The fundraiser event will take place at St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company, the former location of Creekside Dinery
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — Goodbye 2020. Hello 2021. Usher in the new year at an outdoor event hosted by the Junior Service League of St. Augustine. A New Year’s Eve Midnight Masquerade will be held from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
December 31 on the outdoor deck of St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company — an exclusive preview event for this newly-renovated restaurant, the former location of Creekside Dinery, at 160 Nix Boat Yard Road, St. Augustine.
“We had to quickly reimagine our year as events were cancelled due to COVID-19. Our New Year’s Masquerade will be a beautiful celebration of the difficult trials and new possibilities that emerged in 2020. This year has been so hard for everyone, for our city, our nation. We want to send it out in style safely. We have sought counsel from public health experts during the planning of our event to ensure we meet the highest safety protocols,”said Dr. Teri DeLucca, President of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, a women’s organization that volunteers and raises funds each year in order to help area nonprofits.
The New Year’s Eve Midnight Masquerade will include an open bar, live music by popular band The Paper City Hustlers, heavy appetizers and desserts (served individually and plated for safety), a smores bar, and the Vannagram & Co. photo booth.
Tickets are $125 per guest and all proceeds go to help area nonprofits supported by the Junior Service League of St. Augustine. Each year, JSL volunteers their time and provides funding for local non profit organizations. Tickets can be purchased at jslofstaugustine.org/about/events/gala-2
“Local nonprofits are struggling to keep their doors open and we were unable to host our typical fundraising events to support them. In fact, several reached out to ask us for additional financial support and we have none to give. Our immediate response was to create a new way to fundraise. Our calendar project shows how our community came together during the pandemic by recognizing the contributions of multiple industries. We are hopeful that our calendar sales and this New Year’s Midnight Masquerade event will generate significant revenue for us to distribute to many non profits,” DeLucca explained.
In addition to the New Year’s Eve event, JSL has created a 2021 Essential Heroes Photo Calendar featuring important essential workers in St. Johns County in industries that came together to serve our community during the COVID-19 pandemic— photographed at popular St. Augustine landmarks.
Along with photos of favorite essential heroes in favorite St. Augustine locations, the back of the calendar features discounts at local businesses.
The 2021 St. Johns Essential Heroes Calendar is available for purchase online and in local businesses in November. Pre-orders can be made by visiting the Junior Service League’s website: https://jslofstaugustine.org/donate-2/
Each calendar is $30 or two for $50. All proceeds from the sale of the calendars will benefit the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, Inc. Those proceeds will then be distributed to charities throughout St. Johns County in an effort to help support those in need.
For more details about JSL, visit jslofstaugustine.org
About the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, Inc.
In 1935 a group of dedicated women came together to address civic, social, and cultural needs in the Nation’s Oldest City. Through world wars and personal struggles, national triumphs and family milestones, the Junior Service League of St. Augustine has triumphed in remaining a strong organization with a heritage as rich and vibrant as the historically unique community that they support. The League is committed to the traditions and legacy of their organization in promoting the privilege of volunteerism in St. Johns County. Never ones to be afraid of a challenge, League members’ past and current projects include beginning and directing a speech and hearing clinic, organizing and managing a thrift store, renovating and refurbishing our St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, and conceptualizing and directing Willich Kids Bridge Family Visitation Center. Through the dedication of their members, both active and sustaining, along with the generous community response they continue to receive, the League has supported the aforementioned endeavors, both financially and emotionally with great pride. And so it is with honor for our traditions and joy in our accomplishments that we ask you to join with us as we proudly celebrate over eighty five years of service.
