by Natasha Khairullah
Staff Writer
This Saturday, the Jacksonville Main Branch Public Library will be transformed into a sea of denim.
No chinos, corduroys or suit pants will be allowed at the Rotoract Club of Florida’s First Coast Sixth Annual Black Tie and Blue Jeans Gala, “Seven Over the St. Johns.”
The event will salute the city’s seven bridges, according to the club’s Service Committee Chair Jay Magee. He said the gala will benefit The Bridge of Northeast Florida, an organization that promotes the development of healthy, self-sufficient youth and families by providing educational, social and health programs to families in need.
“The theme seemed fitting – bridges connect different people, ideas and opportunities,” said Magee. “For those who use them, they represent the overcoming of obstacles and the route to new beginnings.”
A portion of the proceeds from the event will also benefit a number of other nonprofit agencies, including: Art with a Heart for Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida and daniel Memorial, Inc.
An affiliate of the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville, Rotaract of Florida’s First Coast consists of nearly 50 members between the ages of 22 to 32 interested in community service and leadership.The club’s 2005 gala event raised $35,000 for the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless and has raised nearly $100,000 over the past five years to support nonprofit community organizations.
“We hope to have a good mix of Rotarians and young professionals who will feel good knowing that their funds will go to 10 nonpofits,” said Magee. “We hope to do even better than last year and all of our 45 members are committing to make that happen.”
The gala is from 7-11 p.m. on the second floor of the library in the courtyard. Advance tickets for the gala are available for $50 per person and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a live and silent auction, live entertainment by the Retro Kats as well as a full beer, wine and liquor bar. Tickets can be purchased from any Rotaract member or online at www.jaxrotaract.org/gala 07.