JPMF Celebrates Benefit Gala Success

Jess Parrish Medical Foundation’s annual benefit gala was a tremendous success, raising more than $130,000 in net proceeds to establish the Sources of Strength program in the North Brevard community.

Sources of Strength is an evidence-based teen health and wellness program focused on preventing suicide, bullying, substance abuse and self-harm.

Glamping Under the Moonlight at Compassion Ranch was presented by the law firm of GrayRobinson, P.A. and Laura & William Boyles which wowed guests with the luxury camping theme. The nearly 300 guests shopped for silent-auction baskets at the General Store, roasted gourmet s’mores by the fire and enjoyed performances by Downtown Dance Studio, a trick rope artist and a Dolly Parton impersonator.

Excitement filled the ballroom as the raffle winners were announced. Chris and Kelley Broome were the lucky winners of the $1,000 cash prize. Shanna Kirkland, Ann Snodgrass and Kim Steele each walked away with a $1,000 gift card to Jon’s Fine Jewelry in Cocoa Village.

“It is our privilege to be the presenting sponsor of this great event for the fourth year in a row,” said William A. Boyles, shareholder at GrayRobinson, P.A. “We believe in continuing the foundation’s mission of providing healing experiences to families throughout Brevard County. Bringing this program to North Brevard will make a lasting impact for generations to come.”

The Children’s Center will manage the three-year project in partnership with Brevard County School District and community groups to implement the Sources of Strength program at all five North Brevard middle and high schools. More than 125 peer leaders and caring adults have been trained at Madison Middle School and Astronaut High School. The program is expected to reach more than 3,000 students who will learn to impact their world through the power of connection, hope, help and strength.

Melissa Lugo, underwriting chair, led the underwriting committee in securing 89 sponsorships from numerous community members and organizations. Rainbow Ridge sponsors include BIMDA; Florida Cardiovascular Association; Florida Today; Susan Morse, Senior Vice President and Steve Soltesz, Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services; RehabCare Group; RUSH Construction, Inc.; N. Christine Sylvester and Zumpano Patricios & Winker, P.A.

Ruby Falls sponsors include Jerry & Judy Allender, Allender & Allender Attorneys at Law; Boggs Gases; Clevens Face & Body Specialists; Comprehensive Pharmacy Services; Hamlin Capital Advisors; Industrial Steel, Inc.; Jon’s Fine Jewelry; La Cita Country Club; the Mikitarian family; SCB Marketing; Dr. Tanya Taival, Obstetrics & Gynecology; TeamHealth Anesthesia; TeamHealth Emergency Medicine Division and Terry & Barbara Terhune.

“On behalf of the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation board of directors and staff, we thank all those who supported the gala and helped make it a great success. We are very proud of the community support, which will impact and change future generations of youth so they can find hope, help and strength before it’s too late,” said Barbara Terhune, chair of the JPMF board of directors.

Event co-chairs include Randy and Mary Coleman; John and Betty Greene. Committee members include Winnie Brewer, Kelley Broome, Amy Craddock, Leigh Connell, Debbie Lord, Melissa Lugo, Susan Morse, Jim Musick, Katherine Musick, Tricia Parrish and Dr. Tanya Taival. The event design and production was by Nave Event & Floral Design.

With months of preparation and planning, Glamping Under the Moonlight was a huge success thanks to the dedicated committee of local community members.