In Gainesville, people take helping others seriously, but they have a good time while doing so! A year in Gainesville is full of events, from performances at Santa Fe College to farmers market festivals. The events that hold a special place in our hearts, however, are charity events. Throughout the year, people from the Gainesville community support their favorite fundraisers, not only to assist the worthy charities but to bring together people from all walks of life. Together, the people of Gainesville are helping the city become a better place.
Here, we collect a series of memories from this year’s charity events.
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Moonlight & Martinis
The Moonlight & Martinis gala is an opportunity to dress up, enjoy a few drinks, a silent auction and even some dancing! The event, hosted by the ElderCare of Alachua County for Al’z Place, raises funds to provide therapy programs to senior citizens who have been diagnosed with dementia.
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March of Babies
Participants in the annual fundraiser, March for Babies, walk six miles to raise funds for prenatal research to benefit premature babies. This fundraiser is hosted by the March of Dimes and gives walkers the opportunity to honor lost babies and hear inspirational stories.
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Puttin’ on the Ritz
For the past 30 years, this black-tie event by the Children’s Home Society of Florida has aimed to help local families and vulnerable children. It’s a night filled with live entertainment, dancing, an extensive silent auction and the finest cuisine and beverages of Gainesville.
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Taste of Greater Gainesville
Taste of Greater Gainesville raises money while bringing attention to some of the best food Gainesville has to offer. This fundraiser features the best dishes from nearby restaurants to raise money for nonprofit organizations that benefit children and families in need.
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Mary Wise Scramble Golf Tournament
The Mary Wise Scramble Golf Tournament turns a friendly golf tournament into an opportunity to give back to the community. By gathering golf teams from around Gainesville to play in the tournament, this event brings people together for a good cause. The money raised goes to the PACE Center for Girls, which provides young women with opportunities through counseling and education.
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Hats, Hearts & Handbags
The Hats, Hearts & Handbags annual luncheon challenges participants to wear their best hat and handbag combination. A group can reserve a table and decorate it with friends to compete for awards. This event is hosted by the Girls Place and the fundraiser directly benefits the girls in its programs.
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The Hope Weekend
The Hope Weekend benefiting Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure is a three-day event with music, a cocktail hour, dinner and a golf tournament.
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Gainesville Gone Austin
With a country theme, live music, food and auctions, Gainesville Gone Austin brings a country twang to the Gainesville community. The event proceeds benefit the Child Advocacy Center to help neglected, abandoned and trafficked children in Alachua County.
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Guest Chef Cocktail Party
The Peaceful Path’s annual Guest Chef Cocktail Party highlights the local talent of Gainesville chefs while raising money for domestic abuse victims and other Peaceful Path programs. This unique affair features local chefs serving their favorite recipes, and includes a silent auction. A complimentary wine and cheese bar tops off the night.
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Photography by Erica Brough, Steffanie Crockett, Allison Durham and John Sloan