This past year, CSI Gives Back was able to go above and beyond, impacting the Jacksonville community. It was a year full of bringing awareness to different diversity and inclusion initiatives, continuing to support schools on the First Coast, granting a dream for our 22nd dreamer, adopting 10 families for the holiday season, and much more. We couldn’t have done it without the help of our sponsors, generous volunteers, and community members.
3rd Annual Gala- Come Fly with Me!
Our Gala took us back to the fabulous ’50s for an evening full of vintage glamour, jazz music, aviation vessels, and, most importantly, raising money for underserved children in the community. Three keynote speakers shared their experiences partnering with us and the impact we had on their organizations.
It was a night no one will forget! Board Secretary of CSI Gives Back, Deborah Valentine, hopes whether today or in ten years, people can look back and say, “I am where I am today because CSI Gives Back watered the seeds of success in my life.” Through your help, we achieved our first-ever six-figure event. We cannot thank you enough.
Guy Cuddihee Scholarship
Guy Cuddihee joined CSI Companies in 2013 as the Director of Business and Development. Before that, he made his mark on the First Coast and was known as someone with a large philanthropic heart. Unfortunately, Guy passed away in 2019. The Guy Cuddihee Memorial Scholarship was created in his honor.
Each year, the Scholarship will identify and recognize a student who goes above and beyond in the community and award them a $5,000 scholarship. 2022’s winner was Samantha Clay! She graduated from Samuel W. Wolfson High School and is now attending the University of North Florida!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Hunger Fight
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to the community, we carried on his legacy. In partnership with Hunger Fight, CSI Gives Back assisted in packaging meals to be sent out to children in the community.
Hunger Fight’s vision is that all children and families will have access to food, books, and the tools necessary to succeed in the future. It was an honor to participate and assist them in achieving their mission.
NOMORE and Created
CSI Gives Back had the opportunity to partner with NOMORE. NOMORE’s mission is to connect people to care for the vulnerable. The organization helps those who are orphaned, enslaved, impoverished, and more.
NOMORE has a connection with Created. This is a nonprofit organization in Tampa that is committed to restoring vulnerable women who have been exploited in the sex industry. Through this connection, we were able to help create goodie bags for the women Created was helping restore. This was an incredible opportunity.
School Partnerships
It is not only a joy to see the smiling faces of students when CSI Gives Back walks through the doors, but the teachers as well. It was an honor to get to support the students and teachers in 2022. With your help, we were able to:
Sadie T. Tillis Elementary
- Celebrate the new school year by supplying the teachers with goodie bags.
- Raise over $5,000 for school supplies.
- Assist their monthly Acaletic Green Parties.
- Supply inspirational bulletin boards and posters for the hallways and bathrooms.
- Adopt 4 families for the holidays.
Charger Academy
- Sent their softball and baseball teams to a Shrimp game.
- Provided Charger Banners and donated supplies for PBIS Store.
- Donated food and clothing for the McKinney-Vento students.
- Adopt 4 families for the holidays.
Andrew Jackson High School
- Hold a prom dress drive for the girls of the school.
- Partner with their softball team to provide back-to-school and end-of-year events.
Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up
Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all. After the fantastic Super Girl Surf Pro event, we partnered with First Coast Surfrider Foundation to help keep our beaches clean.
Dreams Come True
This was a big year for the CSI Gives Back and Dreams Come True partnership. In 2022 we welcomed our 22nd Dreamer into the CSI family. Jazmin and her family enjoyed a fun Disney vacation, thanks to you!
We also adopted two Dreamer families for the holidays! It was amazing getting to see their faces light up around the office as they saw the Dreamer Trees designed specifically for them! They left with many gifts and goodies for the entire family.
What’s Next in 2023?
Although 2022 has come to an end, we still need your help to continue impacting the community in 2023! Our annual CSI Gives Back Gala is Saturday, April 29th. Through your donations, we can continue to help local nonprofits support those in need.
CSI Gives Back wants to thank you for your continued support and love. We cannot wait to see what happens in 2023!
Click the link below to donate!
