SARASOTA, FL (Nov. 21, 2022) – At its annual fundraiser, JFCS of the Suncoast will blend important stories of impact with live entertainment and a chance to socialize and enjoy the beautiful Sarasota Yacht Club.
VOICES: The Stories of JFCS, on Dec. 4 from 4 – 6:15 p.m., will feature the voices of our clients and community, who will share stories of challenges, change, and hope. Participants will include a 12-year-old poet, a high school a cappella group, a pianist playing the works of Holocaust composers, a caricaturist, a magician, and more.
JFCS is one of the Florida Suncoast’s preeminent mental health counseling and health and human services providers. Each year it hosts a gala as its largest fundraiser, which provides critical support for its programs and services and celebrates the differences that have been made in the lives of so many.
This year, JFCS is celebrating 36 years of service to the community with a new kind of event.
“VOICES is 50% cocktail party, 50% theater, and 100% fun,” said Ron Katz, Chief of Development. “But more importantly, it’s an opportunity to share the stories of our clients, donors, volunteers and staff, as we share the impact that JFCS has on our community throughout the year. Come and experience the stories of those we serve, and those who are on the front lines providing critical services, all in their own VOICES.”
Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while taking in the breathtaking view of the sunset over Sarasota Bay. Up for grabs in a silent auction will be a private sunset cruise for up to six guests, beautifully framed sheet music from “Yentl” autographed by Barbra Streisand, a week at a Mexican resort, a round of golf for four at The Founders Golf Club, vintage jewelry, and more.
Performers, entertainers, artists and storytellers will include:
- Jet Stream, the a cappella jazz vocal ensemble from Booker High School
- Willa Carpenter, a Dragonfly Cafe’ poet from Booker Middle School
- Pianist Susan Hollins playing pieces by Holocaust composers
- Cantor Riselle Bain, the Spiritual Leader and Cantor of Temple Israel of Highlands County in Sebring, Florida
- Jonsin’ 4 The Chord Singers with Broadway tunes
- Rise Above Performing Arts Show Choir
- Magician and illusionist Pete Michael
- Michael White Art drawing guest caricatures
- Photographer Kim Dyer taking guest portraits
- Photographer Cliff Roles capturing event photos
Alexander Zickafoose, Booker High School’s choir director, said Jet Stream is honored to perform at VOICES. The five members, all girls in grades 9 to 11, are new to the group this school year. They have performed at school and community events, but VOICES will be their largest event outside of the school so far.
“They are a little nervous but they are more than willing to put themselves out there for a cause,” he said. “It’s a great way to stand for positivity in the community by performing at an event for a community organization that does so much good for Sarasota.”
VOICES: The Stories of JFCS
When: Sunday, Dec. 4, from 4 – 6:15 p.m.
Where: Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
Cost: Tickets, $250; Sponsorships range from $360 to $36,000
For sponsorships, tickets or media inquiries: Contact Ron Katz at rkatz@jfcs-cares.org or 941-366-2224 ext. 142.
For more information visit: https://jfcs-cares.org/voices/
About JFCS: One of the Florida Suncoast’s leading mental health and human services agencies, JFCS delivers programs and services on a non-denominational basis with the goal of empowering individuals toward well-being and self-reliance. Inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people, JFCS of the Suncoast believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunity for physical and mental well-being, self-expression, and joy. For more information, visit https://JFCS-Cares.org/ or call (941) 366-2224.