On May 20, the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre will be transformed into “The Florida Theatre Ball — Big Easy Style,” presented by Dex Imaging. The evening will support the theater's mission to enhance Northeast Florida's quality of life by bringing unique arts and entertainment experiences to the community and preserving a historic Jacksonville landmark. The evening starts with complimentary valet parking, then a night of craft cocktails in the theater, New Orleans-inspired cuisine, a one-of-a-kind auction and dancing to The Band Be Easy.
“Dex Imaging Inc. is delighted to partner with the Florida Theatre again this year for the Florida Theatre Ball!” said Angela Merritt, senior account manager with Dex Imaging. “This one-of-a-kind event supports arts, entertainment and this wonderful historic theater. We look forward annually to what the staff and committee plan for this event. We are excited to celebrate this year, New Orleans style.”
Carolyn Klucha and Laura Phillips Edgecombe are co-chairs of this event.
“This year’s themed event will be high-energy and interactive with something for everyone,” said Klucha. “Supporters will enjoy an authentic New Orleans-style night market, Voodoo Lounge with tarot card readers, adult face painting, a casino, live music, dancing, food, drinks and an after-party hot dog cart, all included in the price of a ticket. It’s a great value for a fun-filled evening that supports a great cause. We hope everyone in Jacksonville and surrounding communities will come out and support the arts and music, plus experience all the improvements made to our city’s highly rated, almost century-old theater so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
“The Florida Theatre Ball is by far one of the best nights of the year — great music, delicious bites, themed outfits and countless friends coming together to support Jacksonville’s 1927 historic venue as it continues its commitment to ensuring the theater remains a destination for music and performing arts, all while ensuring the maintenance of the building as a historic resource to the community,” Edgecombe said. “Diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences are critical to the sustainability of our city’s future, and supporting the Florida Theatre guarantees Downtown Jacksonville will continue to grow and thrive as a dynamic center for the arts, dining and entertainment. We cannot wait to share this night with everyone.”
“The Florida Theatre fundraises just 15% of its budget every year, and that sounds like a small and reasonable number, but it’s 100% of our ability to do the special things that make the Florida Theatre a special place: support arts education programs, support free tickets for veteran’s groups and Title 1 schools, and of course maintain the Florida Theatre with historic integrity,” said Numa Saisselin, president of the Florida Theatre. “It’s a fundraiser, sure, but we’ve worked hard to make it a fun and not stuffy fundraiser every year. A New Orleans theme will surely be fun.”
“The Florida Theatre Ball Big Easy Style” will be presented at 6 p.m. May 20 at the Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Contact Nicole Karlove at nicole@floridatheatre.com or 904-562-5980 to get tickets. Or go to floridatheatre.com.
Sponsorships include: Canal Street Sponsor, $9,500; St. Charles Avenue Sponsor, $7,500; Royal Street Sponsor, $5,000; Frenchman Street Sponsor, $2,500; Congo Square Sponsor, $500; New Orleans, $150 (individual ticket).
From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers more than 150 cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age.
To learn more about educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages the Florida Theatre, go to floridatheatre.com.
