Local Businesses Support Rescue Mission

Dwaine Stephens (left), Community Affairs Manager of Publix Super Markets Charities, and Gene Pruett (right), Executive Director of Trinity Rescue Mission.

Greg Matovina (left), and Don Borstein (right), both of Matovina & Co., and Gene Pruett (center), Executive Director, Trinity Rescue Mission.

Publix Super Markets Charities and Matovina & Co. have each donated $100,000 to the Trinity Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Shelter, now under construction in Jacksonville.

Dwaine Stephens of Publix Super Markets Charities presented the company’s first check for $25,000 to Rev. Gene Pruett, executive director of Trinity Rescue Mission. The remaining $75,000 will be dispersed over the next three years. 

The contribution is in keeping with the company’s philosophy of community involvement.

George Jenkins, the founder of Publix, was once asked, "If you hadn't given away so much, how much do you think you would be worth today?"  

Jenkins replied, "Probably nothing." 

Publix continues that tradition by supporting local non-profit agencies focusing primarily on education, youth and the fight against hunger. Publix also donated funds toward a much-needed washing machine on a prior occasion.   

“We are proud to continue our relationship with such a viable and important organization that truly cares about the well-being of our neighbors,” Stephens said.   

The common area of the new shelter will be named for Publix in appreciation of the company’s generous contribution.   

Matovina & Company also donated $100,000 to the Trinity Rescue Women and Children’s Shelter. Greg Matovina of Matovina & Co. is the immediate past president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) and currently serves on the board of directors of the HabiJax Foundation.  

Together, NEFBA and Matovina have raised more than $550,000 in cash and in-kind donations. Their outstanding commitment to the Trinity project included the planning and execution of the two-day “Raise the Roof” volunteer event, using donated materials from several local contracting companies to complete the framing of the 14,000-square-foot structure. In recognition of Matovina’s commitment to this project, several bedrooms of the new shelter will be dedicated to him. 

 “We are deeply appreciative of companies like Publix and Matovina & Co., who have a sense of responsibility to the communities where they live and do business,” Pruett said. “Their generous support has moved us one step closer to providing critical services to homeless women and children in our community. We are grateful for the relationship we have with these companies and look forward to our continuing relationship in the future.”