By Evelyn C. McDonald
Arts & Culture Reporter
April 2, 2019 9:30 a.m.
Sometimes you have the opportunity to do something good and at the same time have fun. Last week, Take Stock In Children’s Light Up A Life (TSIC) gala offered that opportunity. Around 300 people enjoyed an evening at the Ritz. The silent auction items, generously donated by local businesses and individuals, included jewelry, paintings and photographs, gift baskets, and gift certificates for various entertainments around town. In addition, there were three raffle prizes – wine, wellness, and wicked baskets with the appropriate contents.
Inside the dining room, Executive Director Robin Lentz welcomed the group and gave a brief recap of TSIC’s history and achievements throughout its existence. A slide show presented photos of TSIC graduates, showing the Nassau County school they attended, the college or university they chose, and the program they pursued there. During part of the evening the “Make A Difference” video featured students talking about what TSIC had meant to them.
John Springer and Rob Taylor provided the entertainment during dinner. John conducted a “name that tune” session and stumped most of us.
After dinner, Robin introduced the auctioneer for the evening, the Honorable John Drew. He humbly apologized for not being as good an auctioneer as Aaron Bean, then proceeded to do an incredible job. He asked the audience to open their hearts and wallets. And they did.
Donations to fund TSIC scholarships give a lot of bang for the buck, as they say, because the Florida Pre-pay Program matches the amount. TSIC $10,000 Scholarship Package funds four years of tuition. At the $2500 level, one year of tuition is covered. There are also $5,000 and $7,500 packages funding two and three years of tuition respectively.
I would be remiss in not mentioning the people who support TSIC’s daily work – mentors, college success coaches, volunteers, etc. It has been my pleasure to interview several mentors for the TSIC newsletters. Their stories are unique in that you get the sense they have gained as much from the students as they have given to them. They talk about fun times and sad ones as well as relationships continuing after graduation. They are appreciative of the opportunity to do something that’s worthwhile to students and the community.
I have met a couple of the students and have been impressed by their enthusiasm and engagement with the program and their mentors. TSIC students are motivated and willing to work hard.
TSIC is fortunate in having many businesses who believe in the program and provide support. TSIC must be able to provide four years of tuition to a student before accepting them into the program. Thus, all donations, no matter the amount, help TSIC provide Nassau County students with an opportunity. Visit www.takestocknassau.org for more information.
Evelyn McDonald moved to Fernandina Beach from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. in 2006. Evelyn is vice-chair on the Amelia Center for Lifelong Learning and is on the Dean’s Council for the Carpenter Library at the UNF. Ms. McDonald has MS in Technology Management from the University of Maryland’s University College and a BA in Spanish from the University of Michigan.