Benefit for Kids’ Bridge Visitation Center

Nancy Sikes-Kline reported to Historic City News that in partnership with the Junior Service League’s Annual Black and White Ball, Mane de Leon Salon will present “Royal Cuts” a charity event to benefit Kids’ Bridge Supervised Visitation Center.

Historic City News readers are invited to support a great local cause on Thursday, October 22nd, between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. at Mane de Leon Salon, located at 2303 Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

“100% of the proceeds go to Kids’ Bridge”, Sikes-Kline said.

Kids’ Bridge was founded in 2002 with funding from the Junior Service League. Last year they experienced a 60% increase in demand for service; providing a safe, healing haven for families in crisis.

Throughout its seventy-five year history the Junior Service League of St. Augustine has focused its efforts on improving life in St. Johns County.

A group of strong, dedicated women have committed millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to these efforts.

The impact of over seven decades of volunteerism can be seen and felt throughout the community.

Proceeds raised at the annual fall gala are critical to funding their year-long efforts.

Each year the President-Elect asks for volunteers to chair the event.

Because of the enormity of this task, three women act as team leaders.

Over the years, the title, “Gala Girls” has lovingly been bestowed on the trio.

This year’s Junior Service League president, Amy Vo, will oversee some of the best and brightest to organize the upcoming gala.

Karen Strandhagen, Erin Warrell, and Kelly Carrothers will be pulling out all of the stops.

Because of the popularity of the black and white theme, the Junior Service League decided to host it once again, dubbing the event—Black And White Ball, “Simply the Best.”

The gala is a black-tie event where guests are treated to a delicious dinner, an extensive silent auction, dancing and mock gambling, and desserts.

Because the event is one of the first to kick-off the social season, it is here that the traditional Society King and Queen are coroneted.

Each year a slate of prominent men and women from the community are nominated for the title, and the competition is fierce.

The candidates commit to raising monetary donations through creative fundraising. 2008’s candidates collectively raised nearly $100,000 to support the projects of the Junior Service League.

Last year’s Society King Julian Pace, and Society Queen Cathy Upchurch, will be relegating their titles to our new winners on October 24th.

This year’s gala promises a grand time with some new twists.

Champagne on the Rocks befell a huge success last year, compelling the Junior Service League, once again, to offer guest a chance win a one-carat diamond through purchasing a glass of champagne. Silent auction has received some fabulous donations this year including a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

This spring, Junior Service League members embarked on an exciting, new venture called Lightner East Restoration Project. Energetic motivator of the project is chair Holly Uhland Itnyre. Her team is committed to raising funds for the restoration of the eastern, semi-circular room as well as for the recovery of select valuable antiques housed there.

Supporters of Lightner East are given the opportunity to leave a legacy by sponsoring Lightner Treasures. Junior Service League members worked with museum staff to select appropriate pieces to be restored.

Laura Puckett of the Lightner East team recognized the opportunity to protect some of museum’s important pieces by offering sponsorships to restore individual artifacts.

Once sponsored, the patron’s name will be displayed near or on the item and will be permanently showcased within the museum.

Also available for sponsorship is the Lightner East room. The room will be dedicated to the sponsor with the contributor’s name prominently shown.

Contributions made as a Lightner East sponsor can be credited as votes to a Society King or Queen Candidate for this year’s gala.

The women of the Junior Service League have a history of adopting seemingly impossible tasks and pursuing their success.

The following non-profits have benefited from the generosity of benefactors and Junior Service League members: The American Cancer Society, The Arc of the St. Johns, Colonial St. Augustine Foundation, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida The Homeless Coalition, Kids Bridge Visitation Center, Lightner Museum, Ovarian Cancer Awareness & Research, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, St. Augustine Little League, St. Augustine Youth Services, St. Francis House, St. Johns County Center for the Arts at St. Augustine High School, St. Johns County Children’s Museum, and the Truck Safety Coalition.