First Coast Cultural Center Kick StART program students design and donate artwork to Pink Ribbon Jax

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Sept. 19, 2022 - PRLog -- First Coast Cultural Center and its Kick StART program students have created and donated handmade butterflies to Pink Ribbon Jax, an all-volunteer nonprofit group formed in 2006 that raises funds for local breast cancer research, mammography, and patient services at Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

Pink Ribbon Jax collaborated with the local arts and culture nonprofit along with area professional artists, breast cancer survivors, co-survivors, and supporters to create the handmade, whimsical butterflies that are a personal message of hope.

According to Donna Guzzo, president, and executive director of First Coast Cultural Center, the organization joined in the effort by having students from kindergarten through fifth grade from Kick StART, an afterschool enrichment program in St. Johns public schools paint and design the butterflies with the theme, Wings of Hope. The participation is closely related to Guzzo's support of an upcoming event due to her diagnosis with Stage 1 breast cancer during her annual mammogram. Guzzo received breast cancer treatments for five years and is now a two-year cancer survivor.

"I encourage everyone to get their mammogram. Have faith and surround yourself with a great team of doctors, family, and friends. Do what works for you whether it's journaling, prayer, meditation, listening to music, with one goal, to be calmed and to know success is imminent," said Guzzo.

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.

Hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, with after hour appointments available. First Coast Cultural Center is located at 3972 3rd St. S. in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. For more information, contact Kimberly Weaver at 904.280.0614 Ext. 1205 or email kweaver@firstcoastculturalcenter.org. Visit the website at https://firstcoastculturalcenter.org.