On June 5, 2000 our world turned upside down and our lives changed forever. Our 16 month old son, Carey, died this day as a result of an accidental drowning. The grief was immeasurable, but our faith in the Lord and the support of friends and family helped see us through. We became determined to channel our anguish into something positive and established The Carey Bishop Foundation. The foundation’s mission was to bring compassionate help and hope to families facing tragedies involving children, and to bring awareness to children’s safety issues.

My wife Charlie and I along with a handful of dedicated outstanding men and women ran The Carey Bishop Foundation for 4 years. In that time, there were 3 fully packed Golf Tournaments, 2 Family Fun Festivals and numerous other ventures that not only raised money but awareness for Child Safety. Here are just a few of the areas that the Foundation was involved with:

1) The foundation helped pay funeral costs for needy families that lose children, and started handing out baskets that are chock full of books and other literature for grieving families. Similar items helped us survive Carey’s death.

2) The foundation paid for new parents to take free infant CPR classes at Baptist Medical Center. The first class, April 26 2002, was booked with 65 couples. Participants are asked to make a $10 or $15 donation to the foundation to help perpetuate the class, said Baptist spokeswoman Cindy Hamilton.

3) The foundation also started giving out 10 free car seats a month to new parents at Shands Jacksonville who can't afford them.

4) The foundation and the American Red Cross teamed up to bring the Ready Dog Children's Safety Awareness Program to the area.

In the Fall of 2004 - after careful consideration – Charlie and I decided to step down from the Foundation. Starting Bishop Executive Services – Recruiting was very time consuming along with having two new beautiful sons ages 3 and 1 at that time. The Board decided to help fund a Dept of Hospice called “PedsCare” and also start The Carey Bishop Endowment at Baptist Wolfson’s Children Hospital. The Endowment carries on the goals of The Carey Bishop Foundation. It provides swim and safety education and also accident related care at Wolfson’s Children Hospital for patients and families.

With Sincerity and Respect,
Jim and Charlie Bishop