida
Ongoing
North Central Florida has an urgent need for foster care parents. If you would like to become a partner family to help a child or teenager call 352-244-1684 or find details online at www.PartnerFamily.org.
Books & Toiletries Needed for Homeless People
Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines
Weeki Wachee
Ongoing
The church is collecting books and toiletries for People Helping People.The PHP book drive will provide books offering information on marketable skills and possible work opportunities. ‘How to’ and text books on subjects such as cooking, culinary sciences, computer/office skills, sales, and gardening/landscaping are especially appreciated. Toiletry items needed include: tooth brushes, razors, combs, soap, lotions, shave creams etc. Call 352-600-9555 for information or to schedule your donation.
Gainesville Peer Respite
Ongoing
Gainesville Peer Respite is launching “Warmline” for peers in need of emotional support. The phone line will be open Wednesday night through Monday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The number is 352-559-4559. The phone line is staffed by those who have had their own experiences of trauma and mental illness.
Institute for Workforce Innovation
Ongoing
The Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI) is dedicated to improving the communities’ quality of life through education, employment and advocacy. For more information or to volunteer call 352-225-3307 or online at www.iwionline.org
Savvy Caregiver Training
Elder Options, 100 NW 75th St., Suite 30, Gainesville
Ongoing
Elder Options in conjunction with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers free six week training programs designed for family caregivers who assist persons with Alzheimer’s and or dementia. More information available at 352-378-6649.
Operation PetSnip
Ongoing
Spay and neuter pet services available for qualifying low-income Alachua County and surrounding rural county residents. The cost of surgery, pain medication and anesthesia for pets spayed or neutered is covered. More information available from No More Homeless Pets’ Operation Petsnip at www.nmhp.net.
Gone 4 Ever Shredding
Ongoing
The Arc of Alachua County is a local not for profit that provides employment services to adults with developmental disabilities through several small business it has created. One of its businesses, Gone 4 Ever shredding, offers a free paper shredding service to all residents of Alachua County every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its main location at 3303 NW 83rd Street. Gone 4 Ever shredding hold a AAA certification in document destruction so all paper is safely and securely destroyed. For more information please call 352-334-4060 ext. 132 or visit www.gone4evershredding.com
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – Supporting our Nation’s Service Members
Ongoing
Today, nearly half our nation’s fighting forces are members of the Guard and Reserve. When they are called is called to active duty, they leave behind a family, a community, and a job. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, honors and products the bond between service members and their civilian employers. Whether serving our country or supporting those who do, we all serve. To learning more about ESGR, call 1-800-336-4590, or www.esgr.mil.
“Kidney Smart” Education Program
Ongoing
The “Kidney Smart” program educates and partners with people to take control of their health and helps them develop a plan to live a healthy life. The program features medication, diet and nutrition information, stresses the importance of choosing a heath care team, provides continuing education and treatment options. More information available at www.kidneysmart.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities NCF Seeks Long-Term Volunteers
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, is looking for long-term volunteers to serve as hosts for its two core programs: Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room at Shands Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.rmhcncf.org or call Dorie Faulkner, Volunteer Coordinator at 352-374-4404 ext. 224.
Visiting Chef Program, Ronald McDonald House
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, seeks volunteer groups or families to provide a full-course dinner or weekend-breakfast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville. Chefs may come equipped with ingredients to serve approximately 50 people and cook in a spacious, well-stocked kitchen or they may cater a meal from a local restaurant. Meals are served 7 days a week, including holidays. For more information, contact Judy Bates at bates@rmhcncf.org or call 352-374-4404 ext. 299.
MatchingDonors.com
Ongoing
In the U.S., 19 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant—most of them for kidneys. MatchingDonors.com has become the most successful nonprofit organization improving those odds by finding living altruistic donors for patients who desperately need transplants. Visit www.matchingdonors.com and meet some extraordinary people.
Help a Kid Start a Lemonade Stand
Ongoing
The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., is urging parents to teach their children lessons about entrepreneurship and responsibility by helping them start a lemonade stand. They provide free classroom curriculum and other resources to enable students to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of operating a small business. This curriculum can be found at http://eitccurriculum.com/. To learn more about the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, visit www.NFIB.com/YEF.
Adoption from Foster Care
Ongoing
There are currently more than 107,000 children available for adoption in the U.S. Foster Care System. The Adoption from Foster Care campaign encourages potential parents to adopt and aims to increase the number of potential families inquiring about adoption. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.
Veterans Outreach Program, Epilepsy Foundation
Ongoing
The Epilepsy Foundation wants to help men and women who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries or TBIs, which are a common form of injury that can lead to seizures and epilepsy in some cases. Symptoms can include confusion, momentary black-outs and uncontrollable shaking or twitching. For more information about the foundation’s Veterans Outreach Program and other services, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org or call 1-800-332-1000.
Three Rivers Legal Services
Ongoing
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is a local, non-profit corporation that provides free, quality civil legal services to low-income, eligible clients in seventeen counties throughout North Florida. Three Rivers is now providing representation to eligible clients who live in Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Bradford or Union County for family law cases, regardless of domestic violence. For more information, call the Legal Helpline at 866-256-8091.