Sebastian Ferrero Foundation – 2015 Noche de Gala Event Board Member: Mark Avera
The mission of the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation is to advocate and fundraise for continued advancements in facilities, patient safety and innovative programs dedicated to delivering integrated pediatric care for all children and their families. The annual signature fundraising event is Noche de Gala, and for the 2015 event “Kaleidoscope,” Mark and Stacy Avera served as Gainesville co-chairs. Avera & Smith participated as a Silver Sponsor for this magnificent event with close to 1,000 attendees.
American Heart Association of Florida – Emeritus Executive Committee Member: Mark Avera
The American Heart Association’s mission is to support all areas of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health research, with a focus on overall health and well-being across the lifespan that drives to AHA’s 2030 goals and overall mission. By 2030, AHA aims to equitably increase healthy life expectancy from 66 to at least 68 years. Mark Avera served on the Executive Committee for the annual Heart Ball from 2011 to 2014. The annual event is a major fundraiser for the organization.
The Child Advocacy Center of Gainesville, FL – Emeritus Board Members: Rod Smith & Dee Dee Cain Smith
The Child Advocacy Center (The Center or CAC) in Gainesville provides a child-friendly, safe and supportive environment for abused and neglected children. Through the Center, social workers, counselors, law enforcement officers, state attorneys, victim advocates, Guardians Ad Litem and medical professionals work as a team to coordinate investigations and interventions for each child abuse case, thus expediting the child’s time in the legal system. Combining the wisdom and professional knowledge of a “multidisciplinary team” ensures that children are not re-victimized by the system and that they and their families are provided the support and services needed.
Children’s Home Society, Gainesville, FL – Former Board Member: Mark Avera
Established in 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) is one of Florida’s oldest private not-for-profit organizations providing services to children and families. CHS delivers a unique spectrum of social services designed to protect children at risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment; to strengthen and stabilize families; to help young people break the cycle of abuse and neglect; and to find safe, loving homes for children. Every year, CHS helps improve the lives of about 100,000 children and family members.
The Gainesville Community Foundation – Former Board Member: Mark Avera
The Gainesville Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves Gainesville and the surrounding areas in North Central Florida by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. The Foundation enables donors to connect with the community’s needs and provide a permanent source of funding for local agencies and is dedicated to strengthening relationships among charitable organizations, donors and concerned citizens who want to invest in our region’s future. The Foundation builds and preserves a permanent endowment established from the gifts of individuals and institutions.
Gainesville Fisher House Foundation – Fundraising for New Building: Avera & Smith
Avera & Smith strongly believes in supporting the men and women who have served their country in the military, many of whom have returned with debilitating illnesses or injury. A Fisher House is a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. There are 43 Fisher Houses located on 18 military installations and 12 medical centers worldwide. The Fisher Houses are not-for-profit organizations. Since its founding in 2011, the Gainesville Fisher House has been located on the grounds of the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. It serves as a refuge to veterans, military members and their families in 52 counties in the North Florida and South Georgia service region, along with others from around the country who may come for specialty services such as the Brain Trauma Institute.
Haven Hospice of Florida – Charity Auctioneer: Partner Rod Smith
Facing a life-limiting illness can be a stressful, challenging and uncertain time. Haven Hospice is about providing palliative care to control discomfort and ensure that life is lived to the fullest. Serving North Florida since 1979 and licensed as a not-for-profit hospice since 1980, Haven Hospice has been privileged to care for more than 45,000 patients and families. The organization has offices in 18 Florida counties covering more than 13,000 square miles.
Santa Fe College Foundation – Board Member: Managing Partner Mark Avera
The Santa Fe College Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to students graduating from Alachua and Bradford Counties and all other students entering Santa Fe College. These opportunities are made available through private contributions. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the degree program and the scholarships selected. Foundation scholarships are based on financial need, scholastic achievement or special talent, depending upon the specific scholarship criteria.
The Guardian Foundation, Inc. – Board Member and Chair-Elect: Partner Dawn Vallejos-Nichols
The Guardian Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation that was established in 1993 to support the work of the Guardian ad Litem Program in the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The Foundation provides resources not available through state funding to help normalize the lives of abused, neglected and/or abandoned children by offering the same opportunities afforded children outside the dependency system.