Pictured (l to r): Sandy Golding (Beaches Watch President) and Kathy Christensen
Jacksonville Beach, FL (March 2, 2016) – On March 2, 2016 Kathy Christensen, the Education Director for Beaches Habitat was presented the 2016 Friend of the Beaches Award by the Beaches Watch Board of Directors. The Friend of the Beaches Award honors individuals, businesses or organizations who have greatly contributed to enrich our quality of life at the beaches.
As the 2016 Friend of the Beaches recipient, Kathy is being recognized for her unwavering commitment, dedication and passion to the children and families who are qualifying for Habitat homes at the beaches. From overseeing the Scheidel Scholarship program which provides education scholarships to UNF and FSCJ, to taking children on environmentally-focused expeditions to places such as Cumberland Island and Wakulla Springs to work projects at the Habitat for Humanity in Georgia. She also works with the children to earn their Congressional Awards, which is America’s Gold Medal for youth. In order for them to earn their Gold Medal, the children have to set goals in public service, personal development and physical fitness, and plan and execute an overnight expedition. Kathy guides the children through the process of fundraising and planning the trip, as well as working with the Navy to help equip the children with tents, sleeping bags, etc. as most of the children have never experienced camping. There is no task too difficult or hurdle too big for Kathy when it comes to getting things done for the children. Even after the horrible tragedy of losing her husband, Kathy still took the children on a five night camping trip a month later so they could earn their Gold Medal because they were under a deadline and Kathy did not want to jeopardize their chances.
In her nomination, Jackie Smith stated, “Every child in Beaches Habitat is enriched by Kathy’s hard work. Beaches Habitat has won national awards and it always gets back to the Education Center headed up by Kathy Christensen.”
“Beaches Watch is proud to recognize Kathy Christensen because she truly represents the intent of this award. It is clear she goes above and beyond her duties every day to enrich the lives of the children and families at Beaches Habitat,” said Sandy Golding, Beaches Watch President.