Netflix original series “House of Cards” character Secretary of State Catherine Durant may be hanging in the balance, but the award-winning actress who portrays her is happy, healthy and supporting Jacksonville's Volunteers in Medicine. Jayne Atkinson-Gill will serve as host for the "Women With Heart" luncheon presented by Florida Blue on Feb. 7 at the Florida Blue Conference Center.
Renowned for her roles on “House of Cards,” “24” and her Tony-nominated Broadway roles in “The Rainmaker” and “Our Town,” Atkinson-Gill's real-life sibling Dany Atkinson is just one of the “Women With Heart” to be honored at this Jacksonville philanthropic luncheon. Cheryl Barnett, Dr. Pam Chally, The Honorable Audrey Gibson, Leslie Gordon, Shelley Morgan, Silvia Pulido, Diane Raines, Dr. Estrella Redmon, Melissa Ross and Dr. Elana Schrader are slated for the honor, too.
“I’d heard my sister talk about Volunteers in Medicine and the tremendous work they are doing to help people who are employed, but have no health care insurance,” said Atkinson-Gill, “and I emphatically support their efforts. That medical professionals regularly and generously donate their time, and area hospitals, businesses and community leaders partner with this organization is simply wonderful. In a world where many are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on their tables, health care is often a luxury. Volunteers in Medicine helps countless individuals who fall in that gap return to and remain healthy. I’m thrilled to join in their good work and look forward to celebrating my sister and all of the wonderful ladies they will be honoring on Feb. 7.”
Atkinson-Gill’s credits include her Broadway debut in a revival production of Arthur Miller's “All My Sons,” “The Rainmaker” (Tony nomination), “Our Town,” “Enchanted April” (Tony nomination, Drama Desk nomination; Outer Critics Circle Award) and “Blithe Spirit.” She has also appeared off-Broadway in “The Art of Success” and “The Skriker” (Drama Desk nominations.) She has appeared in the movies “Free Willy,” “The Village” and “Syriana.” In addition to her long-running role in “House of Cards,” she has played recurring roles in the award-winning “24” and “Criminal Minds.” Atkinson-Gill is also known for her guest appearances on the hit series “The X-Files,” “Gossip Girl,” “Chicago Med” and “The Good Wife.” She is currently starring opposite Tea Leoni as vice president on CBS’s “Madam Secretary.”
“To have an actress of Ms. Atkinson-Gill’s acclaim host the second ‘Women With Heart’ luncheon is truly amazing,” said Cindy Stoddart Cooper, chief development officer of Volunteers in Medicine. “The level of her dedication to philanthropic causes is rivaled by our own ‘Women With Heart,’ and that is a very high bar of commitment. Everyone at Volunteers in Medicine is thrilled to have her generate awareness and support for our efforts to provide quality health care for Northeast Florida’s hardworking, uninsured individuals.”
The 2nd Annual “Women With Heart” luncheon presented by Florida Blue kick offs a year-long awareness and fundraising campaign for Volunteers in Medicine.
