by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Singers, dancers, musicians, actors, painters and sculptors from the Jacksonville Bar Association combined their efforts to create a unique fundraiser to benefit Jacksonville Area Legal Aid June 27.
The Florida Bar wasn’t aware of any other chapter in the state that had held a talent show fundraiser. The combination of visual and performance art enabled the JBA to raise about $9,000 for JALA.
Created in 1976, JALA is a law firm of 30 attorneys that provides civil legal assistance to people with low income.
Nearly 200 people attended the first-year event held at the Terry Theatre of the Florida Times-Union Performing Arts Center. The response from those in attendance will guarantee another variety show in 2009.
JBA members Rose Marie Preddy, Christa Figgins, Caroline Emery, Michael Figgins, Glenn Warren, Susan Sowards, Jonathan Smith, Raeha Kim, Tara Sa’id, Patricia Dodson, Cary Braswell, Deborah Reid, Leonard Alterman and Maria Aguila produced the show.
“Rose Marie (Preddy) is amazing,” said Figgins. “None of this would have happened without her. She gave up her job for three months to help put the show together.”
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