Jacksonville, Fla., May 24, 2023 – Nearly 300 supporters came together to raise a record setting $675,000 to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville’s Gala fundraising event, presented proudly by Fields Auto Group, Vystar Credit Union, Campbell Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Southeast Inc, Florida Blue, Nan and Joe Ferrara, and Tim and Stephanie Cost. McGala 2023, in celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Jacksonville location, was held Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Ponte Vedra Inn and Club.
Joey Leik, Chief Operating Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville, expressed her appreciation saying ““Our McGala was an opportunity to commemorate three and a half decades of unwavering commitment to helping families during their most challenging times,” stated Joey Leik, RMHC Jacksonville CEO. “We are profoundly grateful for the collective efforts that have transformed RMHC into a beacon of hope for countless families from around the world.”
McGala also recognized 35th Anniversary Honorees, Peter and Meg Kuchar for being among the most loyal donors, ambassadors, and volunteers for the past two decades. Additionally, RMHC of Jacksonville staff, board members, and volunteers were shown appreciation for serving more than 40,000 families throughout the years starting with the original House on Jefferson Street.
About The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville
The mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Jacksonville is to support the health and well-being of children by providing lodging and other services for critically ill, chronically ill and seriously injured children and their families. Supporting five local hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville serves more than 1,500 families a year. To learn more about RMHC of Jacksonville, visit www.rmhcjacksonville.org or call (904) 807-HOME (4663).
About the Endowed $10,000 Event Grant Fund est. 2015 by Delores Barr Weaver
McGala is made possible in part through an Endowed $10,000 Event Grant Fund established in
2005 by Delores Barr Weaver. Delores Barr Weaver established the Delores Bar Weaver Forever
Event Fund in 2015 to provide a $10,000 grant annually to support a premiere fundraising event
in perpetuity at 20 local nonprofit organizations. This grant will provide a permanent source of
income for organizations that Mrs. Weaver has generously supported for many years. It is her
hope that other individuals will make similar permanent gifts to organizations that have been
important to them. This Fund is one of a collection of Funds established by Delores Barr
Weaver at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Mrs. Weaver has an
extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, and she has provided transformative support to dozens of
nonprofit organizations that uplift, enlighten, and advance our community. Her establishment
of the Delores Barr Weaver Fund ($50 million) in 2012 was the largest gift in The Community
Foundation’s history.
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