Repeating its commitment to the health of Northeast Florida residents, Florida Blue has committed for a third year to serving as the presenting sponsor of the 2019 “Women with Heart” Luncheon benefiting Volunteers in Medicine.
The 2019 “Women with Heart” Luncheon presented by Florida Blue will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Florida Blue Conference Center on the company’s Deerwood Campus. For the third year, the recognition luncheon will serve to kick off a yearlong celebration of 12 Northeast Florida women whose leadership, advocacy and generosity have significantly impacted others in the community.
The ladies honored as 2019 “Women with Heart” are Martha Baker, Vickie Cavey, Inger Geraghty, Virginia Hall, Rev. Dr. Helen Jackson, Helga Langthon, Eleanor Lynch, Velma Monteiro-Tribble, Dr. Pam Rama, Ellen Wiss and Sol Wynter. In addition, Volunteers in Medicine will be honoring Sherry Magill with the Dorion-Burt Heart of Gold Award, which is given to a deserving woman who goes “above and beyond” in service to the community. Magill will be recognized for her contributions to Northeast Florida as CEO of the Jessie Ball duPont Foundation.
“Florida Blue’s mission is to help people and communities achieve better health,” Florida Blue Market President Darnell Smith said. “Partnering with Volunteers in Medicine enables us to realize our vision to be a leading innovator in fostering healthy communities. It is important to recognize the work and commitment of some of our community’s finest leaders.
“We’re proud to play a role in honoring this next group of amazing women for their dedication to one of Northeast Florida’s most vulnerable and often over-looked populations — our hard-working uninsured individuals and families,” Smith continued. ”Each year, the Women with Heart luncheon and the subsequent monthly events customized and hosted by each of the honorees significantly impacts Volunteers in Medicine. The events have not only increased awareness for the clinic’s mission and its innovative volunteer service model but have also raised over $225,000 since 2017. These important dollars support the clinic’s primary and 16 specialty care services and programs. We are excited to join them for a third year and look forward to celebrating this impressive group of 2019 honorees.”
Highlights of this year’s luncheon, in addition to honoring these 12 women, will be a drawing for the Heart of Jacksonville necklace that the 2018 Women with Heart Honorees have worn during their advocacy efforts. The event will also highlight the new necklace donated by Allen’s Jewelers with an estimated value of $15,000.
Volunteers in Medicine is a non-profit clinic founded in 2003 that provides free medical services to the working uninsured. Its full-service downtown clinic sees patients six days a week including Saturdays and is funded by grants, and private and individual donations.
“We are so pleased that Florida Blue is our presenting sponsor for the third year in a row,” Volunteers in Medicine CEO Jennifer Ryan said. “And their participation once again underscores their commitment to our patients and ensuring that everyone in our community has access to quality medical care. Not only do they provide significant financial contributions, but they also provide valuable support to our board and programs. Later this year we will be rolling out a telemedicine program funded by Florida Blue to improve outcomes for diabetes, hypertension and mental health. Florida Blue is a true community partner.”
