Peter Schorsch
The 2017 edition of the Harvesting Hope fundraiser is adding a new award named in honor of late Bay-area philanthropists Jack and Ruth Eckerd, who founded the child-focused nonprofit group Eckerd Connects which provides services in Florida and 19 other states.
The inaugural “Jack & Ruth Eckerd Legacy Award” award will be presented to Stewart and Linda Turley during the Nov. 14 fundraiser gala, to be held at Ruth Eckerd Hall beginning at 6 PM.
Stewart Turley was a longtime CEO at Eckerd Corporation, the now-defunct pharmacy chain started up by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in the 1950s. Outside of his career as a business executive, Turley and his wife have carried the torch for the Eckerd’s philanthropic efforts.
“We are so honored to be presented with this award that celebrates our dear friends Jack and Ruth Eckerd, and the giving spirit of our wonderful community,” he said.
Eckerd Connects, formerly known as Eckerd Kids, started in the late 1960s and brought the first private boys’ wilderness therapy program to the state. Shortly after, the charity added a similar program for girls – the first of its kind in the southeastern US.
Their program was successful enough to draw the attention of North Carolina’s governor in the 1970s, who asked the Eckerds to expand their program to the Tar Heel State.
More than 40 years later, the charity’s footprint and services have expanded to include juvenile justice programs, school-based prevention curriculums, parental education program and, most recently, workforce development. Since 2008, the charity has also been the lead agency for community-based child welfare services in Pinellas and Pasco counties.
The event will also highlight Rachel and Rick Reumann, who will speak to attendees on their experience as adoptive parents to four children. Rick works in software for the Nielsen Company and is a deacon at BLDG 28 Church in Clearwater. Rachel is a fashion and cosmetics professional.
Harvesting Hope, formerly known as “Jingle Jangle Jam,” has been an annual event for a decade and is one of the main fundraising events for the child-focused charity. The gala raised $157,000 for charity in 2016.
“This will be an exciting evening to share the enduring legacy of our founders and engage our community in strengthening our community’s children, youth and families with the support that they need most,” said Margaret Adams, the charity’s chief development officer.
The autumn-themed 2017 gala will feature cigar-rolling, a jazz trio, bongo players, and a silent auction. While the event has sold out, though those wishing to attend may get on a waiting list through the Eckerd Connects website. The nonprofit also accepts online donations.
