To Our Generous Supporters,
After careful consideration, our leadership team and Board of Directors came to the difficult decision that Catholic Charities Jacksonville will not host Festival d’Vine this fall due to challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis.
There are two main factors that informed this decision: the safety of our supporters and the economic toll the coronavirus has taken on our local restaurants and wine/beer distributors.
Our organization does not feel comfortable hosting a large-scale, in-person event, nor do we feel it appropriate to lean on our valued food and beverage partners who have been disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic.
Although saddened by this development, we are choosing to reflect on the incredible impact Festival d’Vine has made on our area since 2003. Together, we have raised more than $1 million since the event’s inception – an achievement we can all proudly celebrate as a community.
Catholic Charities Jacksonville remains focused on reaching our city’s most vulnerable through critical programs, which range from hunger relief to emergency financial assistance. But we can only accomplish our mission of transforming lives with your continued support.
In the coming weeks, we will announce a new fundraising initiative designed to engage our valued supporters as we work to raise the $100,000 that we typically net for our programs during Festival d’Vine. It may be challenging, but I have faith in the compassion of our community.
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Thank you for your unwavering support as we all navigate through these seemingly impossible times together. With faith and benevolence, we will move this mountain.
Blessings,
Lauren Weedon Hopkins, CFRE
Regional Director, Catholic Charities Jacksonville