More Than $175,000 Raised at PACE Jacksonville's Annual Fundraising Luncheon! 

The 8th Annual Portraits of PACE Fundraising Luncheon held at the UNF University Center on March 23rd was a tremendous success! The Healy Foundation provided a generous Leadership Gift of $50,000. Eleven new members joined the Believing in Girls Society and several current members of the Society also extended their financial commitments. During the luncheon, a very touching program highlighted girls in our community who have overcome obstacles that have prevented them from successfully completing school, finding employment and going to college. A video told the personal story of three different girls, all of whom are at different stages in their journeys. Two of the girls in the video, Narrizsa and Kaylen, also spoke to the audience. Kaylen described how her destructive home life led her to move in with her supportive aunt in Jacksonville, and eventually turned things around with the help of PACE. Narrizsa told us how a history of abuse from her family members kept her from doing well in school and learning the basic necessary skills to lead a healthy, successful life. Narrisza came to PACE at the age of 16 and was not able to read. Through the persistence of her counselor and teachers at PACE, today at 21 years old, she is enrolled in college and continues to find help and support at PACE.

The Portraits of PACE event is our only fundraiser and depends on volunteer Ambassadors to connect potential guests to PACE. Ambassadors work year-round, helping others learn about the mission of PACE. We are already planning for next year's luncheon and need Ambassadors. Please contact our Special Projects Manager, Stephanie Harden at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (904) 448-8002 ext. 367 for more information.