On Friday, January 31st, Communities In Schools of Jacksonville celebrated 30 years of service with the Toast to the Tassel Gala.
The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront and presented by Nimnicht Family of Dealerships, raised more than $170,000 for afterschool programs and case management for local students.
The event featured dinner, cocktails, and an interactive gallery celebrating the accomplishments of current and former students of Communities In Schools of Jacksonville. There was also a silent auction that included two round-trip Jet Blue tickets, a Valentino tote bag, Universal Studios tickets, TPC Sawgrass weekly passes, and Publix Aprons Cooking Classes.
Action News Jax anchor Courtney Cole served as the night’s emcee. DCPS Superintendent Diana Greene attended the event, along with several Kids Hope Alliance staff and leadership. Special guest and Communities In Schools of Jacksonville alumni Dominic Cummings guest spoke, sharing the impact the program had on his life as a young student at Matthew Gilbert Middle School.
Leon Baxton, CEO of Communities In Schools of Jacksonville, said the gala is the first of many festivities to come this year. “On January 31, we kicked off a year long celebration of 30 years impacting students in Duval County. The Toast to the Tassel Gala was an incredible night highlighting student success and bringing together members of the community who have helped us along the way.”