JACKSONVILLE, FL (September 01, 2024) – One of Jacksonville’s most exciting events honoring women in healthcare is back for its ninth year of celebration! On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) will host the Ninth Annual Women with Heart Luncheon at the Florida Blue Conference Center. The Women with Heart honorees are remarkable community leaders selected for their commitment to the advancement of the health of Northeast Florida.
Additionally, VIM will honor Mary Brennan McElroy, Senior Vice President Hospice Services – Community Hospice and Palliative Care with its 2025 Dorion-Burt Heart of Gold Award. Ms. McElroy is a long-time volunteer at VIM. The Dorion-Burt Heart of Gold Award is an acknowledgement of her extraordinary community service. She joins past Heart of Gold Award winners that include Davy Parrish, Nina Waters, Sherry Magill and Delores Barr Weaver.
The eight very special Women with Heart who will be honored at the event are:
--Dr. Chandra Adams, MBA, Full Circle Women’s Care --Stephanie Cost, Jacksonville University
--Dr. Sonya Dominguez, Ascension St. Vincent’s --Catherine Graham, Baptist Health
--Dr. Cynthia R. Griffin, Florida Blue
--Wanda Jones, United Real Estate Gallery
--Dr. Cheryl Doro Wilder, The Carpenter’s Shop Center --Amy Williams, First Coast Cardiovascular Institute.
As always, the 2025 event will be very special! Attendees should be prepared for fun surprises along with VIM’s signature gift bags (highlighted by sponsorship from Bacardi). Other sponsors committed so far include Jacksonville University, Dottie Dorion, UF Health, The Foundation of Community Hospice and Palliative Care, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, and Mayo Clinic. VIM will also be giving away the “Heart of Jacksonville,” a $6,500 diamond necklace courtesy of S.E. Jewelers, to one lucky $100 donor! The second-through-sixth place winners will receive a beautiful Ari Heart Necklace from Kendra Scott.
The Women with Heart Luncheon kicks off a year-long awareness and fundraising campaign for VIM. VIM is currently looking for sponsors for the 2025 event! Become a sponsor of the 2025 Women with Heart Luncheon by calling (904) 399-2766 x 123# or by visiting VIMJAX.org/vim-events/women-with-heart2025. For more information about the 2024 Women with Heart Luncheon held last February visit VIMJAX.org/vim-events/women-with-heart2024. For more information about Volunteers in Medicine visit VIMJAX.org.
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About Volunteers in Medicine:
Founded in 2003 by Dottie Dorion and Dr. James Burt, Volunteers in Medicine is a non-profit organization that serves the working uninsured. VIM is a full-service medical clinic with two Jacksonville locations: South San Marco at 3728 Philips Highway, Suite 34, 32207, and WestJax, located at 5927 Old Timuquana Road 32210. For over twenty years, the clinic has been funded by grants, private, and individual donations, receiving no federal funding. With more than 240 active healthcare volunteers, VIM is able to provide $3 worth of care for every $1 given. For more information, visit www.vimjax.org or call 904-399-2766.