Dear Caitlin,

Well, the summer certainly started with a few bangs….a 2nd and 3rd, to be exact!

Our 2nd Annual Sandals & Sneakers Gala was held on May 4th, and what a fun celebration! Intuition Ale’s Bier Hall and the music of Top Shelf provided the foundation of a fun-filled evening. Add in the emcee talent of First Coast News’ own Anthony Austin and the auctioneer-ing expertise of Gray Bean, and the event was set. 

An evening of dancing + eating + laughing + learning + all while raising money for vital mental health services = the right place to be.

And our night was no exception! Make sure you keep an eye and ear out for next year’s gala. You don’t want to miss it!

Our 3rd version of Murals & Melodies took place on the campus of UNF, and it was five full days of empowerment fun! Soul Life (Chez Leeby), with the help of The Goodness Tour, UNF Brooks College of Health, CGC staff, and a score of other volunteers, made the magic happen for more than 55 campers. Empowering messages were expressed through art, music, movement, storytelling, AI/technology, and the building of relationships. It was a wonderful week of self-exploration and empowerment.

Read on to see more of what CGC has been up to this summer! 

Respectfully,

Our specialized CAT program provides wraparound services to high-risk youth and their families—helping them avoid out-of-home placement. 

Learn more about how we are making a difference in the lives of our community members today!

We wrapped up our Murals & Melodies Summer Empowerment Camp in June, and it was a fantastic experience! 

In her recent article for CGC, Theresa Rulien reflects on her experience, where campers spent the week building resilience and emotional intelligence through art, music, and alternative forms of expression. We watched as incredible campers blossomed into confident, creative individuals with a fuller sense of self.

Learn about how we can create safe and encouraging spaces to empower our children to express themselves.

We're still buzzing from the electric energy of our 2nd Annual Sandals & Sneakers Gala held on May 4th at Intuition Ale’s Bier Hall. The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and a shared commitment to supporting mental health services. 

With the melodic tunes of Top Shelf setting the mood and First Coast News' Anthony Austin keeping us entertained as our emcee, the evening was nothing short of spectacular. 

This unforgettable evening was not just about having fun. It was about coming together as a community to raise much-needed funds for mental health services, proving that we can make a difference while having a good time.

As we bask in the success of this year's gala, we're already looking forward to next year's event. So, keep your calendars open and your ears to the ground—you won't want to miss the 3rd Annual Sandals & Sneakers Gala! 

Details coming soon!