3rd Annual Beaches - A Celebration of the Arts event raises $90,000 for First Coast Cultural Center

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - May 19, 2022 - PRLog -- The Beaches - A Celebration of the Arts annual fundraising event held on May 15 has raised $90,000 to support educational programs at First Coast Cultural Center. For more than 27 years, the organization has provided opportunities for adults, children, and families through classes, exhibits, programs, music therapy services for children with disabilities, activities, and memberships open to the local community, and beyond.

150 local and visitor attendees at the sold-out event with area dignitaries State Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, St. Johns County Commissioner Jeremiah Blocker, St. Johns County Commissioner Chris Whitehurst, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Deputy John Tedder, St. Johns County Deputy County Administrator Joy Andrews, Jacksonville Beach Mayor Christine Hoffman, and Jacksonville Councilman Rory Diamond, among others.

Emcee Steve Strum and First Coast Cultural Center's President and CEO Donna Guzzo hosted the evening with key funding from philanthropists and co-chairs Drs. Arun and Suparna Gulani with The Gulani Vision Institute. Awards were named after Ron and Hilah Autrey and Irene Lazzara who presented the prestigious Beaches Award named after arts philanthropist Irene Lazzara.

Award winners included Charlotte Chastain as Volunteer of the Year.  Award categories and honors were received in a variety of categories with Enrique Mora who won the Ron and Hilah Autrey Arts Education and Advocacy award. The Irene Lazzara - Beaches, A Celebration of the Arts Award went to Ellen Diamond. Claire Weaver received the Emerging Artist Award. Jorge Rivera won the Chairman's Choice Award. Art With a Heart in Healthcare received the Community Impact Award. The Art of Giving Award went to Steven G. "Jerry" Norton

First Coast Cultural Center hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, with after hour appointments available. Classes and programs are held at 3972 3rd St. S. in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. and at CareConnect+, 351 Town Plaza Ave. in Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Fla.

About the First Coast Cultural Center - The Cultural Center is a place to create, understand, and experience the arts. The organization accomplishes its goals through exhibitions of local, regional and national artists in a variety of media through educational and enlivening events, quality arts classes, lectures, and workshops. Key programs include Sound Connections® Music Therapy for children with disabilities which is offered free of charge to students at St. Johns County schools, and Title I schools which provide additional resources to economically disadvantaged students. Also, Kick StART after school arts enrichment programs and services are available. Visit the website at https://firstcoastculturalcenter.org.