First Coast Cultural Center celebrated its “Year of the Pearl,” marking 30 years of prosperity as a nonprofit organization with a Grecian-themed fundraiser at TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. The 6th Annual Beaches, A Celebration of the Arts gala was a sell-out event and raised $70,000 through donations, partnerships and ticket sales.
According to Fundraising Manager Kimberly Sheridan, the May 4 fundraiser featured an awards presentation, art demonstrations and a silent auction, and it supported the continuation of the center’s high-quality educational art programs for all ages.
“This includes children’s summer camps, after-school programming, and a potpourri of community engagement events,” said Sheridan.
Sheridan said donations were made specifically to the center’s Sound Connections Music Therapy program for children with disabilities. This program is offered free to St. Johns County students, including Title I schools, and $14,000 more is needed to reach the goal to maintain this year’s service.
“This program is supported only through grants and individual donations that FCCC acquires,” said Silvia Romero, senior operations director. “Community support for this program for children with disabilities is a must.”
Go to firstcoastculturalcenter.org/programs-events/sound-connections-r for more information.
In the area of recognition at the gala, Dr. Arun Gulani, world-renowned eye surgeon from Gulani Vision Institute, was master of ceremonies and presented awards to individuals, businesses and organizations who go above and beyond to enhance the arts.
Honorees included: Volunteer of the Year, Barbara Moore Wedow; Community Impact Award, Bold City Opera; Emerging Artist Award, Christine Alfano; Art of Giving Award, Becky Jewett; #Gulanism Award, Chef Marcel Vizcarra; Irene Lazzara Beaches, A Celebration of the Arts Award, Ana Cristina Paz; and Ron & Hilah Autrey Arts Education & Advocacy Award, Sunni Myers.
Other speakers included Ben Becker, Action News Jax anchor; Romero; FCCC Board member Mike Story; and Candice Sirak, Sound Connections Music Therapy manager. Event sponsors were the Lazzara Family Foundation, Ron and Hilah Autrey, Gulani Vision Institute, Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, Publix Super Markets Charities and PNC Bank.
Looking ahead, Sheridan is planning the center’s first Artisan Fall Festival on Oct. 4, the annual Holiday Shoppes on Nov. 15-16, and the Luxury Coach and Lights Tour on Dec. 5. For more information, contact Sheridan at 904-280-0614, Ext. 1205, or ksheridan@firstcoastculturalcenter.org.
