Thank you for joining us during McGala 20185

Presented by Joe & Nan Ferrara

More than 500 of our dedicated supporters came out to celebrate our 30 year anniversary during our Caribbean Nights themed McGala fundraising event at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa!  McGala, presented by Joe and Nan Ferrara, highlighted the unforgettable stories of families served at our House, as well as the Ronald McDonald Family Room located inside Wolfson Children’s Hospital.  Our attendees were welcomed with an explosion of vibrant colors, tikis and palm trees, island-inspired hors d’oeuvres and a live steel drum performance during the Martinique Cocktail Reception.

During the program, Executive Director, Diane Boyle spoke to the importance of our mission and the evening’s theme saying, “Tonight’s theme pays tribute to the many families who over the years have come to us from the Caribbean.  They come to us from Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, Mexico, the Bahamas and most recently a number of families from Puerto Rico. They seek the best healthcare for their sick child here in Jacksonville. As you can imagine, coming to Jacksonville from the Caribbean is not easy- It’s not easy physically, emotionally or financially. This is why our mission is so important.”

To add to the celebration, we welcomed back one of the first families to enter our doors when our first House opened in 1988. An infant at the time, Tanner Wright along with his mother, Cindy Wright stayed at our first House that was then located on Jefferson Street. Today, Tanner is a Resident Physician serving in Pediatrics at Tampa General Hospital. While addressing the crowd, Dr. Wright explained how his experience at the Ronald McDonald House helped shape him throughout his Residency saying, “I now understand its role- it is one of healing”.

McGala also recognized Honorary Chairs Peter & Meg Kuchar of Ponte Vedra Beach for their ongoing support of McGala and the children and families of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.

Thanks to the support of event sponsors and attendees, McGala raised more than $300,000 to support the families of critically ill children.

Click here or here to view photos of the event!

About the Endowed $10,000 Event Grant Fund est. 2015 by Delores Barr Weaver

Delores Barr Weaver established this 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.