JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Since 1978, Gateway Community Services has helped thousands of people overcome drug and alcohol addictions. Now local restaurants are coming together to help them continue that mission.
Over a dozen local restaurants will whip up some of their favorite dishes for sampling at the Flavor of Jacksonville at the Beaches fundraising event October 19. The event takes place at Latham Plaza in Jacksonville Beach from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will include live music and family activities.
The annual event raises funds for programs at Gateway Community Services, which provides drug and alcohol treatment for adolescents and adults. Wallace Welch & Willingham Insurance and Risk Management is the presenting sponsor of the 2013 event.
Among the restaurants participating this year are Matthew's, Mitchell's Fish Market, Sliders Seafood and Oyster Bar, Sneakers Sports Grill, Bonefish Grill, Copeland's, Jenkins Barbeque, Joe's Crab Shack, Soul Food Bistro, Ashley Street Catering, Moe's and Stonewood Grill. In addition, Coca Cola, Bold Bean Coffee, Kilwin's Chocolate, Cheney Brothers and Smoothie King will bring tempting treats and beverages.
Angel McLaughlin, owner of Soul Food Bistro says events like these are very important.
"We are trying to access the community let them know where we are we're here for them that's where we started," McLaughlin says.
Individual tickets are $50 or $80 per couple, and children ages 11 to 16 are $15. Children 11 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Corporate tables of 10 are available for the event for $750.
To purchase tickets or find out about becoming a sponsor of the event, contact Rosa Nicholas at (904) 387-4661, ext. 1031 or online at www.gatewaycommunity.com.
Gateway Community Services provides drug and alcohol detoxification, counseling and rehabilitation for teens and adults. Located at 555 Stockton St., Jacksonville, FL, the non-profit agency offers outpatient and residential addiction treatment, recovery housing, research, and prevention services for the community. Gateway has received a "Guiding Star" designation from the Early Learning Coalition. Gateway Community Services accepts private insurance and Medicaid. Funding for those without insurance is provided through the state and local funding and through generous donations of people and businesses in our community. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.gatewaycommunity.com.