12th Annual Pearls and Cufflinks Gala celebrate 112 years of service

Mrs. Herzfeld, Kris Mattison,
Ju'Coby Pittman, Mr. Gary Herzald

The 12th Annual Pearls and Cufflinks Gala, hosted by Title Sponsor Citi, for the Clara White Mission, was held on Saturday, November 12, 2016.  The theme of this year’s signature event was a Masquerade Gala to celebrate the 140 birthday and legacy of founder Dr. Eartha M. M. White and Clara White Mission 112 year of service.

Over 320 guests was treated to an elegant reception, followed by a dinner prepared by graduates and students of Ashley Street Catering, with over $80,000 being raised.  Catrina Mack, graduate from the janitorial/construction training program, gave a moving testimony about how the Clara White Mission changed her life after she graduated.  She is now employed by Mayo Clinic.

This year’s event also spotlighted the Clara White Mission New Beaver Street Veteran’s Villas initiative that is scheduled to open in December, 2016.  Mistress’ of Ceremony for the evening was Melanie Lawson, Anchor WJXT; and Odette Struys, Senior Public Information Officer for Atkins Global.

President/CEO Ju’Coby Pittman said, “Proceeds from the event are designated for critical and urgent services to over 500 homeless veterans and low-income persons that visit the mission every day.  The community continues to support our mission, while allowing us to make a visible difference.”

Sponsors for the event include:  Sidney Ansbacher/ Anita Lerch, Beaver Street Fisheries, Blue Willow Nail Boutique, Celebration Church, Episcopal Children Services, Cox Media Group, Haskell, Mary Hoffman, Laundry Station/ Mariotti Laundry & Dry Cleaners, Robert Manning, Morgan Stanley, North Florida Community Action Agency, North Florida Sales, Dee Paez, Province Realty Group, UPS, Sage Solutions, Synovus Bank, Sysco Foods, Theramed Medical Clinics, United Health Care, UNF/ Philip Cousin AME Church, W.W. Gay Mechanical, Wells Fargo and Vulcan.

It’s never too late for you to make a gift, this holiday season, to the Clara White Mission initiatives by: Patronizing Clara’s Café, every Friday, from 11a.m. – 1:30 p.m. located at 256 E. Church Street; purchasing from White Harvest Farm & Farmer’s Market, 4358 Moncrief Rd, every Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.  If you have any questions, please call (904) 354-4162 or go to their website.