Supporters gather to raise funds for Gabriel House of Care

Submitted by Robin Kraich
Special Events/Communications Coordinator
Gabriel House of Care
(904) 821-8995, ext. 108
[email protected]

May 18, 2015 3:30 p.m.

Jacksonville, Florida – May 18, 2015 – Gabriel House of Care raised $125,000 to support its lodging and program services during its annual spring Gala at Deerwood Country Club. Over 200 supporters joined honorary chairs Jorge and Leslie Bacardi for the “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” Key West-themed evening.

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Photo (left to right): Dan & Cecilia Carmichael; Leslie Bacardi; Carol Ann & Barksdale McKay.

The event featured live and silent auctions, live music, cocktails and heavy horsd’oeuvres. Thank you to our many sponsors and in-kind donors especially our Title Sponsor BACARDI® and Gold Sponsors Mayo Clinic Florida and Legacy Trust.

“We are grateful to everyone who attended this year’s Gala supporting our work helping those facing life-changing illnesses,” shared Valerie Callahan, executive director, Gabriel House. “Because we’ve seen the amount of stress and anxiety these individuals are under when they come to the house, we have extended our program services to incorporate more than just lodging. We have created a community of healing environment through our supportive classes to help our guests work through their anxieties and fears so they can heal faster and cope better overall.”

Gabriel House provides affordable, temporary lodging to adult cancer and organ transplant patients and their caregivers who come to Jacksonville for treatment. In addition to these services, guests are also offered supportive programs to help accelerate the patient’s healing process as well as help alleviate the emotional stresses associated with serious illness. These programs include stress-reduction management with mindful cognitive therapy lead by a licensed psychotherapist, nutritional cooking classes with registered dietitians, yoga classes taught by a double-lung transplant recipient and Chef’s Night In dinner program. To learn more about Gabriel House, please visit www.gabrielhouseofcare.org.

Editor’s note: Dan & Cecilia Carmichael and Carol Ann & Barksdale McKay are residents of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach.