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Here, and around the world, we’re focused on helping people live their best lives. So we invest in programs that build strong communities and give people opportunities to enrich their lives. Together, with our employees,

Here, and around the world, we’re focused on helping people live their best lives. So we invest in programs that build strong communities and give people opportunities to enrich their lives. Together, with our employees, we’re helping people take actions to save enough, have enough and protect enough.

Williams.diana@principal.com

Planning for retirement can be scary and a little overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone. We’ll work together to help you create a retirement plan that fits your needs. We’ll focus on things like electing Social Security, healthcare, and ways to convert your savings into income. So, when the time

Philip Glassman, CCIM | Publisher philip@ocalamagazine.com

Penny Miller | VP/Corporate Development/Principal penny@ocalamagazine.com

Brad Rogers | Contributing Editor brad@ocalamagazine.com

Carlton Reese | Contributing Editor carlton@ocalamagazine.com

Jessi Miller | Creative Director jessi@ocalamagazine.com

Ralph Demilio | Chief Photographer ralph@ocalamagazine.com

Jackie Prince | Creative Assistant jackie@ocalamagazine.com

Sharon Raye | Copy Editor sharon@ocalamagazine.com ocalamagazine.com

EDITORIAL OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 352.622.2995

For the past 18 years, Ocala Magazine has brought this community a charity register and the momentum keeps getting stronger with each passing year. Like Ocala/Marion County, the charity register grows by leaps and bounds and it is due to the generous nature of those who call “The Horse Capitol” home.

From the vision of two special ladies, Linda Marks and Penny Miller, the OM Charity Register has become not only an integral part of OM’s production schedule, but also an iconic annual publication to serve this community. Marks dedicated herself to Ocala Magazine at its inception and with it her dedication to charitable causes. Along with Miller, the marriage of OM to the charitable spirit of this community was a natural union and one that springs forth not just once a year but every month with each individual issue.

By shining a spotlight on individual charities each month we help to reinforce the giving spirit that consumes Ocalans while also recognizing those organizations with a short of pat on the back; a way of saying “job well done.” Marks and Miller realized long ago that a monthly spotlight might not be enough for a town with such an enormous giving spirit — hence, the annual OM Charity Register.

Once again, over 130 charitable organizations are listed in this year’s register, lending data to anecdotal evidence of how per capita Ocala and Marion County are at the forefront of charitable contributions in this country.

Although Marks is no longer part of the day-to-day operations of OM, her legacy lives strong in the charitable aspects of the magazine and her vision comes to fruition every month in the Charitable Spotlight and in the annual register. Thankfully for us, Miller is still an active part of the magazine whose role is integral to the success of not only OM, but the many charitable organizations she promotes and even serves.

From the time the OM Charity Register gained traction, the Ocala area has undergone some dramatic changes and even the magazine has evolved significantly as well. The population of Marion County has been booming my entire life, but it feels like the boom has gained an exponential lift in the past decade. With that boom has come a lot of growth in wonderful areas, such as the arts and all the different options for entertainment and professional success. With a rising economic tide, many citizens have cashed in on the good times. But, growth also has its downside and with it come many people who fall through the cracks. Those unfortunate to be left behind economically or feeling the pain of illness or abuse become the responsibility of all those who are benefitting from our area’s unprecedented growth.

That is why I am proud of OM’s historical record of promoting and giving to worthwhile charities both local and national in scope. One can judge a community’s citizenry based on how it treats the less fortunate among them, and I truly believe Ocala sets as good an example as anywhere else.

I’m proud to be part of maintaining OM’s strong record on charities and upholding the legacy granted to us by both Marks and Miller. So, here’s a toast to 18 years of the OM Charity Register and for many more to come.

Animals

EARS Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary

P.O. Box 306, Citra, FL 32113

352.266.2859 | www.earsinc.net

Susan Nassivera | sportcopy@outlook.com/ earsanctuary@gmail.com

Mission Statement: Preserving with dignity.

Goal and Objective of 2023: Always improving and adding larger turnouts and new enrichment for our animals. Greatest need: Turnout area for every cat so they do not have to take turns going out.

2022-2023

Welcome to our comprehensive listing of local charities in Ocala/Marion County. We have compiled information on over 130 non-profit organizations that are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. From organizations that focus on helping animals or hunger relief, to those that provide resources for underprivileged children, to those that support the arts, there is something for everyone who is looking to make a difference in the lives of others. Each charity listed here has a unique mission and a dedicated team of volunteers and staff who work tirelessly to support their cause. We hope that this resource will inspire you to get involved, whether it be through volunteering your time, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about these incredible organizations. Together, we can make our city a better place for all.

Forest Animal Rescue

640 NE 170th Court, Silver Springs, FL 34488

352.625.7377 | www.ForestAnimalRescue.org

Vice President, Lisa Stoner | info@forestanimalrescue.org facebook.com/forestanimalrescue

Mission Statement: Forest Animal Rescue is a nonprofit wild animal sanctuary and educational facility, dedicated to the lifetime care of non-releasable wild animals to prevent them from being destroyed — and the rehabilitation and release of native wild black bears.

Goal and Objective of 2023: We are continuing to expand and improve our facility to rescue even more animals. We greatly need assistance with expansion through funding, sponsors, volunteers, and interns (interns may become eligible for permanent employment).

Guardian Angels

Medical Service Dogs, Inc.

3251 NE 180th Ave., Williston, FL 32696

352.789.5016 | www.medicalservicedogs.org

Mission Statement: Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. was created for the charitable purpose of rescuing, raising, training, and then donating medical service dogs to mentally and/or physically impaired individuals to provide aid and independence while improving the quality of life for both the recipient and dog. In addition, it is our goal to promote education about service dogs and pioneer research studies to further advance service dog training. We also strive to raise public awareness regarding the laws pertaining to service dogs and lessen the dependency of the disabled on the government, communities, caregivers, and families.

Have a Heart for Companion Animals, Inc.

P.O. Box, 831413, Ocala, FL 34483 www.haveaheart.us

Founder/President, Marilyn Marinelli

Mission Statement: Have A Heart for Companion Animals Inc. operates as an information and referral center for those who are looking for help related to animal issues. Emphasis is placed on animal welfare education through brochures, website articles, and telephone counseling.

Goal and Objective of 2023: Our long-term goal is to build a no-kill animal rescue shelter and sanctuary.

The Humane Society of Marion County, Inc.

701 NW 14th Road, Ocala, FL 34475

352.873.7387 | http://thehsmc.org

President, Roseann Morton Executive Director, Eddie Leedy | web@humanesocietyofmarioncounty.com

Mission Statement: The Humane Society of Marion County is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter dedicated to the care and protection of animals in Marion County, Florida. Our mission is to prevent cruelty, suffering, and overpopulation of animals.

Signature Events: Run for the Mutts, Santa Paws,Trunk or Treat, Art for Animal.

Patriot Service Dogs

10545 SE 42nd Court, Belleview, FL 34420

352.626.2305 | www.patriotservicedogs.org

President/Lead Trainer, Julie Sanderson info@PatriotServiceDogs.org

Mission Statement: We honor those who served, while helping those still serving.

Signature Event: Army vs Navy Golf Tournament Sun. November 12th at Royal Oaks Golf Club.

Perpetual Care

1200 NW 73rd Terrace, Ocala FL 34482

888.355.7091 | www.perpetualcare.org

Virginia Kilmer | info@perpetualcare.org

Mission Statement: Perpetual Care’s mission is to educate and assist pet owners regarding estate planning for their pets, provide orphaned pets with a home at our Pet Life Care Center, and rescue and rehome pets orphaned by death or disability of their guardian.

Goal and Objective of 2023: To build our intake and special needs buildings for orphaned dogs and to build a cattery in order to increase the number of orphaned pets we can help.

Southern Sportsman Whitetail Foundation

2800 NE 56th Street, Ocala, FL 34479

239-777-1817 | sswf.ocala@gmail.com

President, Avery Duval

Mission Statement: We strive to build relationships based on our common beliefs and goals that those who have a disability or a handicap, from disabled veterans to handicapped people of all ages, still dream of spending time outdoors hunting and should have the ability to do so. We believe that with a little help from people like us they can overcome their disability or handicap and have fun hunting in the woods.

VOCAL (Voices of Change Animal League)

6393 SW 52nd St., Ocala, FL 34474

352.289.0800 | www.vocalforpets.org

Info@vocalforpets.org

Mission Statement: Our mission is to solve the homeless pet problem through prevention, community outreach, adoption and collaboration.

Goal and Objective of 2023: Our goal for 2023, we anticipate continued expansion of our community clinic services. We serve pets and the people who love them. Our specialty surgeries are priced below market to ensure that pets of lower-income households can receive the care they deserve. We also offer low-cost spay-neuter, drive-thru vaccine clinics, heartworm prevention and treatment, and dental care for pets. Our outreach programs include trap-neuter-return of feral cats, pet food and resources for the public, as well as pet food and pet items for area shelters and rescues groups. Our shelter houses up to 35 dogs at any given time and our foster program provides shelter for up to 35 cats.

2023 Special Event: Seventh annual Furball “ Mission Pawsible” Sat. February 25th at Expo Center 1 at World Equestrian Center.

Addiction/ Substance Abuse

Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc. 415 NW First Ave., Ocala, FL 34475 352.732.0877 | www.christian12step.org

Margie Maddox| www.alpha.12step@yahoo.com

Mission Statement: We seek to give hope in Christ, show love through support, and encourage change through Bible-based recovery from substance abuse, emotional strongholds, and codependency.

Goal of 2023: Fundraise with an eye toward making our program available globally.

The Centers, Inc.

5664 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474 352.291.5555 | www.thecenters.us

Mission Statement: Our mission at The Centers is to strengthen lives with compassionate healing.

Phoenix Houses of Florida

15681 North U.S. Highway 301, Citra, FL 32113 813.881.1000 | phoenixfl.org

President/CEO, Maria Alvarez FLAdmissions@phoenixhouse.org

Mission Statement: We are passionate about healing individuals, families, and communities challenged by substance use disorders and related mental health condition. With a legacy spanning nearly 30 years, we are a leading nonprofit who provides individualized, holistic drug and alcohol addiction treatment. With short-term and long-term care options, we treat those struggling with addiction wherever they need to be – at home or a treatment facility.

Arts

Fine Arts For Ocala, Inc. (FAFO)

120 SW Fifth St., Suite 106, Ocala, FL 34471 352.867.0355 | www.FAFO.org

Billye Mallory| fafoocala@gmail.com

Mission Statement: Formed in 1972 with a simple mission to promote the appreciation of the fine arts and to enhance art education within our community. FAFO continues to support art education through scholarships and various community programs.

Signature Events: FAFO’s Symphony Under The Stars on Mother’s Day, May 14th at the Ocala Golf Club; FAFO’s Ocala Arts Festival Oct. 28-29, downtown Ocala.

Magnolia Art Xchange, Inc. (MAX)

531 NE First Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 352.629.8414 | www.maxocala.org

President, Justin MacDonald | president@maxocala.org

Mission Statement: To repurpose historic Ocala Union Station and further develop the downtown cultural campus by providing studios, instructional spaces, and exhibition opportunities for visual artists in a collaborative hub that encourages professional development.

Marion Cultural Alliance

23 SW Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471 352.369.1500 | www.mcaocala.org

Jaye Baille | jaye.baillie@mcaocala.com

Mission Statement: Marion Cultural Alliance champions, convenes, and creates opportunities for artists and arts organizations. MCA, was established in 2001, with its inaugural effort, the Horse Fever public art project, our community’s first public art initiative. Four subsequent projects have added more beautiful horses to our community’s landscape.

Goal and Objective of 2023: MCA’s mission is to champion, convene, and create opportunities for artists and arts organizations. The organization has donated over $1.5 million to the arts and other charitable organizations in Ocala/ Marion County, including supporting arts organizations with funding totaling $450,000. To support local artists, MCA also operates Brick City Center for the Arts, a popular art gallery, located in historic downtown Ocala.

Signature Event: Applaud the Arts-Ocala’s largest gathering of creatives, donors, and the business community to celebrate the arts, announce the Cultural Grant recipients, and honor individuals making a difference in the arts sector.

Ocala Symphony Orchestra

500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, FL 34470 352.351.1606 | www.ReillyArtsCenter.com

Board President, RJ Jenkins | pamela@reillyartscenter.com

Mission: Our mission is to create cultural experiences and opportunities for our community through music.

Reilly Arts Center

500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, FL 34470

352.351.1606 | www.ReillyArtsCenter.com

Board President, RJ Jenkins | pamela@reillyartscenter.com

Mission Statement: To provide cultural experiences for the community through arts and entertainment.

Goal and Objective of 2023: We are continuing to focus on providing high-quality programming, an excellent customer experience, and community impact, especially in our downtown and arts community overall.

The Marion Players, Inc.

DBA Ocala Civic Theatre

4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470

352.236.2274 | www.ocalacivictheatre.com

Rosie Miller | rmiller@ocalacivictheatre.com

Mission Statement: To uplift, inspire, and entertain by providing quality theatrical experiences and performing arts education.

Cultural/Heritage

Black Nurses Rock, Ocala Florida Chapter P.O. Box 5544, Ocala, FL 34478 352.598.4872 | www.bnrocalafl.org

President, Jokisha King RN | bnrocalafl@gmail.com

Mission Statement: To assist dedicated, driven, and determined nurses to grow professionally while addressing healthcare disparities in the Ocala and Marion county area. Goal and Objective of 2023: To continue getting out in the community to educate and bring awareness about health-related topics and continuing to help aspiring nurses become nurses.

Liberation Ocala African American Council, Inc.

P.O. Box 2693, Ocala, FL 34478 | 352.875.5071

Oscar Brown

Mission Statement: Initiate and facilitate programs and activities for the enhancement of the quality of life for African Americans in Marion County.