What We Do

The Meninak mission of "lending help where none is available" to area youth is the focal point of our members.

Each year we sponsor and actively participate in a number of activities designed to aid the youth of our community. These include:

Annual Charity Project - Programs vital to meeting the needs of young people are sought out by Meninaks each year. One is selected to receive a gift of at least $30,000 to support its programs or for a capital construction need. Plaques and other recognition of our contributions at dozens of organizations in Northeast Florida evidence this decades-long tradition that began in 1934.

Youth Leadership Grants - Each year Meninak awards five $5,000 scholarship grants to college-bound seniors from area high schools. Recipients are participants in Youth Leadership Jacksonville, a non-profit organization that selects students from each area high school and provides them with specialized training in leadership and civic responsibilities. Meninak grants are awarded on leadership potential and academic achievement.

Ocean Marathon Swim - Since 1933, Meninak has sponsored a 3.5 mile ocean swim competition for members of the American Red Cross Volunteer Life Savings Corps at Jacksonville Beach.

Salvation Army Kettle Drive - Meninaks volunteer for bell ringing at the famous Salvation Army kettles to collect donations during the holidays.

Holiday Toy Collection - The Holidays prompt distinctive attention for underprivileged children as Meninaks donate toys to the Salvation Army.

Habijax - Each year, members donate time and labor to help build affordable homes in Jacksonville.

But Meninak is more than community building and volunteer activities. A number of events are held each year that build the camaraderie and friendships that make Meninak special to its members. These include special meetings at places like the Jacksonville Zoo, the Ritz Theatre and the Cummer Gallery and popular events like the Family Holiday luncheon and the elegant President's Reception held each December.

Even good-natured fun supports our charitable work as members compete in annual tennis and golf tournaments with members of the Downtown Rotary Club to raise funds for children.