Community theater group Players by the Sea raised more than $25,000 at its fundraiser, “The Curtain Call,” on Oct. 7.
The event also honored Players by the Sea supporters, volunteers and performers.
Honorees included Magelda Arnold, Linda Ewer and Jean Nehl-Salisbury on behalf of The Tom Nehl Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Bill Ratliff, Holly Gutshall, Lauren Hancock and Hunter Steinke.
The fundraiser featured an abbreviated performance of the group’s season-ending musical, Smokey Joe’s Café, and other songs.
Money was raised through sponsorships and a silent and live auction.
Food was provided by Taste Catering. Liberty Bakery sponsored a dessert bar. Beverages were sponsored by St. Augustine Distillery, Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas and Heineken.
Proceeds will benefit Players by the Sea and its children’s theater programs, youth performances, summer camps, theatrical competitions and partnership programs with area public schools. It also will help fund scholarships for The Performing Arts Studio.
Players by the Sea, at 106 N. Sixth St. in Jacksonville Beach, is in its 52nd season of presenting live theater. For more information, visit playersbythesea.org.
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville has begun its 2017 Women’s Build – build[her] campaign that will provide struggling female heads-of-household in Jacksonville with the foundation of homeownership.
The Women’s Build campaign goal of $210,000 was reached for the construction of two homes. They are being built by volunteers in the New Town neighborhood at 1883 and 1887 Hardee St.
Daily’s convenience stores and Baptist Health System are presenting sponsors of the Women’s Build by each donating $50,000.
Other corporate partners include Bank of America, Burdette Ketchum, Citi, Exit Realty, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Owens Corning, Prudential, The Doctors Company and Trad’s Garden Center.
HabiJax has been building homes in the urban core for almost 30 years. In 2011, HabiJax committed to the enhancement of the New Town neighborhood, partnering with the residents and the New Town Success Zone.
For information and how to donate, visit buildherjax.com.
While it may be early to unpack your Christmas decorations, The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida is seeking volunteers for the organization’s holiday programs.
Bell ringers
Red Kettle campaign bell ringers are needed for locations across Jacksonville.
The campaign is Monday-Saturday from Nov. 10 through Christmas Eve. Call (904) 301-4852 or text JaxKettle to 41444 to reserve your date and location.
Food drives
The Salvation Army provides Thanksgiving food baskets to more than 1,600 Northeast Florida families each year.
This is made possible in part through businesses, schools and churches that hold canned- food drives. The Salvation Army will drop off and pick up food collection barrels. To participate, email [email protected].
Holiday meal helpers
Volunteers are needed to help serve holiday meals to the homeless and those in need at The Salvation Army’s Towers Center of Hope Downtown.
Help is needed noon-2 p.m. Nov. 23 and Dec. 25. To volunteer, call (904) 301-4846 or email [email protected].
Angel tree Toy, clothing drives
Volunteers are sought to organize and distribute bags filled with toys and clothes donated through the Angel Tree program.
Volunteer shifts are available Nov. 27-Dec. 18. Distribution is Dec. 19. To participate, email [email protected].
The Salvation Army is asking local businesses and churches to consider adopting Angels for the organization’s Angel Tree program. Each Angel is a specific child whose family demonstrated financial hardship to qualify for the program.
Businesses and churches can hold new toy and clothing drives to help provide for Angels.
For more information, email [email protected].
For more information about The Salvation Army’s holiday volunteer opportunities, visit bit.ly/SAJaxVolunteer.
![Framing has begun on the HabiJax homes being built by volunteers as part of the 2017 Women’s Build – build[her] campaign](https://observermediagroup.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2022/05/06/138987_standard.jpeg)
