REINHOLD FOUNDATION'S 2023 “CELEBRATE CLAY” AWARDS THE JAMES BOYS TOP HONOR
The Paul E. & Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc., held its annual “Celebrate Clay” community service awards breakfast on April 26th at the Thrasher-Horne Center, during which the Foundation distributed $100,000 and 47 community service awards to nonprofit organizations that provide services to Clay County residents.
The James Boy of Orange Park United Methodist Church captured the top honor this year, earning the $15,000 Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award.
IN THE PHOTO: George M. Egan, Reinhold Foundation Trustee presents the “2023 Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award” to Gray Chandler, Volunteer Coordinator of The James Boys.
The Paul E. & Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc., held its annual “Celebrate Clay” community service awards breakfast on April 26th at the Thrasher-Horne Center, during which the Foundation distributed $100,000 and 47 community service awards to nonprofit organizations that provide services to Clay County residents.
The James Boy of Orange Park United Methodist Church captured the top honor this year, earning the $15,000 Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award. The James Boys, an all-volunteer ministry, focused year-round on three separate create, repair and restore ministries: building custom wheelchair ramps for the elderly and disabled; refurbishing bikes for the needy; and providing numerous handymen and home repairs.
The Foundation created the “Celebrate Clay” awards program to honor the legacy of Paul and Klare Reinhold and to recognize, reward, and encourage community service within Clay County. The Foundation has awarded more than $1 million to Celebrate Clay award recipients in the past fourteen years.
A panel of five judges including three independent volunteers from the community and two Reinhold family representatives voted on the best projects of 2021 to determine the winners of the $100,000 in cash awards. This year’s judges were: Daniel (Matt) Johnson, Headmaster, St. Johns Classical Academy; Kevin Rinks, FACHE, Administrator, Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County Hospital; Sandra Staudt-Killea, Executive Director, Waste Not Want Not; and Neely Egan and Jennifer Hutchen, 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 2021. The 47 winners included Clay County and regionally based nonprofits, churches, and school programs.
Congratulations to all of the 2022 Celebrate Clay awards winners (listed below).
Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award ($15,000):
The James Boys
Judges' Choice Program Awards ($7,000 each):
Operation Barnabas
Quigley House
Jack Myers Executive Director Award* ($7,000):
Elaine Smith, Executive Director, Clamour Theatre Company
Peggy Bryan Volunteer of the Year Award* ($7,000):
Johnny Williams, First Coast Women’s Services
Judges' Choice Volunteer Awards* ($3,500 each):
Ali Griffin, Clay County Habitat for Humanity
Kathy Wray, The Clothes Closet and Food Pantry
*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):
Children’s Home Society of Florida
Clay County 4-H Foundation
Clothes Closet and Food Pantry
JP Hall Children’s Charities
McRae Elementary Weekend Food Program
Mission of the Dirt Road
Oakleaf Village Elementary Music Department
Project REACH Kids, Clay County School District
Seniors on a Missions
YMCA Take Stock in Children Clay County
Category Awards ($1,000 each):
Arts & Culture
CalaVida Arts Festival
Concert on the Green
Island Theater
Civic Programs
Clay County Archives
Orange Park Jr. High Diversity Committee
Community Programs
Clay County Habitat for Humanity
Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs
Hunger Fight
Kitchen of Clay County
Mercy Auto Charitable Foundation
Mercy Support Services
Education & Literacy
ACE Mentor Program of NE FL
AMIkids Clay County
Episcopal Children's Services
Florida Youth Challenge Academy Foundation
Environment & Animal Advocacy
Clay County Humane Society
Health & Human Services
BASCA
Clay Behavioral Health Center
Hope Therapy
Way Free Medical Clinic
Senior Citizens' Programs
PET FL Penney Farms - Mobility Worldwide
Church Service Programs
Food Bridge - Middleburg United Methodist Church
St. Catherine's Conf., Society St. Vincent
Accomplishments by Youth
Florida Striders Track Club
Teen Court of Clay County
Service to Youth & Families
Clay County Police Athletic League
Kids First of Florida
Tiger Mentorships - Lake Asbury Jr. High
Seamark Ranch
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.
