TITUSVILLE, FLA, February 8, 2018— Jess Parrish Medical Foundation’s annual benefit gala,
Soirée by the Sea, was a tremendous success raising more than $145,000 in net proceeds to
benefit The Children’s Center. Presented by the law firm of GrayRobinson,
P.A. and Laura & William Boyles, the event was held at Cruise Terminal
One, Port Canaveral and attracted more than 400 guests.
Event co-chairs Judy Allender, Holly Carver and Heather Loyd, along with
committee members, planned an elegant 1940s cruise-themed evening complete
with a captain’s dinner that included Captain Ed Lanni, who was
the first to sail into Port Canaveral in 1950 aboard the LST-694 and Captain
John Murray, Canaveral Port Authority CEO and Port Director. Guests were
greeted by the sounds of Tropical Groove as they shopped the silent-auction
and met characters reminiscent of the 1941 movie,
That Night in Rio. Gala attendees were taken back in time with live entertainment by The
EA Group, which included a dinner show complete with singing waiters,
an improv artist and Broadway veteran Melissa Minyard who performed songs
from the 1940s just as she has on cruise ships around the world.
Three bright and talented kids from The Parrish Children’s Center,
Devon, Rachel and Jacob, captivated the audience. Rachel, with the assistance
of Devon, shared stories about her experiences at The Children’s
Center and those of friends who have also been helped by the many programs
and services available. Jacob, whose dream is to entertain the world through
his music, performed a freestyle dance and drum solo bringing the crowd
to its feet.
The Children’s Center, a service of Parrish Healthcare and one-stop
childhood development resource center, provides an array of health, education
and human services under one roof. The center is home to many community
agencies offering a variety of programs to children of all abilities.
Because they have low student-to-teacher ratios and provide necessary
services based on the child’s need, not the parents’ ability
to pay, they have operational needs beyond what client revenues generate
each year.
The Children’s Center Futures Fund was established to ensure these
services are available long into the future by setting aside funds for
annual operating needs, new or expanded services, unanticipated expenses
and capital projects. Thanks to the generosity of organizations and individuals
in our community, funds generated from
Soirée by the Sea closed the gap and aided The Children’s Center in reaching the $1
million fundraising milestone for the Futures Fund.
“It was our privilege to be the presenting sponsor of this great
event, and we are delighted to support the development of future generations
of our children through programs and services offered at The Children’s
Center. We believe in continuing the foundation’s mission of providing
healing experiences to families throughout Brevard County,” said
William A. Boyles, shareholder at GrayRobinson, P.A.
Judy Allender and Richard Boggs, underwriting co-chairs, helped secure
more than 100 sponsorships from numerous community members and organizations.
Sponsors included, at the First Mate level: Bermello Ajamil & Partners,
Inc.; and at the Excursion level: Allender & Allender P.A./Port Commissioner
Jerry & Judy Allender; Boggs Gases; Cocoa Beach Hospitality/Transportation
Association; Susan Morse, UBS Financial Services; RUSH Construction, Inc.;
N. Christine Sylvester; TD Bank, and Zumpano Patricios & Winker, P.A.
Anchor level sponsors include: The Broome Law Firm, P.A./Chris & Kelley
Broome; Canaveral Port Authority; Coastal Ambulance Service; Florida Cardiovascular
Association; GT USA LLC; Hamlin Capital Advisors LLC; Industrial Steel,
Inc.; Itani Family Pharmacy/Basil & Dania Itani; Dr. Nabil Itani,
Internal Medicine; Jaguar Land Rover Merritt Island; Bob & Jessie
Kirk/Kirk Realty; Loyd Contracting Co., Inc.; Mr. & Mrs. George Mikitarian;
Precision Shapes, Inc.; Kindred; Ron Norris – Buick, GMC, Honda
& Ford; Sodexo; Dr. Tanya Taival, Obstetrics & Gynecology; TeamHealth
Anesthesia & Parrish Anesthesia Specialists and TeamHealth Emergency
Medicine Division. Media sponsors include: Brevard Business News, FLORIDA
TODAY and SCB Marketing. Other generous sponsors were recognized at the event.
“On behalf of the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation board of directors
and staff, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who supported our
2017 gala and contributed to its success. We have been overwhelmed by
the outpouring of community support which will impact and change our future
generations,” said Gene Sego, chair, JPMF board of directors.
Committee members include Richard Boggs, Ginny Bradford, Winnie Brewer,
Kelley Broome, Mary Coleman, Amy Craddock, Lori Duester, Voncile Franklin,
Betty Greene, Dawn Hohnhorst, Melissa Lugo, Christina Morrison, Susan
Morse, Candi Neuweiler, Elana Pitcher, Tara Ruch, Leigh Spradling and
Dr. Tanya Taival.
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