Hundreds of friends and supporters celebrated the contributions Mission House makes to the Beaches last week, when the nonprofit hosted its 6th Annual Compassion by the Sea benefit.
Held Sept. 16 at Atlantic Beach Country Club, the event featured a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres and both live and silent auctions offering a wide range of gifts and unique experiences. Guests perused the many silent auction offerings, including private lunch and dinner excursions with notable First Coast residents, golf packages, gift baskets and getaways to such destinations as Napa Valley, Charleston, St. Lucia and more.
Three “waves” of silent auctions were held throughout the evening, offering attendees the opportunity to raise their paddles and bid on such items as a private sushi dinner with the owners of Massage Envy, complete with massage gift certificates; a Budweiser Brewery corporate tasting party for up to 100 plus 10 VIP tickets to Oktoberfest Jacksonville; a guest role on The Chat with Angelia Savage and a $200 David Medure experience; and a private dinner at Blackstone Grille with WJXT’s Sam Kouvaris plus a Jacksonville Suns stadium experience and two tickets to Tim Tebow’s Florida Forum appearance.
Many guests in attendance had a volunteer connection to Mission House. Leanne Paolucci, for example, noted that her employer, Fresh Market, supports Mission House by donating food.
“We donate every single day – fresh produce, bakery good and deli items,” she said.
Members of the Beaches Rotaract Club were also on hand to volunteer and assist with the event’s live auction.
Mission House Board Member JulieAnn Weber said the purpose of the Compassion by the Sea event extends beyond raising the funds needed to provide critical support services to the Beaches’ homeless residents.
“While we’re here, of course, to raise money, we also want to raise awareness,” Weber said. “Homeless people are first and foremost people, and there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved.”
Proceeds from the Compassion by the Sea event will support Mission House’s services, which include providing homeless individuals with two hot meals a day, fresh clothing, shower facilities and medical services through its clinic. The nonprofit also provides case managers who assist clients with finding employment and housing.
To view more event photos, visit www.pontevedrarecorder.com.
