ASM Global and Jaxevents launch new app

ASM Global Jacksonville has just launched an updated version of the JaxEvents app presented by VyStar Credit Union! The new app will be the ultimate resource for all event information, promotions, deals, giveaways and updates at the ASM Global-managed City of Jacksonville owned sports and entertainment venues.

The new mobile app’s features include the ability to buy and store event tickets through Ticketmaster, pre-purchased event parking through ParkWhiz and mobile ordering of food and beverages at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, all directly through the JaxEvents app!  Premium partners of VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena can also purchase tickets and manage their accounts through the JaxEvents app.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, TIAA Bank Field, The Ritz Theatre and Museum, The Prime Osborn Convention Center, 121 Financial Ballpark and Daily’s Place are making updates to ensure the guest experience at the City of Jacksonville venues is safe, fast, convenient and more enjoyable than ever. “The new JaxEvents app has been designed to better serve guests as we welcome them back to live events,” said ASM Global General Manager, Bill McConnell.  “We believe the transition to mobile ticketing and contactless transactions will be an additional level of convenience and comfort for guests as they return to the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena,” McConnell added.

All users who download the app by Thursday, December 10 will receive a promotion code for 20% off their mobile concessions orders at the upcoming Icemen games at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena through December.

The JaxEvents app is available now for both Apple and Android phones. Download today at the App Store or Google Play. For more information, follow them on social media at: Facebook: @jaxevents; Instagram: @vystarvetarena & Twitter: @jaxevents.

ABOUT ASM GLOBAL: ASM Global-Jacksonville manages seven sports, entertainment, and convention venues on behalf of the City of Jacksonville. Our beautiful venues include:
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, showplace of such entertainment greats as Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett and home to the Arena Bowl Champions Jacksonville Sharks, the ABA Jacksonville Giants, the Jacksonville IceMen and nominated for the 2020 ‘Arena of the Year’ at the 55th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida-Georgia, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and Monster Jam.
Daily’s Place, a 5,500 seat amphitheater with concert programming year-round and an indoor practice facility for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
121 Financial Ballpark, home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Florida vs FSU Baseball

The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, stage to Broadway and music elite like Wicked, James Taylor and Diana Ross; and home of the FSCJ Artist Series and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, a historic renovated train station providing a unique venue for meetings, social events and conventions.
The Ritz Theatre and Museum, located in Jacksonville’s historic African American community of LaVilla, celebrating the artistic culture of African American life in Northeast Florida and the African Diaspora with museum exhibits, concerts, films, lectures, dance and dramatic arts.

Committed to the Jacksonville community, the guests that enjoy their venues and the clients that utilize them, ASM Global-Jacksonville provides the ultimate event experience in Northeast Florida. ASM Global was formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities, the global innovator in live entertainment venues, and SMG, the gold standard in event management. ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues. As the world’s most trusted venue manager, ASM Global provides venue strategy and management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. Among the venues in our portfolio are landmark facilities such as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Conference Centre in Shenzhen, China. ASM Global also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood sweater drive delivers

WJCT, in partnership with Suddath®, VyStar Credit Union and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, delivered boxes of gently used sweaters, jackets and blankets to three area nonprofits. Deliveries were made to the following locations: Clara White Mission, 613 West Ashley Street, 32202; Sulzbacher Center, 611 East Adams Street, 32202 & City Rescue Mission, 426 McDuff Avenue, 32254.

These items were donated by members of the community during the 18th annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive, which ran through November 30, 2020; during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Since its local launch in 2002, the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive has collected more than a quarter million articles of clothing and cold-weather necessities for First Coast residents. In recognition of Be My Neighbor Day, WJCT also distributed backpacks filled with school supplies, books, personal hygiene products, a blanket, and Daniel Tiger socks and mask to children in need in our community. The 2020 version of Be My Neighbor Day was made possible by support from PNC Grow Up Great. Daniel Tiger was also on hand Monday to wave to all his friends.

Representatives from WJCT, Suddath®, VyStar Credit Union and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships were on-hand along with Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, President and CEO of the Clara White Mission; Cindy Funkhouser, President and CEO of Sulzbacher & Penny Kievet, President and CEO of City Rescue Mission.

With the temperatures in JAX dropping, these three agencies have blessed those who are in need of a little assistance while they look for a way to improve their situations.

Florida Theatre prepares to reopen with New Seating

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce that the theatre’s famous “Ghost Seat” has returned safely home after being refurbished as part of the theatre’s current seating renovation. The Florida Theatre “Ghost Seat” was discovered in 2010 when the CW17 show Local Haunts conducted a paranormal investigation of the theatre, and captured images of a ghostly apparition of a man sitting in the balcony, in Section 500, Row E, Seat 2. Steve Christian, who led the team, called it, “The Holy Grail of paranormal investigation.”

This attracted the interest of the SyFy Channel show Fact or Faked, who conducted their own paranormal investigation. Using Infrared cameras, thermal imaging, and EVP recorders, they heard noises and discovered heat signatures in two places in the orchestra section, and in the very balcony seat where Steve Christian’s apparition appeared. Their conclusion? They found “zero proof” that the Local Haunts video was faked.

Psychics routinely report a presence in the balcony. Jill Cook-Richards, a psychic consultant to a 1997 WJCT Public Television production claimed that a male ghost spoke to her, and said he wanted to be called “J” for Joy, which is what he felt for the theatre. “He said he didn’t need a name from his past, that he wanted a name for his future,” said Cook-Richards. She also reported that J, or perhaps Jay, was there to protect Joe Collier, then the building’s maintenance manager. This has led some to speculate that Jay was a former building manager himself.

This fall, as the Theatre moved forward with plans to install brand new, historically-accurate seating, it was decided that the “Ghost Seat” and its companion seat (Section 500, Row E, Seat 1) would be the only seats in the Theatre to be restored, refurbished and reinstalled. “We did not want our ghost to be homeless if his or her seat went away permanently. They are the only two seats being restored. Every other seat is being replaced,” said Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin.

The “Ghost Seat’ and its companion seat were refurbished in Grand Rapids, Michigan by Irwin Seating Company, a world leader in the design and manufacture of theatre seating. These special seats returned to the Theatre this week and will be reinstalled just in time for the Theatre’s long-awaited reopening this December.

The Florida Theatre’s first event in December is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 9 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting floridatheatre.com or by calling the box office at 904-355-ARTS (2787). All of the December events at the Florida Theatre will be limited-capacity, with public health measures in place. Patrons can visit online for the most up to date information on The Florida Theatre’s safety protocols and general updates.

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.

“Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s
Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party”
DATE: Wed., Dec. 9, 2020
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $49.50 - $59.50

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
      128 East Forsyth Street.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355-2787

Cummer Museum and Gardens December safe events

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a wonderfully safe and interesting place to bring your entire family. It’s time to mask up and come out of the house while social distancing and keeping your hands to yourself (they do offer hand sanitizer too). Feel free to give the museum a call and schedule your time at the museum first thing today.

Events, Programs, Art Virtual Lecture with Jim Draper: Radical Naturalism: Bringing Heade's Environmental Realism into the 21st Century: Tuesday, Dec. 1 7 p.m. Free | Registration required.

Illuminating Nature Preview: Thursday, Dec. 3 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pricing varies | Registration required.

Illuminating Nature in the Gardens: Dec. 4, 8, 11, 15, 18 5 to 9 p.m. Free | Registration required.

Private Onsite or Virtual Exhibition Tour for 10 Guests: Booking by request; call (904)-899-6023.

Petal Pub & Parks: Private Tour for 15 Guests: Booking by request; call(904) 899-6023.

Art Ventures 30th Anniversary Exhibition: Jan. 13 through Feb. 21, 2021 Presented in conjunction with The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Art Ventures will highlight artists with ties to our community who have received Art Ventures grants throughout the program’s 30-year history.

Education International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Monday, Dec. 1 Check online for details.

Art Experiences: Nature's Textures: Dec. 2, 9, 16 1 to 4 p.m. Ages 18+ | Three-week class
Members $135 | Non-Members $180.

Virtual Family Exploration: Antiquities: Friday, Dec. 18 6 to 7 p.m. Interactive, family-friendly virtual tour. Free | Registration required.

Family Open Studio: Antiquities Sunday, Dec. 20 2 to 4 p.m. Drop-in art making activity for all ages. Free with admission.

Virtual Art Camp - Winter 2020: Dec. 28, 29, 30 Half-day camp with daily themes. Prices vary | Scholarships available. Registration required. Check online for details.

Virtual School Tours: Guided virtual tours for students. Check online for details.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission

‘MOSH’ gets donation from billionaire Shahid Khan

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) has announced that Shahid Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his family have committed an initial $5 million gift to the MOSH Genesis capital campaign — representing the largest private donation to the campaign to date.

Khan praised the Museum’s proposal to build a new museum on the Shipyards property shortly after it was publicly announced on October 15. In a previous statement, he said he was “all in” on the Museum’s plans, and that the new museum “would be a spectacular addition to Downtown Jacksonville.” This gift reinforces Khan’s efforts to bring new development to the region, complementing his vision for Lot J to create a thriving sports and entertainment district surrounding TIAA Bank Field.

“The best downtown districts in the United States include urban parkland and cultural destinations, and we can have that here in Jacksonville with the Museum of Science and History anchoring a new riverfront park,” said Khan. “I’m hoping my contribution to the capital campaign will spark additional commitment from throughout the region so we can get started on a new downtown. I am confident it will, because I know I’m not the only person in Jax who believes it’s time to finally meet and even exceed our potential.”

The Museum announced the launch of its capital campaign in March 2019, with the goal of raising $20 million in community support from individuals, businesses and corporations, foundations and other community stakeholders. Originally called MOSH 2.0, the campaign has since been retitled MOSH Genesis to reflect a new beginning for the Museum as it casts a bolder vision for the institution, as well as the City of Jacksonville.

“MOSH would like to express our sincere thanks to Shahid Khan and his family for committing to this remarkable investment in MOSH Genesis. This gift will not only propel the project forward, but serve as a wonderful example to others,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “We appreciate the leadership role that Mr. Khan is taking to make Jacksonville a better place to live, work, and play.”

About MOSH: The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children two and under or Museum members. Learn more at themosh.org.

Museum funding is provided in part by the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts; Historic Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State.

Broadway celebrates Veterans Day

Stage Aurora Theatrical Company will be presenting “Broadway Celebrates Veterans Day”, a virtual concert of Broadway performers celebrating our military veterans and those who have served - and are currently serving - in the Armed Forces. The concert began streaming on the Stage Aurora Theatrical Company's YouTube page Saturday, November 7 at 12 p.m. and will be available for viewing through Veteran's Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

Attendance is free with a suggested donation of $25. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Northeast Florida Women Veterans of Jacksonville and Stage Aurora Theatrical Company. For more information, please visit www.stageaurora.org .

Broadway Celebrates Veteran's Day will feature many of your favorite Broadway performers, musicians, and crew singing and performing in this 'can't miss' virtual concert of heartfelt thanks and recognition to the hundreds of thousands who have served and continue to serve to keep this country safe. Hear favorite selections such as "The Impossible Dream," "Imagine," "America the Beautiful," "Boogie, Woogie, Bugle Boy," and much more.

The virtual concert will feature Tony nominee Robert Cuccioli (Broadway: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Jekyll & Hyde), Darius de Haas (Broadway: Shuffle Along, Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921...), Jarrod Emick (Broadway: Ring of Fire, Damn Yankees), Darryl Reuben Hall (Broadway: Godspell, Cinderella), Janet Hubert (Broadway: Cats, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air"), Tony award winner Cady Huffman (Broadway: The Will Rogers Folliies, The Producers), Renee Lawless (Broadway National: Wicked, "The Haves and The Have Nots"), N'Kenge (Broadway: Caroline or Change, Motown The Musical), Randy Redd (Broadway: Million Dollar Quartet, Parade), Cody Renard Richard (Broadway Stage Manager), Desmond Richardson (Broadway: Fosse, Chicago), Angela Robinson (Broadway: The Color Purple), "The Haves and The Have Nots"), Justin Matthew Sargent (Broadway: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Rock of Ages), Tony award winner Ben Vereen (Broadway:Pippin), Bethaney Wellings-Davies (West End: Cabaret, Phantom of the Opera), NaTasha Yvette Williams (Broadway: Waitress, The Color Purple), and Vanessa Williams (Broadway: Into the Woods, Kiss of the Spider Woman). Artists subject to change.

"As Founder of Stage Aurora Theatrical Company, Inc., I'm incredibly grateful for this special opportunity to give back to those who've completely given of themselves in the armed forces through bravery and courage," states Darryl Reuben Hall. "My goal is to continue to produce 'theatre that enlightens'. Through the universal language of music and song, we all can celebrate in this moment of sheer entertainment, enlightenment, and joy. This is a musical celebration of thanks."

The event is stage managed by Roumel Reaux and directed by Darryl Reuben Hall. Consultants on the virtual concert are Tim and Pamela Kashani (Apples and Oranges Arts), and Tegan Summer.

Click On This Link To View on Wednesday, Veterans Day, November 11. Attendance Is Free. Suggested donation: $25 to assist the Northeast Florida Women Veterans of Jacksonville and Stage Aurora Theatrical Company those in the theater.

MOSH and VyStar host Military Appreciation

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH), in partnership with VyStar, today announced their plan to honor military families. In celebration of Veterans Day on November 11, all veterans, active duty service members and their families will receive free admission
to MOSH.

Earlier this year, MOSH announced VyStar as the first corporate donor for its capital campaign. In addition to a donation of $2.5 million, the agreement included sponsorship of a Military Appreciation Day — representing an extension of the credit union’s longstanding commitment to recognizing and honoring the service of our military communities.

Guests will enjoy full access to the Museum, including its newest exhibition, TOYTOPIA, a nostalgic walk down memory lane through toys. From Crayola® to Hasbro®, the exhibition includes toys across multiple generations. Boasting the world’s largest Etch A Sketch, a life-sized dollhouse and vintage arcade games, TOYTOPIA is fun for the whole family.

In addition, MOSH is hosting its newest signature exhibit, Faces to Remember, a moving photographic exhibit that tells the amazing story of perseverance and courage of eight Filipino World War II veterans through black-and-white portraits, taken by photographer Agnes Lopez, and video clips, produced by filmmaker Eric Torres. The exhibit is open now and runs through January 31, 2021.

“VyStar is grateful for all military members and the sacrifices they make every day for our country,” said Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union. “That is especially true on Veterans Day, when we stop to reflect and give thanks for their service and the difference it makes in our lives. We hope our military members and their families can come together to celebrate and enjoy the Museum of Science & History, one of the true landmarks in our community.”

“Northeast Florida’s history has been shaped by the military’s presence, and the many contributions that service members and their families make to our community,” said Bruce Fafard,CEO of the Museum of Science & History. “Our partnership with VyStar Credit Union is helping us honor them this Veterans Day, and we hope that their time within our museum will create special memories they can cherish forever.”

MOSH is committed to the safety of all guests during COVID-19. Masks are required for Museum entry for all visitors ages 6+, with single-use masks available for purchase for $1. Social distancing is encouraged, and hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the Museum. High traffic areas are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Timed ticketing is required to ensure capacity remains at safe levels throughout the day; tickets are available online below.

   The Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
   1025 Museum Circle
   Jacksonville, FL 32207
   (904) 396-MOSH (6674)

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is FREE on Veterans Day

Today, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens announced it will celebrate Veterans Day with free admission for all guests on Wednesday, November 11, presented by VyStar Credit Union.

The Museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy full access to the Museum’s permanent collection, gardens and signature exhibition, Cross Pollination: Heade, Cole, Church and Our Contemporary Moment. The Cummer Café will be open through 3 p.m.

“We are grateful to VyStar Credit Union for providing access to our community to experience all the benefits the Museum provides,” said Kerrie Slattery, Interim Director and Chief Advancement Officer of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. “We hope that our neighbors come take a moment, reflect on the sacrifices of our military community and express their appreciation for the service they provide.

“Since our founding in 1952 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, VyStar has shared a deep connection with our servicemen and servicewomen,” said Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union. “We are honored to once again partner with the Cummer Museum to show our appreciation, and there is no better time to do so than Veterans Day. We hope these men and women and their families can come together to enjoy a wonderful day at a true local landmark and know that we are thankful for their service.”

To minimize touch points and monitor onsite capacity, all visitors must reserve tickets online in advance of their visit.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission

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.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood 'Sweater Drive'

WJCT, in partnership with VyStar Credit Union Suddath®,  and the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, has launched the 18th annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive. This beloved community tradition, which runs through November 30, collects new and gently used sweaters, jackets and blankets to donate to nonprofit organizations across Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau Counties.

WJCT joins Public Media stations across the United States participating in this event, which celebrates the memory and legacy of Fred Rogers, host of the groundbreaking television show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” In 2019, the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive collected more than 15,000 articles of clothing and cold-weather necessities for First Coast residents.

“Fred Rogers was the epitome of a good neighbor. His trademark red cardigan has become a symbol of compassion and civility — traits that are just as important to our society today as they were when his show debuted more than 50 years ago,” said David McGowan, President and CEO of WJCT. “We invite our neighbors across our region of service, from Palm Coast to Georgia’s Golden Isles, to join us in sharing with our neighbors in need this November.”

WJCT will collect donations at its headquarters, located at 100 Festival Park Avenue in Jacksonville. Donations may also be made at area VyStar Credit Union branches, Suddath® offices and Tom Bush dealerships.

“VyStar cares deeply about the communities we serve, and among our strongest beliefs is the importance of providing additional assistance and resources to those who need them most,” said Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union. “With that in mind, we will once again gladly open our branches to collect gently used items and encourage anyone who is able to participate in this worthwhile initiative to consider making a donation.”

Suddath will use its moving trucks to collect donated items, then bring them back to its Jacksonville warehouse for sorting, before delivering them to participating nonprofits.

“Last year, Suddath added ‘Caring’ as one of our core values, which honors our tradition of philanthropy and giving back to the communities where we operate,” said Dick Eschbacher, president and general manager of Suddath Jacksonville. “We’re particularly grateful to participate in the Sweater Drive this year, when extraordinary circumstances have unfortunately left many of members of our community disadvantaged.”

The Tom Bush Family of Dealerships has been a sweater drive presenting partner since 2017. “We are driven to serve the community we call home,” said Megan Bush Del Pizzo, Vice President of the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships. “Our goal is to ensure every donation goes the distance to help our Northeast Florida neighbors.”

For more information, including a downloadable flier to share with your neighbors and a full list of donation locations, visit wjct.org/events/sweaterdrive/.

DONATION DROP-OFFS:
WJCT - 100 Festival Park Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Suddath - 815 S. Main St, Jax, FL 32207; 8743 Western Way, Jax, FL 32256; 11001 Pritchard Rd. Jax, FL 32219; 9601 North Main St. Jax, FL 32218; 5 W Forsyth St #100, Jax, FL 32202; 9140 Golfside Dr #12s, Jax, FL 32256

VyStar Credit Union - All locations in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Putnam, Nassau and Bradford Counties

Tom Bush Family of Dealerships - 6916 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL  32244; 6914 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, 32244; 9875 Atlantic Blvd., Jax, FL  32225; 9750 Regency Square Blvd., Jax 32225; 9876 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225; 9881 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225; 9850 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225; 9910 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225; 9850 Atlantic Blvd., Jax 32225

About WJCT: WJCT is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow. For more information on WJCT’s in-depth programming content, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org. Like WJCT on Facebook (facebook.com/wjctjax) and follow WJCT on Twitter (@WJCTJax) and Instagram (@WJCTJax).