Hawaiian fusion cuisine by celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi, tropical drinks and live entertainment from Colleen Orender, lead singer of the Sheagles, set the scene at the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc.’s 10^th annual “A Night in the Village” event presented by The Jacksonville Area Lexus Dealers at Roy’s Restaurant in Jacksonville Beach in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The celebration, which has become one of Northeast Florida’s most widely attended charity events, raised $27,000. In addition, check presentations from UNF’s Kappa Delta sorority for $14,800 and the Furyk Foundation for $18,400 brought the total raised to $60,200, which will go to the foundation‘s program, Speak Up Be Safe^TM (SUBS), a national bullying and child abuse prevention program.

Emceeing “A Night in the Village” was former Jacksonville reporter Maria Tsataros. Tsataros graciously hosted the night’s happenings which included a silent and live featuring custom-designed items, vacation stays and featured “Baskets of Hope” from local businesses.

Guests at the event also had the opportunity to visit select boutiques and restaurants in the Third Street Village including Moe’s, Emly Benham, Leila’s, Rosenblum’s, Focus Fitness, Starbuck’s, Bonefish Grill, Rosie True, Penelope T, Miriam’s, Max and Co. and Mrs. Howard’s. Exclusive to guests of the event, the stores offered extended hours and private shopping opportunities throughout the evening.

Sponsors for the event included The Jacksonville Area Lexus Dealers, GreenPointe Holdings, Hampton Golf, PRI Productions, Pepsi, Waste Management, 2^nd Floor Marketing and Clockwork Marketing.

To learn more about bringing this program to your city or school, contact Lynn Layton at (904) 642-0210. More information about child abuse statistics and prevention education can be found at www.moniqueburrfoundation.org/SUBS.