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OneJax Honors The First Coast's Top Humanitarians

OneJax

Some of the First Coast’s top philanthropists will be honored Thursday night.The University of North Florida’s OneJax Institute has announced the recipients of its 2014 Humanitarian Awards, honoring a diverse group who stands out for their contributions to the community.

Melissa Ross spoke with OneJax Executive Director Nancy Broner, and Silver Medallion Honoree Ron Elinoff, D.D.S.

Elinoff, a former Naval officer, has been a practicing dentist in Jacksonville since 1968, and has also volunteered his time to a number of charitable causes, including Volunteers in Medicine and River Garden.

"I'm very fortunate to have had a wonderful wife for over 40 years," says Elinoff. "With her help at home I was able to devote some time to the community."

"Our honorees are the best of the best," said Broner. "They are all very humble and modest about their accomplishments, so it's nice to give them the spotlight."

The awards will be presented Thursday, May 22, at 6 p.m. at a dinner ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Jacksonville.

Silver Medallion honorees include Elinoff, Parvez Ahmed, Ph.D., Eleanor Ashby and William Cody, M.D. Nina Water will be awarded the President's Citation, and Preston Haskell will receive the Gold Medallion for Lifetime Achievement

You can follow Melissa Ross on Twitter @MelissainJax.

Melissa Ross joined WJCT in 2009 with 20 years of experience in broadcasting, including stints in Cincinnati, Chicago, Orlando and Jacksonville. During her career as a television and radio news anchor and reporter, Melissa has won four regional Emmys for news and feature reporting.