Latest news with #KearneyCenter
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rick Kearney, namesake founder of the Kearney Center, honored at 10th anniversary event
A who's who of Tallahassee gathered at a swanky northeast Tallahassee restaurant Thursday evening to celebrate the Kearney Center's 10-year anniversary, and to honor the man behind it all – Rick Kearney. The Kearney Center is the Big Bend's emergency center for those struggling with homelessness, providing a vast array of resources such as mental health help, food, job hunting and more. Kearney, the namesake of the shelter and a multi-millionaire philanthropist, was praised by board members and friends. Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey and Leon County Commission chair Brian Welch honored Kearney with proclamations acknowledging his decades of service to Tallahassee. "Thank you ... everyone on the front lines at the Kearney Center for the amazing work that you do day in and day out ... sometimes it's thankless work, but I want you to know that the city sees you, we recognize you," Dailey said. "We love the Kearney Center and all that it does for our community, but it wouldn't have happened without the vision of this incredible gentleman." Welch echoed similar sentiments: "It is a privilege to have the opportunity to be here tonight as we raise some money for one of our most important institutions in our community and ... celebrate one of the most important people in our community. So Mr. Kearney, we are grateful for everything you do for Leon County and the city of Tallahassee." But the biggest surprise was Kearney being awarded the inaugural Rick Kearney Humanitarian Award, which will be given to a community member who embodies the values of humanitarian work every year. President and Chairman of the Kearney Center Board, Dr. Russell Rainey, presented Kearney with the honor. "A humanitarian is a person who promotes human welfare and social reform ... it didn't take long for our board to decide this award was for Rick Kearney. Rick has made it his life's work to help those experiencing homelessness," Rainey said. The man of the hour took some time to thank guests as well as encourage people to get involved with solving the issue of homelessness, even inviting them to come to the center. "We're trying to convert something that has been laid on the laps of a few ... now we really need help of the greater community because this is a big and growing problem. This is not just homelessness. This is mental health, this is substance abuse, this is people with broken lives, with very little help," Kearney said. "Have you ever been to the Kearney Center? I would recommend those who have never been, just go (for) like five minutes ... please come and see it firsthand, because we're (there) but for the grace of God," Kearney added. The dress code at the the Blu Halo, where the event was held, was denim. People donned anything from jean jackets to dresses to the classic blue jeans. Guests were treated to an open bar, a number of small bites passed around by restaurant staff and even live music with songs such as "Come Together" by the Beatles and "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac. There was even a raffle and live auction where guests were encouraged to "open their hearts and wallets" for the number of lavish gifts ranging from a helicopter ride from Kearney, beauty items, Florida State memorabilia and even a Louis Vuitton clutch purse. Guests spent anywhere from hundreds to thousands for the prizes – with all money going back to the center. Arianna Otero is the trending and breaking news reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@ and follow her on X: @ari_v_otero. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Kearney Center celebrates 10th birthday in style, honors Rick Kearney
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tallahassee PR firm raises $3,000 to fight homelessness in Big Bend
Thanks to a T-shirt and mugs, a Tallahassee-based film and advertising firm donated $3,000 to help people experiencing homelessness in the Big Bend. CATECOMM sold more than 300 T-shirts and mugs with the phrase "I survived the Florida Blizzard of 2025" printed on them, according to a news release. Sales brought in more than $2,200 and the company contributed the remainder to bring the total amount to $3,000. All of the proceeds were donated to The Kearney Center, the capital's emergency shelter for those dealing with homelessness. "I love that we were able to commemorate this once-in-a-generation event in a way that helps those most impacted by frigid temperatures, snow or no-snow," said Kevin Cate, founder of CATECOMM. "All the credit goes to the employees and volunteers at the Kearney Center and everyone who paid a little more than they normally would for a shirt or a mug." The shirts and mugs became wildly popular on social media and in the news, according to the news release, seeing shirt sales from as far away as as Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and California. But CATECOMM said many "grifting, counterfeit websites" stole the design and are selling the merch for profit. "Cotton Bureau is the ONLY official vendor and the only place where 100% of the proceeds go to charity," the news release says. The official charity merchandise can be found here. Local government watchdog reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@ Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida blizzard T-shirts raise $3,000 to fight homelessness locally
