’90s-themed ball raises $230K for historic Florida Theatre

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre held its annual fundraiser, The Florida Theatre Ball: 90’s Style, presented by DEX Imaging, on May 17. The organization’s signature fundraiser raised more than $230,000 in support of the arts and culture in downtown Jacksonville. David Benfield, co-host of “First Coast Living,” was the MC/auctioneer of the ball.

“The Florida Theater Ball: 90’s Style was a night to remember and all for a great cause,” said Angela Merritt, senior account manager of the presenting sponsor. “DEX Imaging is proud to support such an iconic venue and the incredible work it does in the community. It was a perfect blend of ’90s nostalgia, fun and support for the arts.”

The event has raised more than $2 million since 2013 to preserve and maintain the 98-year-old Florida Theatre venue. Past themes have included Vegas, The Big Easy, Hollywood, The Eighties, Studio 54, The Roaring Twenties, The Future and The Fifties.

The Florida Theatre Ball would not be possible without the support of its sponsors, vendors, chair/host committee, members and staff:

• Presenting Sponsor — DEX Imaging

• Blockbuster Sponsors — Irene and Gasper Lazzara, VyStar Credit Union

• MTV Sponsors — Auld & White Constructors

• Nintendo 64 Sponsors — AON, PC Bryant & Austin Wynn, CK Direct, Community First, CSX, Empower, Lisa Gibbs, Cecil W. Powell & Company, Magnolia Foundation, Michelle Mullen, Remedy Intelligent Staffing, Westminster Teak

• Beanie Baby Sponsors — AVL Productions, Holland & Knight, Chad Labenz & Michael Meyers, MetLife, Miller Electric, PNC Bank, Bennie Shaw & Michelle Burgess

• Tamagotchi Sponsors — Aetna, Nancy Barber, Tom and Maureen Bolling, Don and Holly Cameron, Cornerstone Relocation Group, Downtown Jacksonville, Ray Driver, Leslie and Patrick Gordon, Jessica and Carlton Lee, Ed Lombard, Property Grid, Steven Rathel, Lesley Roberts, Numa and Laurie Saisselin, Steven and Sadie Smith, James and Vicki Van Horn, Well & You

• Bands — Quad City DJ’s, Bold City Classics, Wehner Jazz Trio

• Photobooth — Sparks Fly Events

• Caterer — Chef’s Garden

• Late Night Snack — Lazy Days Hot Dogs

• Valet — Auto Valet

• Rentals — All About Events

Susan DuBow was the chair of the Host Committee for The Florida Theatre Ball: 90’s Style. With the help of The Florida Theatre Ball Host Committee members Martha Barrett, Chris and Karen Bernhardt, Jim Efstathion, Gloria Fabian, Tabitha Furyk, Wes and Elizabeth Jennison, Tracey Kenney, Gasper and Irene Lazarra, Angela Merritt, Michelle Mullen, Brian Rose, Doug and Ginny Schlosser, Michael and Alison Snyde, and Brian Ware, the event was a hit.

If you would like to support the Florida Theatre’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, take part in the next fundraiser on Aug. 21: Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ at Bowing Oaks Plantation, 7743 Alphons St., Jacksonville.  VIP admission ($100 per ticket) starts at 4:30 p.m. General admission ($50 per ticket) starts at 5:30 p.m.

For ticket information, contact Shelissa Morris at shelissa@floridatheatre.com.