JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – March 4, 2020 – Last night, the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast announced Patriot Transportation as the 2020 recipient of the E. William Nash, Jr. Legend Award for Corporate Partner of the Year. Presented at the 10th annual Y-Bash event to celebrate the Y’s impact on the community, the award acknowledges Patriot Transportation for their longstanding support of Tiger Academy, the YMCA’s charter school. At the time of Tiger Academy’s opening in 2009, Patriot Transportation was led by local business leader and YMCA advocate John Baker. Baker, his family and Patriot Transportation have continued to generously support Tiger Academy through their time, talent and treasure.
“We are pleased to recognize the outstanding partnerships we have in our community. It’s because of organizations like Patriot Transportation that the YMCA can support the many families and individuals that call the First Coast home,” said Eric K. Mann, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast President and CEO. “This award is especially significant as Tiger Academy will celebrate its first class of high school graduates this year. Baker and Patriot Transportation have been instrumental in the school’s first decade of success.”
Patriot Transportation is one of the largest premiere bulk tank carriers serving the Southeastern United States and operates more than 25 terminal and satellite locations across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama and Tennessee.
In addition to corporate recognition, the Y also recognized its annual Volunteer of the Year winner and volunteers in three additional categories—youth development, healthy living and social responsibility:
- Peggy Bryan – Metropolitan Board of Directors winner
- Jim and Mrs. Kirsti Stewart – Social Responsibility winners
- Linda Campbell – Healthy Living winner
- Linda Johnson – Youth Development winner
Each year, the First Coast YMCA recognizes its staff, volunteers and community partners at Y-Bash, an event celebrating their relentless work to strengthen Northeast Florida communities. At this year’s event, the Y announced its funding priorities for the following year and its goal to raise $2.16 million. The Y’s four funding priorities are:
- Creating healthy families and communities
- Making kids of all ages safe in the water
- Academic and life achievement for our youth
- Helping teens become leaders
Funding these priorities and the dedication of community partners such as Patriot Transportation helps the Y build a strong, supportive foundation for the communities it serves. Past recipients of the E. William Nash, Jr. Legend Award for Community Partner of the Year include the Jacksonville Sports Council, Baptist Health, Clay County School District, UF Health, Vystar Credit Union, Atlantic Beach Urban Farms and Florida Blue.
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The Y
For more than 110 years, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: fcymca.org
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