There’s nothing like hitting the ground running.
At least not for Suzanne Hudson-Smith, who in February became director of development at the Florida Theatre.
On her first day, the fourth annual gala for the nonprofit that manages the historic venue was only about three months away.
As of this morning, it’s two weeks — not that there’s any pressure.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Hudson-Smith.
This year’s theme is “Rock the Future,” a chance to talk about the theater’s upward trend as it approaches its 90th anniversary in 2017, she said.
Forsyth Street will be blocked off the morning of May 20 so a tent can be set up in front of the theater.
When guests arrive at 6 p.m., cocktails will be served, followed by a seated dinner catered by Café Nola at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
“Even the menu has a futuristic theme,” said Hudson-Smith.
It begins with “puffed and extruded bar snacks” and continues with smoked duck breast and poached shrimp.
Entrees will be blackened fish and sous vide chicken — which is sealed in a plastic bag and then immersed in a temperature-controlled water bath.
Hudson-Smith said about 150 tickets had been sold as of Thursday for $500 per person.
Also on the schedule for gala evening is a 9-11 p.m. after-party inside the theater with a live band on stage. It’s included for gala patrons; tickets for the after-party only are $100 per person.
“We think it will appeal to young professionals,” Hudson-Smith said.
After the gala is over, Hudson-Smith will go back to using her more than 25 years of fundraising experience to sustain relationships with supporters at all levels and establish new connections.
“People want to support the arts,” she said. “I see the role of development as connecting with the community.”
One area of focus will be on how the Florida Theatre can expand its relationships with the business community.
Hudson-Smith is working on ways to increase opportunities for corporate support of the venue and its programs.
“The question is how can the Florida Theatre help companies be more successful through the arts,” she said.
In addition to corporate and private donor support, Hudson-Smith also plans to seek more grants and find new sources of financial support to sustain the venue.
“There are a lot of buckets. You just have to know where they are,” she said.
Tickets for the “Rock the Future” gala may be reserved by visiting floridatheatre.com.
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