Jess Parrish Medical Foundation's Fly Me to the Moon Gala Exceeds Fundraising Goal - Proceeds to expand mental and behavioral health services in Brevard County

TITUSVILLE, FLA., November 14, 2018—Jess Parrish Medical Foundation’s annual benefit gala Fly Me to the Moon was a tremendous success, surpassing its $150,000 goal and raising more than $175,000 in net proceeds to benefit mental and behavioral health initiatives in Brevard County. Presented by the law firm of GrayRobinson, P.A., and Laura and William Boyles, the event was held Oct. 13 at Cruise Terminal One in Port Canaveral.

More than 415 enthusiastic guests “played among the stars” as they were transported back in time to the 1960s golden era of space. While taking in picturesque views of one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, guests were welcomed to the event with a signature Fly Me to the Moon cocktail provided by The Grand Martini of Titusville, shrimp cocktail courtesy of Wild Ocean Market and cicchetti (Italian-style tapas). Guests mingled with NASA astronaut Capt. Winston Scott and shopped an “Out-of-This-World” silent auction.

While dining, attendees were dazzled with entertainment provided by the Space Coast Jazzcats. Entertainment included music from the past and present and featured a solo trumpet performance of Fly Me to the Moon by Capt. Scott. After relishing an Italian feast, guests danced the night away in ’60s style with the swing sensations of the 15-piece Space Coast Big Band and took part in an interactive, virtual-reality experience provided by Greater Titusville Renaissance and Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Gabby Maggard, an inspirational Astronaut High School Sources of Strength peer leader shared her remarkable story about her personal and nearly unbearable struggle with depression that started when she was in fifth grade. Her involvement with Sources of Strength led her to ask her parents for medical treatment. “Now, I am in a great place… but once upon a time, I wasn’t,” said Ms. Maggard. “Sources of Strength taught me to rely on my sources of strength, and to reach out to people, whether it’s for my benefit or to help others. Sources of Strength is helping us save ourselves from our self.”

Event proceeds will benefit mental and behavioral health initiatives in Brevard County by providing:

• Help for Teens: Sources of Strength, a teen health and wellness program focused on preventing suicide, bullying, substance abuse and self-harm will be expanded to select private and charter schools in North Brevard.
• Help for Parents of Young Children: The Incredible Years® parenting program will provide parents with the tools to increase positive social-emotional behaviors in their children, thereby leading to improved life skills as adults.
• Help at Work: Wellness workshops for local businesses will be offered to teach employees how to navigate through life’s ups and downs.
• Help for Individuals with Disabilities: Services providing education, social-skill development, emotional regulation, and increased independence will be expanded.

“It has been our honor and privilege to once again be the presenting sponsor of this important event,” said William A. Boyles, shareholder at GrayRobinson, P.A. “We believe in Parrish Medical Center’s vision of Healing Families—Healing Communities® and are delighted to help expand mental and behavioral health services in the community.”

Fly Me to the Moon underwriting chair and event co-chair Judy Allender helped to secure more than 100 sponsorships and general donations from community members and organizations.

Event partners included Galaxy-Level Sponsors: Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc., OMNI Healthcare, and Zumpano Patricios. Constellation-Level Sponsors included Allender & Allender P.A./Port Commissioner Jerry and Judy Allender, Coastal Ambulance Service, Injury Centers of Brevard, Bob and Jessie Kirk/Kirk Management LLC, Palm Point Behavioral Health, TeamHealth Emergency Management Division, and Susan Morse/UBS Financial Services. Eclipse-Level Sponsors included The Broome Law Firm/Chris and Kelley Broome, Cocoa Beach Hospitality/Transportation Association, Dr. Frank & Marilyn Dienst Medical Services LLC, Genesis VII Inc./Robert and Karen Jordan, GT USA LLC, Healthfund Solutions LLC, Industrial Steel Inc., Kindred, Loyd Contracting Co. Inc./Port Commissioner Micah and Heather Loyd, George and Liz Mikitarian/Legacy Academy Charter Schools Inc., Ron Norris Inc. – Buick, GMC, Honda & Ford, Pearson Bitman, Power Wellness, RUSH Construction Inc., Dr. Tanya Taival, Obstetrics and Gynecology; TeamHealth Anesthesia and Parrish Anesthesia Specialists, and Bill and Rachel Terry. In-kind media sponsors included Brevard Business News, Florida Today and SpaceCoast Living. Other generous sponsors were recognized at the gala.

“On behalf of the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation board of directors and staff, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who supported our 2018 gala and contributed to its success. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support which will impact our community for generations,” said Jessie Kirk, chair, JPMF board of directors.

Judy Allender and Holly Carver were co-chairs for the event. Gala committee members included, Winnie Brewer, Kelley Broome, Mary Coleman, Amy Craddock, Lori Duester, Voncile Franklin, Betty Greene, Samantha Guyre, Dawn Hohnhorst, Clarissa Kirk, Jessie Kirk, Elizabeth Kump, Melissa Lugo, Allison Morgan, Christina Morrison, Susan Morse, Tara Ruch, Leigh Spradling, Dr. Tanya Taival and Lavaughn Young.

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