4th Annual Beaches - A Celebration of the Arts gala event to acknowledge programs, artists on May 7

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - March 2, 2023 - PRLog -- This year's First Coast Cultural Center Beaches - A Celebration of the Arts annual fundraising event will be held on Sunday, May 7 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Casa Marina Hotel, 691 1st St. N. in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. The gala event will feature keynote speaker and Honorary Chair, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd at the oceanfront venue with a locally inspired, beach-themed dinner menu and additional food and beverage specialties, entertainment, art, award presentations, and cultural performances.

The cost per person is $257.50 and tables are available for seating eight guests at $2,575.00 per table. For more information about purchasing tickets, tables, sponsorships, program inclusion, and more, visit the website at https://firstcoastculturalcenter.org/events/upcoming-events.

Additionally, the Cultural Center is seeking nominations for a variety of awards to be presented at the event to individuals, businesses, and organizations in Nassau, Duval, and St. Johns counties. Those recognized will be leaders in arts and culture and chosen by a committee of selected judges who are unaffiliated with the nonprofit, with the exception of the Community Impact Award, a Member's Choice Award. Nominations may be submitted online at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/CulturalCenterAtPon.... Deadline for nominations and program advertising is March 31.

Highlights of the evening will also include the prestigious Irene Lazzara - Beaches, A Celebration of the Arts Award. Additional awards include the Emerging Artist Award, The Ron and Hilah Autrey Arts Education and Advocacy Award, Community Impact Award (Member's Choice), and The Art of Giving Award.

According to Donna Guzzo, President and CEO of First Coast Cultural Center, the evening features award recipients who have dedicated their expertise, philanthropy, and services to the nonprofit throughout the year. "We are honored to have as our keynote speaker and honorary chair Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd," said Guzzo. "He was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis as Florida's 37th Secretary of State and is a local resident. Secretary Byrd will address guests about the importance of the arts and culture to Floridians," she said.

Event funds will support the nonprofit through ticket sales, sponsorships, program and signage opportunities, and honoring leaders in arts and culture. Sponsorships for awards and naming rights are currently available. For more information about the event, contact Callie Johnson, Community Connections Manager at cjohnson@firstcoastculturalcenter.org or call 904.280.0614, extension 1202.