NEWS POST

back to news POSTED ON 12/31/1969
CLAY COUNTY RESCUE MISSION CAPTURES TOP HONOR AND TWO RETIRED CEOs RECOGNIZED FOR DECADES OF SERVICE AT THE 2025 “CELEBRATE CLAY” COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

FLEMING ISLAND, Florida, April 22, 2025 – The Paul E. & Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc., held its annual “Celebrate Clay” community service awards breakfast on April 22nd at the Thrasher-Horne Center, during which the Foundation distributed $107,000 and 48 community service awards to nonprofit organizations that provide services to Clay County residents.

Clay County Rescue Mission captured the top honor this year, earning the $15,000 Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award. Clay County Rescue Mission is a grassroots ministry that empowers individuals and families in crisis by providing secure housing and essential resources. Rooted in compassion and faith, and focused on sustainable solutions and partnerships,  Clay County Rescue Mission served over 350 residents in 2024. The Mission provides emergency food, clothing, housing, and transportation while tackling root causes of homelessness. The award also recognized the Mission for other key initiatives in 2024 including finalizing plans for a tiny home project, and providing veteran housing support and financial empowerment programs. Clay County Rescue Mission continues to bridge gaps for individuals and families who fall through the cracks.

IN THE PHOTO: George M. Egan, Reinhold Foundation Trustee presents the “2025 Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award of the Year” to Amy Houston, Founder and President, Clay County Rescue Mission.

In addition, The Reinhold Foundation celebrated “The Jack Myers Executive Director of the Year Award,” by honoring two recently retired nonprofit CEOs for their combined decades of service that have transformed Clay County. Sandra Staudt-Killea, retired CEO of Waste Not Want Not, and Don Fann, retired CEO of The Way Free Medical Clinic, were each presented “The Jack Myers Executive Director of the Year Award.” Waste Not Want Not and The Way Free Medical Clinic received $7,000 each in honor of these recognitions. Peggy Bryan, granddaughter of Paul and Klare Reinhold said Sandra and Don “have touched tens of thousands of lives and reshaped how we address critical community needs. Both leave a legacy that will serve Clay County for generations to come.”

The Reinhold Foundation’s “Celebrate Clay” awards program honors the legacy of Paul and Klare Reinhold, and recognizes, rewards, and encourages community service within Clay County. The Foundation has awarded more than $1.36 million to Celebrate Clay award recipients in the past sixteen years.

A panel of five judges including three independent volunteers from the community and two Reinhold family representatives voted on the best projects of 2024 to determine the winners of the $107,000 in cash awards. This year’s judges were: Mr. Mike Cella, former District 1 Commissioner, Clay County Board of County Commissioners; Mr. Ed Hubel, FACHE, Hospital President, Baptist Medical Center Clay; Pastor Carey Morford, Executive Director, Mission of the Dirt Road; and Ms. Klare Bryan and Ms. Kristin Egan, Reinhold Family Members

Applications were open to all non-profit groups active in the First Coast Area that provided services to Clay County residents in 2024. The 48 award recipients included Clay County and regionally based nonprofits, churches, and school programs.

Congratulations to all 2025 Celebrate Clay award recipients (listed below).

Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award ($15,000):

Clay County Rescue Mission

Judges' Choice Program Awards ($7,000 each):

Clay County Education Foundation

Saved 2 Serve

Jack Myers Executive Director Award* ($7,000 each):

Sandra Staudt-Killea, Waste Not Want Not

Don Fann, The Way Free Medical Clinic

Peggy Bryan Volunteer of the Year Award* ($7,000):

Julius Johnson, The Kitchen of Clay County

Judges' Choice Volunteer Awards* ($3,500 each):

Guillermo Mendez, Operation Lifeline

Mary Medford, Challenge Enterprises’ “Food for Clay County”

 *Note: Volunteer and executive director awards recognize outstanding individuals for their community service. The cash awards are provided to the nominating nonprofit organization that they serve.

 Special Judges' Awards ($2,000 each):

AMIkids Clay

Clay Behavioral Health Center

Clay County 4-H Association

Emmanuel Project of NE FL

Food Bridge - Black Creek Methodist Church

James Boys – Orange Park Methodist Church

OP Outfitters - Orange Park High School

Pace Center for Girls, Clay

Quigley House

Vineyard Transitional Center

Category Awards ($1,000 each):

Arts & Culture

Clamour Theatre Company

The Island Theater

Civic Programs

Clay County Archives

Clay County Historical Society

Community Programs

The Clothes Closet & Food Pantry

Dignity Impact Outreach

Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs

Hope 4 Veterans

Hunger Fight

McRae Elementary Weekend Food

Mercy Support Services

Miriam's Basket

Operation Barnabas

Seeds of Love Outreach

Education & Literacy

Project REACH Kids - Clay Schools

Environment & Animal Advocacy

Clay County Humane Society

Health & Human Services

The Fire Watch Project

Vision is Priceless

Senior Citizens' Programs

PET FL - Penney Farms

Shepherd's Center of Orange Park

Church Service Programs

Celebration Church Food Pantry

Sacred Heart Catholic Outreach

Accomplishments by Youth

Clay County Sheriff's Explorers Post 987

Dreams Come True - Kids Helping Kids Clay

Teen Court of Clay County

Service to Youth & Families

Bannerman Learning Center’s Master Garden

Florida Striders Track Club

Seamark Ranch

Take Stock in Children Clay YMCA

Young Life Clay County

 

The grant programs of The Paul E. & Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc. support philanthropic and charitable organizations that work to improve the quality of life for Clay County residents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION contact: Amy Parker, Executive Director, Paul & Klare Reinhold Foundation, 904-269-5857 ext. 404, aparker(at)reinhold.net  or visit www.reinhold.net.

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