Helping Make A Difference with St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS)

February 15, 2024

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Since 2012, Davidson Cares has operated as the corporate giving program of The Davidson Companies, raising more than $728,000 for youth-based organizations throughout Northeast Florida. This past fall, they hosted their eighth annual sport shooting fundraiser. Named Davidson Cares Clay Day in years past, the fundraising event was renamed in 2023 to honor the recent passing of the Davidson family’s patriarch, Jim Davidson. The Jim Davidson’s Annual Clay Day was held on October 19, 2023 at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, and raised $150,000 that was awarded to eight local charities – one of which, was St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS).

 

St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS) is a non-profit, mental health agency that has been serving Florida’s at-risk youth since 1989. For over 30 plus years, SAYS has helped thousands of children who have suffered from abuse or neglect, or those in need of mental health support. They provide trauma-informed coaching, counseling and care in family-style therapeutic group homes and with outpatient community services. Their programs and resources help youth overcome emotional barriers, including learning how to trust again, how to cope with trauma and how to form healthy habits.

 

Started in humble beginnings in a one-building home in downtown St. Augustine, SAYS serviced 18 youth in its first year. Today, they have five programs that aim to help any and all youth in need, supporting St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam counties. SAYS Residential Group Homes specialize in therapeutic and pre-independent living. They cater to boys aged 6 to 17, and provide a safe and nurturing environment to those in need of healing and growth. There, boys can learn to process trauma, develop social skills and address mental health issues. SAYS Community Action Team (CAT) helps parents and caregivers who have youth with significant mental health issues at home, providing these families with the skills needed to create a resilient, safe and effective support system, avoiding out-of-home residential treatment. SAYS Mobile Response Team (MRT) is a 24/7 operation that provides free on-site assessments, aiming to keep youth out of involuntary hospitalizations. The SAYS Coaches Program is a personalized approach to youth and their families, offering individualized guidance in creating a plan of care. And lastly, SAYS Targeted Case Management (TCM) navigates the often overwhelming medical system. Together, these programs provide a path for youth to have the promising future they deserve.

 

“I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished over the last eight years,” shares Sherry Davidson, President of Davidson Cares and Davidson Realty. “This year, our fundraising efforts exceeded our expectations. We’re so proud, and honored really, to be able to support the non-profits that are the lifeblood of our community. They are the helpers our most precious populations turn to in times of need. How amazing that we’re able to show them support in return!”

 

To learn more about SAYS, visit sayskids.org, and to help make a difference today, donate here.

Serving with Intention – Matthews Design Group Supports Davidson Cares Clay Day

February 9, 2023

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Davidson Cares Clay Day is a success because of participants and sponsors who truly love helping the community. Matthews Design Group has been a sponsor of Clay Day every year and enjoys having fun for a good cause. 

 

“Davidson Cares Clay Day allows our team at Matthews Design Group to add our service efforts with other organizations to provide a greater impact to our community. Davidson Cares makes it easy and fun to give back all while allowing our group to participate in something they love doing,” shares Rob Matthews, President of Matthews Design Group. “It is amazing to see so many in the development community come together to support wonderful organizations like Investing in Kids! and St. Augustine Youth Services.”

 

Established in 2005, Matthews Design Group has become the largest civil engineering firm based in St. Johns County and offers full-service civil and land development engineering throughout Florida. Matthews Design Group corporately and individually embraces the responsibility to make a positive difference in the communities in which its employees live, work, and play. Their team prioritizes staying involved and supporting the community by giving back their time and resources. 

 

“Matthews Design Group is an intentional organization! They are generous and take an active role in supporting our community,” shares Sherry Davidson, President of Davidson Realty.“I’m grateful for their giving hearts and commitment to supporting the Northeast Florida community.”

 

Over the past seven years, Davidson Cares Clay Day has raised more than $441,000 to support charities in need because of generous sponsors like Matthews Design Group. To learn more about Matthews Design Group visit their website at www.mdginc.com or call (904) 826-1334.

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day

The 7th Annual Davidson Cares Clay Day was held on October 20, 2022, at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports. Davidson Cares Clay Day included two-sport shooting events, beginner skeet, and sporting clay. Individuals and teams from beginner to expert levels participated.

 

In association with the event, there was a raffle contest. Prizes included a 65-quart YETI cooler with 13 full-size liquors and a 12-Gauge Beretta A400 XCEL Sporting shotgun.

 

Money raised from the event and raffles went directly to Builders Care, St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), Investing in Kids (INK!), Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, and Hope is Restored.

 

Giving from the Heart – The Landmark Foundation Supports Davidson Cares Clay Day

January 27, 2023

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Since 2016, the Landmark Family has been a gracious and generous sponsor of Davidson Cares Clay Day at the highest level. Through Landmark Title’s nonprofit division, The Landmark Foundation proudly supports Davidson Cares. “As a public charity ourselves, The Landmark Foundation enjoys collaborating with like-minded individuals to help raise money for a fellow non-profit that does so much for the community,” shares David Heekin, President of Landmark Title. 

 

“Landmark Title has blossomed as a successful title company and The Landmark Foundation has graciously and impressively served and supported the community,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. “I truly admire The Landmark Foundation for consistently sponsoring two Builders Care ramp builds each month. The commitment to fund and arrange volunteers is amazing.”

 

The common desire to serve the community makes the Davidson and Landmark families a natural fit. “We have been a sponsor for Clay Day for several years and the main reason being Sherry Davidson. She is an amazing woman with a big heart who truly puts others first and cares about her community. Davidson Cares’ focus on children and education is a worthy cause and something that is easy for us to get behind and support,” continues Heekin. 

 

Over the years, the Landmark team has graciously shared their knowledge and resources with the Davidsons. During the recession, David Heekin provided invaluable insight regarding short real estate sales. Heekin lead training and served on panels to help educate others in the real estate industry about short sale transactions. In 2013, when William Li joined the Landmark Title team as Vice President, Landmark Title rented executive suites in the Davidson Realty office because their business was expanding so rapidly. Li would frequently join the Davidson Realty team for sales meetings, training sessions, and would always make himself available as a resource to Davidson Realty agents.

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day is proud to have the support and sponsorship from Landmark Title as they continue to support local charities. To learn more about Landmark Title, visit their website at www.landmarktitle.com or call (904) 998-9733.

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day

The 7th Annual Davidson Cares Clay Day was held on October 20, 2022, at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports. Davidson Cares Clay Day included two-sport shooting events, beginner skeet, and sporting clay. Individuals and teams from beginner to expert levels participated.

 

In association with the event, there was a raffle contest. Prizes included a 65-quart YETI cooler with 13 full-size liquors and a 12-Gauge Beretta A400 XCEL Sporting shotgun.

 

Money raised from the event and raffles went directly to Builders Care, St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), Investing in Kids (INK!), Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, and Hope is Restored.

Doing Good for the Community: Watson Civil Supports Davidson Cares Clay Day

January 19, 2023

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Davidson Cares Clay Day is an event that is proud to raise money and awareness for worthy causes AND bring Northeast Florida organizations together to strengthen relationships. For the last six years, Watson Civil has generously supported Davidson Cares Clay Day as a sponsor and brings their passion for the community to the event every year.  

 

John Watson, President and CEO of Watson Civil, first met the Davidsons in 1996 when construction began on World Golf Village. “Whenever I was driving customers around the dirt roads to show off the development, John would always make sure I could get around the equipment and not get stuck. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship!,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. 

 

The Davidson Cares Clay Day is an annual staple for Watson Civil Construction. “We look forward to this event each year for a few different reasons. We thoroughly enjoy the chance for fellowship with our industry peers and friends. Clay Day also gives us the ability to have some additional team-building time with employees within our own firm. But most importantly, it provides the opportunity to partner with The Davidson Companies to support some terrific charities and schools in our local community,” shares John Watson. “It has been a lot of fun to watch the support grow each year. We admire The Davidson Companies for establishing Davidson Cares and for bringing the community and supporters together for such wonderful causes that provide services for our local youth. We are excited and looking forward to the next Davidson Cares Clay Day!”

 

As a horizontal contractor, Watson Civil specializes in large site infrastructure, underground, and road and bridgework. Watson Civil’s clients range from state and local governments to private developers and national home builders. 

 

“Watson Civil has a remarkable reputation. John Watson has a vibrant energy and handles everything that comes his way head-on,” shares Davidson. “Our partnership with Watson Civil is treasured and we look forward to making more memories at Clay Day for years to come.”

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day is proud to have the support and sponsorship from Watson Civil as they continue to give back in Northeast Florida. To learn more about Watson Civil Construction visit their website at www.watsoncivil.com or call (904) 297-1800.

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day

The 7th Annual Davidson Cares Clay Day was held on October 20, 2022, at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports. Davidson Cares Clay Day included two-sport shooting events, beginner skeet, and sporting clay. Individuals and teams from beginner to expert levels participated.

 

In association with the event, there was a raffle contest. Prizes included a 65-quart YETI cooler with 13 full-size liquors and a 12-Gauge Beretta A400 XCEL Sporting shotgun.

 

Money raised from the event and raffles went directly to Builders Care, St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), Investing in Kids (INK!), Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, and Hope is Restored.

 

United to Serve: MasterCraft Builder Group Supports Davidson Cares Clay Day

January 12, 2023

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The overwhelming success of Davidson Cares Clay Day is thanks to the hard work of countless individuals and organizations. However, MasterCraft Builder Group is truly owed a great deal of gratitude as their Clays for a Cause event was the inspiration for Sherry Davidson, President of Davidson Realty, to start a similar event of her own. 

 

“MasterCraft’s Clays for a Cause event was so fruitful and brought together an amazing group of people for a great cause. When I decided I wanted to do something similar, I reached out to Chris Shee, Founder and CEO of MasterCraft Builder Group, and he graciously provided me with the insight to create an event that was our own,” shares Sherry. 

 

“Davidson Cares’ Clay Day is a wonderful day of uniting a community of friends to shoot a round of sporting clays while supporting worthy, local charitable causes. It’s not just about raising money, but also increasing awareness of needs that are right under our nose,” shares Chris Shee. “Our companies both share the same mission of being charitable and our sporting clay shoots are one of the ways we practice this. While the events have their own unique formats, charities, and themes, three things remain the same: love, grace for the needy, and glory to Him.”

 

Davidson Realty and MasterCraft Builder Group have bonded over their passion for giving back to the community and providing excellent service to their clients. MasterCraft Builder Group is a semi-custom builder and community developer that specializes in thoughtful designs and exceptional quality to meet the needs of the modern family by providing luxury living at an affordable price. MasterCraft Builder Group has homes in RiverTown, TrailMark, SilverLeaf, and Madeira.

 

Over the past year, these two organizations have supported one another in various ways. In addition to continuing to sponsor Clays for a Cause, Davidson Realty was a major sponsor for MasterCraft’s Concerts for a Cause which benefits Builders Care, an organization that both Sherry and Chris serve on as board members. Davidson Realty also sponsored the 1st Hometown Hero’s Ride, an event that MasterCraft helped organize to benefit Veterans and First Responders. MasterCraft was recently involved with the reconstruction for Port in the Storm, which inspired Davidson Realty to add the organization as one of the Clay Day beneficiaries. 

 

“Seeing Port in the Storm as one of the beneficiaries of Clay Day this year was really exciting. MasterCraft has supported their organization for several years including doing two almost complete renovations due to emergency disasters. This shelter for struggling or homeless teenagers and young adults provides a safe place to sleep. Helping them is what we are called to do. Port in the Storm is a wonderful mission and the fact that Davidson Cares chose this local cause as part of their 2022 event is just terrific,” continues Chris. 

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day is proud to have the support and sponsorship from MasterCraft Builder Group as they continue to support local charities. To learn more about MasterCraft Builder Group, visit their website at mastercraftbuildergroup.com or call (904) 295-1604.

 

Davidson Cares Clay Day

The 7th Annual Davidson Cares Clay Day was held on October 20, 2022, at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports. Davidson Cares Clay Day included two-sport shooting events, beginner skeet, and sporting clay. Individuals and teams from beginner to expert levels participated.

 

In association with the event, there was a raffle contest. Prizes included a 65-quart YETI cooler with 13 full-size liquors and a 12-Gauge Beretta A400 XCEL Sporting shotgun.

 

Money raised from the event and raffles went directly to Builders Care, St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), Investing in Kids (INK!), Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, and Hope is Restored.

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