The nonprofit Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Florida’s First Coast Inc. is returning with its Wizard of Oz-themed fundraising event, “There’s No Place Like Home,” presented by Coker Law.
The event will be in the Duval County courthouse from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 13.
Proceeds will support advocacy for abused and neglected children in the dependency court system of the 4th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program, which serves Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.
“Children caught in the judicial system through no fault of their own deserve to have advocates. No one does it better than Guardian ad Litem volunteers,” said Julia Taylor, 2018 honorary chair, in a news release.
The 4th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program serves children whose lives are affected by abuse, neglect or abandonment.
The event will have a special recognition for the Pajcic & Pajcic law firm for providing a $20,000 contribution to kick off Guardian ad Litem’s “I Am For The Child” giving campaign.
The courthouse’s third-floor atrium will be transformed into an Emerald City, with guided tours of the building led by circuit court judges.
Courthouse tours begin at 6:15 p.m. Due to security restrictions, courthouse entry will end at 7:30 p.m.
The event will include hors d’oeuvres, a live and silent auction, a champagne drawing and entertainment by The Chris Thomas Band.
Tickets for There’s No Place Like Home 2018 are $100 per person, or $75 per person for young professionals under 35. Tickets and sponsorships are available at galfirstcoast.org/theres-no-place-like-home/.
Red shoes and ties are encouraged.
Founded in 1979, the Guardian ad Litem program is the advocate for children in the Clay, Duval and Nassau County dependency court systems.
Volunteer Guardians ad Litem are court-appointed special advocates whose job is to serve as the voice of the child.
To learn more about Guardian ad Litem, donate or become an advocate volunteer, visit galfirstcoast.org.