First Coast Cultural Center receives $45,000 Matching Gift Challenge

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Nov. 16, 2022 - PRLog -- First Coast Cultural Center (https://firstcoastculturalcenter.org/) was recently awarded $45,000 matching gift challenge from the Persbacker-Wyman Family Foundation in support of the Sound Connections® music therapy program. Sound Connections® is an outreach program offered by the Cultural Center that provides music therapy to children with special needs in St. Johns County elementary schools. From now until December 1, every contribution (https://app.etapestry.com/cart/CulturalCenterAtPonteVedraBea/default/item.php?ref=4138.0.231470109) will be matched dollar for dollar up to $45,000 to help the Center reach its $90,000 goal.

According to Donna Guzzo, President and Executive Director, the nonprofit organization asks the community to help raise the needed funds to sustain the outreach program for the 2022 to 2023 school year at Ocean Palms Elementary School, PVPV/Rawlings Elementary School, and Valley Ridge Academy. The Webster School, First Coast Technical College (FCTC) Early Childhood Education, and Osceola Elementary have recently been added to the program as Title 1 schools to serve disadvantaged students.

"I am so grateful for the generosity of the Persbacker-Wyman Foundation. Music therapy is invaluable for the students in St Johns County, and with this help, we hope to continue providing important educational benefits for many years to come," said Candice Sirak, MM, MT-BC, Sound Connections® Music Therapy Manager and Music Therapist. For more information, call Candice Sirak at (904) 280-0614 ext.1206 or email Candice.sirak@stjohns.k12.fl.us.

About the First Coast Cultural Center - The Cultural Center is a place to create, understand, and experience the arts at 3972 3rd Street South in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and in Nocatee at Care Connect+, located inside the Flagler Health+ Village at 351 Town Center Plaza, Suite 205 in Ponte Vedra, Fla. The organization accomplishes its goals through exhibitions of local, regional, national and international 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. Studio hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, with after hour appointments available. Visit the website at https://firstcoastculturalcenter.org.