The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund raised over $300,000 for local families battling childhood cancer thanks to its annual wine tasting gala on March 16.
"The generosity of our community speaks to its heart," said Keli Coughlin, executive director of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, "and I'm grateful for the continued support for both the foundation and the families we serve."
Held at the Wells Fargo Center in Jacksonville, the gala drew over 900 celebrities, wine enthusiasts, culinary artists, philanthropists and friends. Event attendees strolled the first and second floors of the downtown venue to taste over 250 world-class wines and delicious bites from dozens of First Coast restaurants, such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House and MOJO BBQ. Attendees also enjoyed perusing the various silent auction items on display, including signed Michael Strahan and Calais Campbell jerseys.
Celebrity guests included Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Jaguars coach Doug Marrone, Jaguars general manager David Caldwell, NFL coach Mike Mularkey, several current and former NFL players, PGA Tour executive Matt Rapp and a handful of local media personalities.
The Jay Fund helps families tackle childhood cancer by providing financial, emotional and practical support. The nonprofit organization formed in 1996 in memory of Jay McGillis, a former college football player who developed leukemia while a member of Tom Coughlin’s team at Boston College, where Coughlin coached prior to taking the helm of the Jaguars. According to the Jay Fund, Coughlin witnessed the financial and emotional struggles that McGillis’ family suffered, and he vowed to help people in the same situation if he ever had the opportunity.
Visit https://tcjayfund.org/ for more information.
