by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Super Bowl Host Committee will host “Party Under the Palms” Sunday, and according to organizers, it will be the perfect opportunity for current and prospective members to meet each other and also better familiarize themselves with the club and sponsors.
The party is scheduled from 2-5 p.m. at the Sea Turtle Inn in Atlantic Beach, where memberships will also be sold at the door.
Special guests scheduled to appear include former NFL executive director and best selling author Don Weiss — he also currently serves on the NFL Competition Committee — and author/journalist Chuck Day. Both men will sign autographs and Host Committee president and chief operating officer Michael Kelly is expected to give a general update on how Jacksonville is preparing for the 2005 game.
“Mainly, I just want to let them know where we are right now,” said Kelly. “They’re very interested and we want them to be involved as much as possible.”
Kelly said he would also talk about future volunteer opportunities and special NFL events making their way to Jacksonville within the next two years.
According to Susan Ruckman, the coordinator of club memberships, the party will be a unique experience for those who attend.
“This is really the first time we will have had the opportunity to get all of our members together,” said Ruckman. “We want them to get to know each other and our sponsors a little better so that they feel like they are a part of this, too. Plus, we really want to thank them for helping in all of our efforts. Jacksonville has been so supportive as a community and we expect a crowd of about 500 people.”
According to Ruckman, the membership drive has been nothing short of successful.
“It’s going great. In fact, most members who I’ve talked to say that they have already gotten more than their money’s worth,” she said of the one-time $49.95 fee. “You get a T-shirt, hat and license plate. That’s not even counting the offers that our sponsors are offering. We’re going to have a lot of fun Sunday.”