Florida Theatre receives another Grant during pandemic

Delores Barr Weaver

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce a $30,000 challenge gift from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. This gift will be added to the existing Florida Theatre Board of Directors match for the “Cross the Finish Line” Campaign, doubling donations through December 31.

After going without more than 90% of its typical income for over six months, on October 9, 2020, the Theatre launched the “Cross the Finish Line” Campaign to raise the funds needed to reopen this December.

With this generous donation from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, the “Cross the Finish Line” campaign now aims to raise $180,000 by December 31. This money will help the Theatre bridge the financial gap, and make it over the finish line for the December reopening.

“Mrs. Weaver has shown so much leadership in Jacksonville, encouraging the rest of us to support the many civic organizations that work to make Jacksonville a better place to live and work, and the Florida Theatre is extremely fortunate to be included in that effort during this time,” said Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin. “From my perspective, it’s super energizing to have someone come along and tell you that your goal is not high enough, and then give you a boost towards the next level of achievement. It’s the philanthropic equivalent of Teddy Roosevelt leading the way up San Juan Hill.”

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre's official website floridatheatre.com.

About the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund: The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida was created by Delores Barr Weaver in 2015 as the natural evolution of the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, which has awarded more than $86 million in grants since she created it in 2012. She also provides separate, annual support to 20 local, non-profit organizations for their annual fundraising events through the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund. Like the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund’s purpose is to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that do work she has supported over many years and to encourage others to do so as well. Mrs. Weaver has an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, and she has provided transformative support to dozens of nonprofit organizations that uplift, enlighten and advance our community.

About the Florida Theatre: From ballet and opera to contemporary pop, jazz, rock, country and blues the nonprofit Florida Theatre offers 200 cultural and entertainment events annually for every taste and age. More than just an entertainment center, Florida Theatre is also home to graduations, awards ceremonies, lectures, business meetings and charity events that support the community's schools, churches, hospitals and civic groups. As an anchor to downtown development along the beautiful St. Johns River, Florida Theatre draws 250,000 people to Jacksonville's center each year. The magnificently restored Florida Theatre is recognized as one of the finest concert venues in the Southeast. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Florida Theatre holds special memories for four generations. From the Vaudeville acts and silent films of its earliest days to today's blend of performances of all kinds, the Florida Theatre has served as Jacksonville's premier entertainment center since 1927.