News Summary
The Horne Foundation organized the 5th annual Slides and Kickball Tournament in Jacksonville to raise funds for homeless and low-income veterans. The event engaged the community, fostering relationships while supporting the Clara White Mission’s vital services. Amid declining federal funding, the tournament highlighted the importance of local initiatives and donations, showcasing the community’s commitment to helping veterans in need.
Jacksonville Hosts Annual Slides and Kickball Tournament for Homeless Veterans
The Horne Foundation successfully organized its 5th annual Slides and Kickball Tournament on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Ray Greene Park in Jacksonville, Florida. The event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and aimed to raise funds for homeless and low-income individuals in the community.
Proceeds garnered from this tournament will benefit the Clara White Mission, which plays a critical role in providing essential services such as hot meals, transitional housing, and workforce solutions for those in need. The focus on supporting homeless veterans was especially evident, as community teams participating in the tournament featured veterans, thereby honoring the legacy of Joketra Horne’s father.
Community Engagement and Donations
The event highlighted the significance of community engagement and demonstrated the commitment of Jacksonville residents to support homeless veterans and citizens. Joketra Horne emphasized the necessity for local organizations to gain support, especially in light of declining federal funding. This concern reflects a growing trend of reliance on community-driven initiatives to sustain vital services.
To further encourage community involvement, Horne promoted various avenues for donations. Contributions to the cause can be made through both the Clara White Mission and the Horne Foundation websites. In addition, supporters can also make donations using modern payment methods such as CashApp, Zelle, and PayPal, allowing for easier access to support.
Impact of the Tournament
The tournament was not only a platform for fundraising but also served as a recreational gathering that fostered relationships among participants and the wider community. Families, friends, and veterans came together to participate in kickball games while raising awareness about the plight of homeless individuals in Jacksonville.
Data indicate that homelessness continues to be a pressing challenge in urban areas, with many individuals lacking access to stable housing. Events like the Slides and Kickball Tournament are crucial as they provide funding to pivotal organizations that work tirelessly to tackle these issues head-on.
Background Context
The Horne Foundation has been instrumental in organizing events that benefit vulnerable populations in Jacksonville. Over the years, the foundation has focused on harnessing community resources to improve the quality of life for homeless veterans and low-income families.
The Clara White Mission has existed for over a century and stands as a testament to the enduring effort to uplift the homeless community. It offers numerous programs specific to the needs of its clients, thus making the funds raised from the tournament an essential part of its operational budget.
As this tournament reaches its fifth year, it underscores an enduring commitment to social responsibility and highlights the importance of community collaboration. The support exhibited by Jacksonville residents through participation and donations creates a ripple effect that extends beyond just one day, aiming to establish long-term solutions for homeless veterans and low-income individuals in the region.
As individuals continue to seek ways to contribute, the message is clear: the need for ongoing support and resources remains critical. The success of events like the Slides and Kickball Tournament showcases a hopeful future for collaboration and mutual assistance in promoting a more equitable community for all.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Nonprofit Hosts 5th Annual Kickball Tournament
- WTXL: Kicking Out Homelessness Kickball Tournament
- Tallahassee Democrat: Kickball Fundraiser to Eradicate Homelessness
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Homeless Veterans Support Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
