
Building Bridges, Creating Community LGBTQ Center Fundraiser
Friday, December 10, 2021
Huge THANKS to everyone who attended BUILDING BRIDGES, CREATING COMMUNITY
To view pictures from this wonderful night, please visit our Facebook page:
This fun event celebrated the award-winning LGBTQ Center's 15 years of providing education and support programs, strategic initiatives, scholarships and consultations on LGBTQ issues at UNF, in the Jacksonville community, and beyond. This year the LGBTQ Center's 15th Anniversary of Building Bridges, Creating Community fundraising event, took place on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the Garden Club of Jacksonville, and our theme was a Winter Ball! This event raises funds for the LGBTQ Center, to support educational programs, student support, scholarships, and leadership development that spread awareness and knowledge about LGBTQ issues, people, and experiences.
If you missed it this year, we hope you can attend next year's event, as we celebrate our 16th anniversary!
In the meantime, you can still make a difference:
DONATE NOW
ENTERTAINMENT FOR WINTER BALL '21

The night's MC is none other that Miss South Florida Comedy Queen, Karrissa Wade. Karrissa is Jacksonville’s queen of cabaret and comedy and takes pride in being a community activist that fights for equal rights for all people.
Performing for your pleasure is Niki Dawson, who is a soulful and versatile vocalist incorporating R&B, Jazz, & hip hop influences. Her unique sound and talent has been recognized by national television producers in her mainstream appearances including season one of NBC's 'The Voice', 'MTV’ and 'American Idol' Season XV.
Singing his heart out, will be Jay, who is a passionate vocalist, conductor and music creator. His experience as a recording artist and songwriter has led his music to be featured on various television programs/motion pictures. In 2017, his group Stono Echo released the LP, Black Diamonds with recording label Full Plate. Along with Bold City Classics, he continues to perform with bands Stono Echo and Night Crawler under the moniker, Jay Myztroh.
And topping off the night will be BOLD CITY CLASSICS (BCC) the premier event band in the Southeast!
Known as the next generation of The Chris Thomas Band, the musicians have performed together on over 850 events including corporate & private parties, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, conventions, fundraisers, opening acts, birthday, anniversary parties and more!
What sets Bold City Classics apart? Performing together for 7+ years, the musicians are like family and that positive energy and spirit is throughout every performance. The cohesiveness allows audiences and clients to relive moments through music while creating new memories.
BCC BRINGS IT to every event!
A portion of every ticket purchased is a donation to support Building Bridges, Creating Community Scholarships, vital resources and programming created by the LGBTQ Center for the Jacksonville community and beyond!
For more information on the LGBTQ Center, please contact:
For sponsorship/donations info, please contact:
Kathleen M. Leone, M.Ed., CFRE: k.leone@unf.edu or (904) 874-1425
DONATE NOW
2021 Building Bridges Sponsors
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our Supporters
UNF established the LGBTQ Center in 2006 to provide a much-needed safe space for LGBTQ students. Over the past decade, it has far surpassed UNF’s vision for LGBTQ support, education, and resources with a commitment to equality and respect for all people. This is thanks to the longtime support of community members and their dedicated staff. What did we accomplish with your help?
- UNF ranked in the Top 50 LGBT-friendly Colleges and Universities – in the nation!
- UNF ranked as #1 of LGBTQ Friendly Colleges and Universities in the State of Florida & #8 in the south!
- Certified over 300 faculty and staff as allies through the Safe Space: LGBT Identities cultural competency training program
- Brought the first “out” transgender artist to MOCA Jacksonville, a cultural institute of UNF
- Launched a community-based LGBTQ student mentoring program with support from the LGBT Community Fund for Northeast Florida, The Weaver Philanthropic Initiative, and Michael Miller
- Increased LGBTQ visibility through Enrollment Services webinars and targeted recruitment of LGBT students
Here at UNF, we believe in developing the best citizens and leaders for our community. We need your help so that we can continue to lead, educate, and advocate for a world that welcomes, supports, and invests in LGBT people. We can’t do it without you! If you would like any further information, please contact Kathleen Leone, (904) 620-1838 / C: 904.874.1425 k.leone@unf.edu.
DONATE NOW