By Tracy McCormick-Dishman
The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s annual fundraiser returns for another year, with organizers hoping this year’s gala will grow scholarship opportunities for the county’s next generation of business leaders.
The Denim and Diamonds Gala returns Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Ancient City Farmstead in St. Augustine. The event, now a fixture on the Chamber’s calendar, brings together members of the local business community to raise money for the Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that funds workforce and leadership programs across the county.
“The gala is one night, but its impact lasts all year,” said Isabelle Renault, president and CEO of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. Renault said proceeds support the Foundation’s work on attainable housing, workforce education and leadership development, and will help expand Leadership St. Johns, the Foundation’s leadership development program, by adding scholarship funds for more participants.
The Foundation’s mission also includes fostering a skilled local workforce and maintaining an emergency fund for businesses facing natural disasters or economic hardship.
Morrie Maple, chair of the Chamber Foundation’s board of directors, said the gala remains the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. “Every sponsorship, ticket, and auction item sold directly supports the Foundation’s mission to develop local leaders, strengthen our workforce, and stand by businesses in times of crisis,” Maple said, adding that this year’s proceeds will go toward growing the Leadership St. Johns scholarship specifically.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.SJCChamber.com/Foundation-Gala/
