Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation's 16th Annual Gala a Resounding Success

There are times when everything simply falls into place, and something beyond our expectations happens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation’s 16th Annual Gala was one of those occasions!
 
On Saturday, February 18th, a sell-out crowd of over 500 attendees gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s Talbot Ballroom. The evening opened with a silent auction of thoughtfully procured trips, local experiences, jewelry, culinary and wine pairings, and memorabilia.
 
James Miller, grandson of David Miller, Sr., who founded the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County in 1999, served as Master of Ceremony for the evening, continuing a family tradition set by his uncle, the late Ben Hynson.
 
BGC Nassau’s Foundation Board President, Ann Moser, made welcoming remarks, thanking our many generous sponsors, including Legacy Sponsor, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Ron & Marylln Blum, Entertainment and Diamond Sponsor, Diamond Sponsors Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Betty Berkman, Anne & Bill Gower, Revelation Design, Jack & Charlotte Roberts, and Robison Jewelers.
 
A number of special guests were in attendance, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO, Jim Clark, who spoke eloquently about the state of children and teens today, and how our clubs are needed more than ever to provide a safe place for them to be exposed to positive role models, mentoring, meaningful programs, exercise, and life skills to propel them successfully into adulthood.
 
Two club members then took the stage to share their talents. Loreya Poindexter, a sophomore honor student at Yulee High School, spoke about how her experiences  at Miller Freedom Center and as a participant of the Tipping the Scales Program, sponsored by Baptist Medical Center Nassau, have helped her to pave the way to success in her future goals – to enter the medical field as a pediatrician. Paisley Johnston, a 4th grader from Hilliard Elementary, captivated the crowd with her vocal performance of God Bless the USA.
 
Following a superb meal prepared by the culinary team of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, James Miller swung into the live fundraising portion of the evening, the Ben Hynson Fill the Heart, challenging the attendees to fill the heart with donations to fund our clubs.   In a matter of minutes, the proposed goal was not only met, but exceeded. We are beyond grateful to everyone who so generously gave, either in person or remotely.
 
As the finale to the event, renowned pianist and Boys & Girls Clubs alumnus, William Joseph, our musical guest, shared his own club experience  and talents, with a stellar performance of original and classic pieces, with accompanying cello and drums, providing the perfect end to a memorable evening.
 
For more information about what the Nassau County Clubs have to offer local youth and to help with the Boys & Girls Clubs mission, visit us at www.bgcnassau.org or call 904-261-8666.