Community Activities in Florida

Learn about Mayo's community impact in the online 2010 annual report.

Mayo Clinic is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Jacksonville region by conducting research, educating underserved communities, participating in and sponsoring community events and providing specialty medical consultations to those in need.

Each year, Mayo sponsors about 30 events and more than 740 Mayo employees volunteer in community activities.

Highlights

Mayo Clinic partners with the American Cancer Society in "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer."

A happy Christmas party participant.

Mayo Clinic is a major contributor to The Children's Christmas Party in Jacksonville, an annual event in which more than 10,000 children receive toys. Mayo employees purchase and distribute 550 bikes and helmets to kids every year. Mayo has become one of the organization's leading sponsors, with a Mayo Clinic employee serving as board chair.

St. Andrew's Lighthouse provides low-cost housing for patients and families who travel to Jacksonville for extended medical care. Mayo Clinic supports the mission of St. Andrew's with donations, and Mayo staff members serve as volunteers and board members. Since opening in 2000, the St. Andrew's Lighthouse has provided nearly 3,000 nights of lodging to guests from around the country. Because of the community's generosity, a second house was opened in 2008.

Minority health and wellness event

Mayo Clinic partnered with the Jacksonville Office for Special Events in October 2008 to host the Brain Bowl. This unique program teaches senior citizens techniques to enhance memory and thinking abilities. The event attracted approximately 200 seniors who participated in computer challenges, board games, trivia contests and various other activities. The Brain Bowl is one example of Mayo Clinic's dedication to minority health and wellness efforts and to ending health disparities.

Musician entertains hospital patient.

Since 1998, Mayo Clinic has supported the programs of Beaches Fine Arts Series, financially and through the volunteer services of medical staff. Mayo has hosted many renowned ensembles, including most recently the American Brass Quintet and the Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet. Other performers have been the Raines High School Choir, Barry Olsavsky on Steel Drums and Pretty Boy Freud.

Mayo Clinic presents monthly music, cultural and arts programs to nurture the healing environment for patients, visitors and the community. The concerts, open to the public, are performed in Kinne Auditorium. Mayo Clinic co-sponsors the programs with Body & Soul, the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University.