There’s No Place Like Home Raises $120K

• November 30, 2016

There was magic in the Land of Oz at the Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Florida’s First Coast, Inc.’s inaugural fundraising event, There’s No Place Like Home, held Nov. 4. Gross proceeds for the event topped $120,000 and net proceeds will go toward the volunteer recruitment and training for the Fourth Circuit Guardian ad Litem program, serving Clay, Nassau and Duval counties.

“We are eternally grateful to the generous donations of our sponsors, and the support of all the individuals that participated in the event,” said Melinda Brown, Circuit Director for the Fourth Circuit Guardian ad Litem program. “Because of their kindness, we will be able to provide more trained volunteers to be a voice for the abused, neglected and abandoned children in our dependency court system.”

There’s No Place Like Home was held in the venue where much of the important work of the Guardian ad Litem program takes place, the Duval County Courthouse. After registration, guests were “whisked away” by the infamous tornado before arriving in Oz. The third floor atrium was transformed into the Emerald City, highlighted by behind-the-scenes guided tours, hors d’oeuvres, a live and silent auction, a champagne drawing, the swinging sounds of The Chris Thomas Band and a special surprise performance by the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus. The event was coordinated by Charlene Shirk Public Relations.

Kellie Prusiecki, Event Chair and Board of Directors Development Chair, extended special thanks to the event’s host committee, sponsors, courthouse judges and personnel, and over 40 volunteers.

“Your commitment and dedication to Guardian ad Litem is immeasurable. It is because of your efforts that this inaugural event was a success and, going forward, we can do so much good for the children in our community,” said Prusiecki.