The March of Dimes, in partnership with Jacksonville Magazine, held its fifth annual Best of Jacksonville party at the University of North Florida's University Center Jan. 30.

The event included a silent auction, live entertainment and display and sample booths from local businesses. Nicole Scholz, the organizer of this year's party, said previous events had raised $8,000-$10,000. The March of Dimes plans to use the proceeds from the ticket sales and silent auction to benefit its campaign for healthier babies, which provides money for research to reduce birth defects and infant mortality.

Scholz, a UNF graduate, said the University Center's ballroom replaced the usual downtown venue this year because it "was a comparable size to the ones downtown, but it was a whole lot cheaper and being a non-profit organization, we're always looking for ways to cut back on money so we're more responsible with what we've got." "One of the reasons why I really like [Jacksonville] is that it's so diversified," said First Coast News meteorologist Betsy Kling, one of the local celebrity guests at the event.

Jacksonville's diversity was displayed during the party by the variety of vendors offering samples, discount certificates and informative pamphlets to the wandering participants. Jacksonville Magazine named each of the businesses involved one of Jacksonville's "best." "Best of" honors included Dave & Busters as "Best of Fun Places," the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra as "Best of the Arts" and Casablanca Beauty Center as "Best Hair Salon."

Packages in the silent auction, which were donated by local businesses, also represented Jacksonville's varying tastes, included an autographed Jennifer Lopez picture (from Turtle's music) to a Hooters' wing party for 10 to a beauty products gift basket from Dillards.

King Eddie and the Pili Pili Band kicked off the night with a reggae beat. Jay Miller, a junior at UNF, said he was surprised by the choice of music and described Pili Pili as "the best reggae band in Jacksonville." The Mike Shackelford Band replaced Pili Pili about halfway through the evening.

Eileen Pouwels was one of several UNF students who volunteered to help the March of Dimes accomplish its goal. Pouwels, a public relations representative for Delta Gamma, said her pro-life stance on abortion is one of the reasons she chooses to support the March of Dimes.

Sandy Joslyn, an eight-time March of Dimes Walk America participant, said she takes part in March of Dimes events because it gives her "a feeling of accomplishment." Ken Rogers, an advertising account executive, said the event was "an easy way to donate and be involved." "The March of Dimes is really cool, because they have that campaign that goes out there and says: 'Here's what you need to do[to have a] healthy baby,'" Kling said.