As your work week comes to an end, let WJCT's interns Sarah De Nicolais and Kelsey Oates be your guides for art, culture and fun on the First Coast. This week's edition highlights ways to give back to your community.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 20-22 Veterans committ suicide each day. To raise awareness for those who served, Veterans for Peace Jacksonville will hold "22 Too Many" on the 22nd day of each month. Attendees are to meet at the BREW Five Points, 1024 Park St., at 11:30 am. The American Foundation of Suicide prevention, Team Red White and Blue, and K9s for Vets are some of the organizations supporting this event. Individuals and organizations who want to join the fight are encouraged to come out to this event.
Magicians and food trucks unite for this unique event at Jacksonville’s Hemming Park. Enjoy magic shows, experiments by the Museum of Science and History, local flavors and Magic Hat brews from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday. The event benefits Friends of Hemming Park, a non-profit organization working towards the revitalization of Jacksonville’s oldest park.
Jacksonville’s Main Public Library hosts the second annual Night at the Library Gala. This Saturday, enjoy a night of elegance in the library’s atrium and courtyard in support of Learn to Read, a non-profit organization empowering Jacksonville citizens by teaching them to read. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character to be entered into a costume contest. Tickets begin at $75 and include food, drinks and live music performed by AkiaUwanda.
The Vesctor Companies are hosting their 21st annual 5k this Saturday, benefiting local non-profit organizations. The race begins at 7 p.m. and will lead runners over the Main Street and Acosta bridges. If you need some motivation to get involved, free food and beer will be offered at the finish line. Be sure to stick around for the block party and award ceremony afterwards. Registration is $30. Visit any 1st Place Sports location or their website to register.
The River Region Human Services is hosting its fourth annual dance-a-thon to raise money for back-to-school supplies and materials for low income families. The dancing begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Lakeview Health, 1900 Corporate Square Blv. Along with learning hip new dance moves from JazzCo DJ services, attendees will also be able to try delicious food from local vendors as well as participate in a power hour of Hip Hop Fire Dance fitness with instructor Katina Neal. Put on your dancing shoes and come get down for a great cause.