Jess Parrish Medical Foundation Raises More Than $129,000 at Treasure Island Gala Benefiting The Children's Center

TITUSVILLE, FLA. (Dec. 18, 2019) — Jess Parrish Medical Foundation’s annual benefit gala Treasure Island was a tremendous success, raising more than $129,000 in net proceeds to benefit The Children’s Center. Presented by the law firm of GrayRobinson, P.A., and Laura and William Boyles, the event was held Oct. 12 at Cruise Terminal One in Port Canaveral.

More than 350 enthusiastic guests donned mermaid and pirate inspired attire and enjoyed an evening of swashbuckling elegance, signature cocktails, a tropical island inspired dinner and treasure hunting at the silent auction. Sherriff Wayne Ivey emceed the live action and paddle raise in support of The Children’s Center to fund current and future needs and help bring the center into its 20^th year of providing access to services, guidance and support for children and their families.

“It is gratifying to know that our investment is providing access to high-quality care that develops Strong Families for Life and will continue to provide future generations of our children with a safe place to learn, grow and reach their full potential. It is a privilege to be a part of such a worthwhile event for the community of North Brevard,” said William Boyles, shareholder at GrayRobinson. P.A. and gala presenting sponsor.

Abigail Thompson, the event’s keynote speaker, shared the story of her daughter Mylah’s autism diagnosis and the families experience working with The Children’s Center. “My husband and I often wonder where we would be today without The Children’s Center. There was never a moment we questioned whether Mylah was receiving the care she needed. They exceeded our expectations in providing Mylah the absolute best care," stated Abigail.

Mylah shared center stage with Sheriff Ivey and bloodhound Junny, spokesdog for the Brevard County Sheriff’s office during a one-on-one interview. Mylah, who loves to dance, captivated the audience with her favorite dance steps.

Holly Carver and Laura Anne Pray were co-chairs for the event. Gala committee members included, Judy Allender, Winnie Brewer, Kelley Broome, Mary Coleman, Lauren Coyne, Carlos Diaz, Lori Duester, Voncile Franklin, Betty Greene, Samantha Guyre, Nadine Itani, Jessie Kirk, Elizabeth Kump, Melissa Lugo, Christina Morrison, Susan Morse and Dr. Tanya Taival.

One thousand pieces of gold were at stake in the Hooks ‘n Tails costume contest, a highlight of the evening. Taking home the honor of best mermaid and pirate were Becky Walters and Rick Wrubel.

“We are overjoyed by the tremendous support we have received for Treasure Island, and are thrilled to have so many organizations and community partners joining us to make a difference in the health of our community,” said Judy Allender, event underwriting chair.

Event partners included Shores of Plenty-level sponsors: Injury Centers of Brevard, OMNI Healthcare, Susan Morse and Daniel Levy/UBS Financial Services and Zumpano Patricios. X Marks the Spot-level sponsors: Allender & Allender P.A./Port Commissioner Jerry and Judy Allender, Coastal Ambulance Services and Bob and Jessie Kirk/Kirk Management L.L.C. Pirate’s Cove-level sponsors: Berman Hopkins CPAs, The Broome Law Firm, P.A./Chris and Kelly Broome, Canaveral Port Authority, Century Pharmacy, CSI Leasing, GT USA, HealthFund Solutions, LLC, Kindred Healthcare, The Mikitarian Family, Julius Miller Scholarship Fund, Ron Norris, Inc.-Buick, GMC, Honda & Ford, Palm Point Behavioral Health Hospital, Person Doyle Mohre & Pastis LLP, RUSH Construction, Inc., TeamHealth, and Barbara and Terry Terhune. Mermaid Lagoon-level sponsors: Ambassador Services Inc., Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc., Steve and Winnie Brewer, Ashley M. Byrne/Edward Jones, ClearBridge Investments, Cocoa Beach Hospitality / Transportation Association, Herman and Joyce Cole, Johnna and Bob Dillow, Florida Cardiovascular Association, P.A., Florida Power & Light Company, Genesis VII, Inc. / Robert and Karen Jordan, Dr. and Mrs. William F. Hogan, Hospice of St. Francis, Integrity Fixed management, LLC, Island Lincoln, Jaguar and Land Rover, Marty and Terry Lee, Jamie and Melissa Lugo / Space Coast Bounce, Turmy Lum and Oscar Sieveking, Bill & Jean McCarthy, MedFast Urgent Care Centers, LLC, Medtronic, Parrish Home Health, Power Wellness, Howard and Sandra Rinker, Rocket City Real Estate / Holly Carver and Lisa Earnhardt, Dr. Philip Simpson, Ph.D., Catherine Spencer, Dr. Tanya Taival, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Bill and Rachel Terry, TLC Engineering for Architecture, VITAS Healthcare, John and Diane Weaver, WFTV . Cox Health Marketing, Fred and Misty Wilson and Els van Engelenburg. Captain’s Hideout-level sponsors: The Abreu-Isaac Family, Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Allotta, Boggs Gases, Britt’s Air Conditioning, Hugh M. and Ina M. Brown, Davies, Houser & Secrest, CPA, P.A., Paul and Lori Duester, Robin Fisher / State Farm Insurance, Franklin Special Events Production / Dennis and Voncile Franklin, Greg and Lori Gullikson, Edwin and Nancy Loftin, Dr. Patricia C. Manning, Chris and Lisa McAlpine, Miller & Hurt Wealth Advisors, Pat Fisher Nissan, Puroclean Disaster Recovery, The Sellers Family, TD Bank, USI Insurance Services, The Watauga Company, Whittaker Cooper Financial Group and Marilyn J. Wright. In-kind event sponsors include Stina Bee Marketing. In-kind media sponsors include Brevard Business News, FLORIDA TODAY, Space Coast Daily and Space Coast 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 2019 gala and contributed to its success. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support which will impact children and their families in our community for generations,” said Jessie Kirk, chair, JPMF board of directors.

For more information about Jess Parrish Medical Foundation or how to get involved or support the foundation, visit www.parrishmedfoundation.com.