From Left to right: Congressman John Rutherford; Sam Inman, CEO of Community First Credit Union; Elizabeth Carrington, representing Congressman Aaron Bean; Kay Ehas, GWJax CEO; Ryan Chao, President, Rails to Trails Conservancy; Chris Burns, GWJax Board Chair; Ken Bryan, Chief Strategist/External Affairs, Rails to Trails Conservancy
Groundwork Jacksonville’s Annual Trailblazer Reception is a wonderful celebration of the visionary donors, funders, partners and leaders who are bringing the Emerald Trail to life.
This year’s event, underwritten by Community First Credit Union, was held at the beautiful Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Guests enjoyed cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres while taking in a breathtaking sunset over the St. Johns.
We were honored to have Congressman John Rutherford and his District Director Chris Miller in attendance along with Elizabeth Carrington, on behalf of Congressman Aaron Bean. Both Congressman Bean and Rutherford continue to reaffirm their support of the Emerald Trail and their commitment to secure additional federal funding.
We were thrilled to welcome Ryan Chao, President of Rails to Trails Conservancy to make the official presentation of the 2025 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion Award to our CEO Kay Ehas. According to Ryan, “Kay Ehas is modeling an approach to trail development that seamlessly brings together residents, regional leaders and private investment in partnership. Her leadership is building more than infrastructure. It’s building social capital and civic participation that will make the trail network successful and will endure long after this project is complete.”
The evening culminated with an exciting announcement: Kim and Bryan Clontz committed to a $500,000 lead donation for the Goodwin Trailhead along McCoys Creek. According to Kim, they became intrigued by the project after visiting “Creeks Rising: A City Reflected in Hogans and McCoys Creeks,” at the Jessie three years ago. The exhibit, created by artist/photographer Doug Eng and underwritten by Trailblazers JoAnn Tredennick and Jack Meeks, highlighted the peril, and potential, of our two urban creeks. This is a perfect example that one never knows the ripples created with one act of generosity.
For more information about becoming a Trailblazer, contact Leana Cianfoni, GWJax Chief Development Officer.
