I want this couch.
I was just reading Business Insider (don’t worry, I haven’t gone all smart on you: I saw the link on Twitter) that listed the most popular songs of the year, based on Spotify downloads. Having recently been named Jacksonville’s self-proclaimed favorite critic, I feel it is my civic and journalistic duty to offer my commments on “your” choices.
1. “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Gotye featuring Kimbra): Every time I hear this song I want to puncture my eardrums with an ice pick. Fortunately, I don’t carry an ice pick with me because this song is inescapable, and I like being able to hear.
2. “Call Me Maybe” (Carly Rae Jepsen): Cute ear worm.
3. “We Are Young” (Fun. featuring Janelle Monáe): See #1.
4. “Whistle” (Flo Rida): Double enténdre ear worm.
5. “Wild Ones” (Flo Rida featuring Sia): One Flo Rida song on this list is enough.
6. “Drive By” (Train): Glad Train has returned to the station.
7. “Starships: (Nicki Minaj): I would like to personally put Minaj herself in a starship, launch it in to space and never have to hear another one of her crappy songs again, especially this one.
8. “Payphone” (Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa): I used to hate Maroon 5, in particular, Adam Levine’s voice. This song is one of several released this year that has completely changed my mind.
9. “Titanium” (David Guetta featuring Sia): Sounds like a Rhianna song, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—unless your name is Sia.
10. “Euphoria” (Loreen): Never heard this song in my life. And if I don’t ever go back to Metro, I probably won’t.
And for the rest of Spotify’s top 100 songs…
Inspired by First Coast News’ Erin Hawley’s story on the senseless death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis for playing loud music at a Southside gas station (allegedly)—and a Twitter campaign to honor the high school student’s memory, I will be blasting my car radio at 5 p.m. Since I don’t know what Davis was listening to at the time of the (alleged) shooting, I will pick an appropriate song, roll down the windows and turn it to 11.
Ideally, I would circle the Duval County Pre-Trial Detention Center in hopes that the (alleged) shooter, Michael David Dunn, would hear it, but considering the jail is adjacent to the Police Memorial Building—and under to Florida law it is is illegal to “amplify the sound produced by a radio, tape player, or other mechanical soundmaking device or instrument from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is … Plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the motor vehicle”—I’ll cruise the city instead.
I didn’t even know Jordan, but he won’t be forgotten.
I’ll post video of my personal tribute later today.
DISCLAIMER:
In case you missed my ramblings on First Coast Connect this morning (or you’re still on a high from the Jaguars win last week), here’s what’s coming up this week Around Town:
Friday, November 30
8
8 PM, UNF Robinson Theater
Friday, November 30
Everclear with Eve 6
8 PM, Freebird Live
Friday, November 30 & Saturday, December 1
Springfield Holiday Home Tour
Karpeles Museum
Friday, November 30-Sunday, December 2
Home for the Holidays Animal Adoption Event
Jacksonville Fairgrounds
Friday, November 30-December 2
Art & Antiques Show
Prime Osborn Convention Center
Saturday, December 1
Christmas in Avondale
6 PM, Shoppes of Avondale
Saturday, December 1
Vince Gill with Darius Rucker
7:30 PM, Times-Union Center
Sunday, December 2
Big Ticket Event with Rise Against, Bush, Silversun Pickups
Metropolitan Park
Tuesday, December 4-December 9
West Side Story
Times-Union Center
Etc.
And get your tickets for Doug Benson’s Movie Interruption at Sun-Ray Cinema, January 5 & 6. Yes, January. 2013. But it WILL sell out. Trust me.
Go “Around Town” with Kerry “Specktator” Speckman on First Coast Connect on 89.9 FM every Thursday around 9:45 AM. And if you really want a laugh, tune into the show via USTREAM. Her dancing skills are really quite impeccable, an indisputable fact now that she has been crowned “Jacksonville’s Favorite Dancer.”
And sometimes she forgets she’s on camera and picks her nose.
Firehouse Subs took part in Giving Tuesday in a huge way last night, when Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated $300,000 worth of life-saving equipment to 16 public safety agencies in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Among those in attendance at the check presentation ceremony were Firehouse Subs founders Chris and Robin Sorensen, patriarch and firefighter for 43 years Capt. (Rob) Sorensen, Governor Rick Scott, Mayor Alvin Brown and Oscar-nominated actor Bill Murray.
For those of you who missed the event either because you weren’t invited or you aren’t a semi-professional stalker, check out these photos. Read more about the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation event.
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- Bill Murray and former Jaguars player Don Davey
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- Bill Murray, Robin Sorensen & the city councilman whose name the sheriff couldn’t remember
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- Sheriff Rutherford laying down the law
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- The geniuses behind Firehouse: Chris & Robin Sorensen
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- Mayor Brown taking speeches to the next level
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- “I’m really happy to be here. I am hungry, really starving.”
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- Wow, that’s a big check!
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- Andy Murray (aka one of the other brothers)
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- Bill and members of JFRD
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- Yours truly & Capt. Sorensen
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- Bill Murray Photo Bomb 2.0
As Jacksonville’s most prolific social media gadabout, I found myself hanging out with (OK, stalking) Governor Rick Scott, Mayor Alvin Brown, Sheriff John Rutherford, Fire Chief Marty Senterfitt, City Councilman Stephen Joost, about 50 hot firemen (pun fully intended) and two of the savviest and most generous businessmen this city has ever seen, Chris and Robin Sorensen, founders of Firehouse Subs. Oh, and Oscar-nominated actor, Bill Murray.
The purpose of the event was to announce Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation‘s donation of $300,000 worth of life-saving equipment, including thermal imaging cameras, stabilization equipment, jaws of life and AEDs [ed.'s note: "AED defibrillator" is redundant, and while we're on the subject, please stop using "ATM machine," "SAT test" and "VIN number], to public safety agencies. Since its inception in 2005, FSPSF has donated more than $5.2 million to police and fire departments in 33 states and Puerto Rico.
While the altruism and vision of the Brothers Sorensen and their foundation’s amazing donation (yes, there was an oversized check) were the focus, I couldn’t help note a few other details that you’re not likely to read about anywhere else.
1. At the suggestion of Murray, both Scott and Brown were punished for being late by getting the silent treatment when they walked into the event. Check out Brown’s entrance here.
2. Scott has only one facial expression.
3. According to Murray, Brown is a horrible golfer.
4. Scott’s favorite Firehouse Sub is the Hook & Ladder, though, he’s trying to eat fewer carbs these days. Murray said “all of them” were his favorite (translation: he doesn’t know the names of any of them). Brown likes turkey and ham.
5. Though he did not use “efficient and effective” or “next level,” Brown did use his other go-to phrase giving “a hand” to Jost for his “leadership,” the Sorensens for their “continued dedication to the community,” Murray and brothers Ed, Brian Doyle, Andy, John and Joel (Andy was the only other one in the ‘house—see what I did there?) for “giving their time,” the Bishop family of firefighter Jason Bishop who died earlier this year and Scott for “being the hardest working governor in the country.” Rutherford and Toney Sleiman of Sleiman Enterprises were thanked for their contributions but did not get a hand.
For more photos of the event, including Bill Murray Photo Bomb 2.0, visit the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation gallery.
In case you missed my ramblings on First Coast Connect this morning (or you’re still trying to start your band Horses and Bayonets), here’s what’s coming up this week Around Town:
Thursday, October 25
A Quirky Tour of 38 Jacksonville Architectural Wonders
6-7 PM, Museum of Science and History
Friday, October 26-Thursday,
The Iran Job
Opens Friday and runs through Thursday, 3:30 and 5:20 PM
Friday, October 26
Rock the Ballet
7:30 PM, Lazzara Hall, University of North Florida
Friday, October 26-Sunday, October 28
Georgia vs. Florida Weekend
Friday, October 26
Second Annual BBQ Block Party
11 AM-7 PM, Sports Complex
Friday, October 26
Snoop Dogg
Doors open 7 PM, Maverick’s
Friday, October 26
Zac Brown Band
7 PM, Veterans Memorial Arena
Saturday, October 27
Thrill the World
3 PM, Intuition Aleworks
Sunday, October 28
Blues Traveler
7:30 PM, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Sunday, October 28-Thursday, November 11
Jill Scott
8:30 PM, St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Wednesday, October 31-Thursday, November 11
Greater Jacksonville Fair
The Most Comprehensive local National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Calendar
Etc.
Tickets are now on sale for the Jacksonville Film Festival, November 1-4.
**STALKER ALERT: Carrie Preston of True Blood and The Good Wife fame appears Saturday.
And get your tickets for Doug Benson’s Movie Interruption at Sun-Ray Cinema, January 5 & 6. Yes, January. 2013. But it WILL sell out. Trust me.
Go “Around Town” with Kerry “The Specktator” Speckman on First Coast Connect on 89.9 FM every Thursday around 9:45 AM. And if you really want a laugh, tune into the show via USTREAM. Her dancing skills are really quite impeccable, an indisputable fact now that she has been crowned “Jacksonville’s Favorite Dancer.”
And sometimes she forgets she’s on camera and picks her nose.
https://www.facebook.com/events/195853147216734/
ilm fest
https://www.facebook.com/events/166112726860009/
https://www.facebook.com/events/356384254456194/
In case you missed my ramblings on First Coast Connect this morning (or you’re still busy making up for jokes about “binders full of women”), here’s what’s coming up this week Around Town:
Thursday, October 18-Sunday, October 21
Southern Women’s Show
Prime Osborn Center
**STALKER ALERT: Teresa Guidice of Real Housewives of New Jersey and Celebrity Apprentice appears October 21 at 1 PM.**
Thursday, October 18
Candidate Forum
6-8 PM, St. Paul AME Church
Thursday, October 18
George Clinton
8 PM, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Thursday, October 18
Scrabble Soiree
6 PM, St. John’s Cathedral
Friday, October 19
Park Your Art
Throughout the Urban Core
Friday, October 19
Artscapade
7 PM, The Museum
Friday, October 19
John Hiatt
8 PM, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Saturday, October 20
Oktoberfest at RAM
10 AM-4 PM, Riverside Arts Market
Saturday, October 20
’80s John Hughes Film Festival
4 PM-MOCA
Saturday, October 20-Sunday, October 21
Sea and Sky Spectacular
Jacksonville Beach
Sunday, October 21
Esperanza Spalding
8 PM, Florida Theatre
The Most Comprehensive local National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Calendar
Etc.
Tickets are now on sale for the Jacksonville Film Festival, November 1-4.
And get your tickets for Doug Benson’s Movie Interruption at Sun-Ray Cinema, January 5 & 6. Yes, January. 2013. But it WILL sell out. Trust me.
Go “Around Town” with Kerry “The Specktator” Speckman on First Coast Connect on 89.9 FM every Thursday around 9:45 AM. And if you really want a laugh, tune into the show via USTREAM. Her dancing skills are really quite impeccable, an indisputable fact now that she has been crowned “Jacksonville’s Favorite Dancer.”
And sometimes she forgets she’s on camera and picks her nose.
Future local celebrity chef cook and owner of Ron-devous Ron Block is appearing at the Southern Women’s Show this weekend debuting his new cooking series “A Cook and a Book.” In honor of this auspicious—and delicious—occasion, I’m providing information about the event using words and phrases taken directly from the description of the New York Times best-selling book upon which his cooking demo is based. See if you can pick out them out for yourself!
Putting an evocative spin on the traditional book club, Ron Block, a strapping gourmet cook with lush, white-capped hair, takes attendees on a riveting adventure preparing tantalizing recipes inspired by Adriana Trigiani’s best-selling novel The Shoemaker’s Wife. With ambition and resolve, Block will prepare a majestic feast of potato gnocchi with brown, sage sauce while perilously reaching over hot burners and handling sharp knives. Block’s gnocchi and attendees’ taste buds will connect like star-crossed lovers, as he discusses the haunting novel with an operatic scope. Guests who make it to the Southern Women’s Show Celebrity Cooking Stage will enjoy an hour of culinary splendor. Or they shall leave the event bereft of lunch.
The Southern Women’s Show runs October 18-21 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Block gets things cooking Saturday, October 20 at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 21 at 11:30 a.m.
For more information on the show, visit southernshows.com/wjax.
In case you missed my ramblings on First Coast Connect this morning (or you were too cold to get out of bed to turn on the radio), here’s what’s coming up this week Around Town:
Thursday, October 11
Playin’ Hooky at Sun-Ray Cinema
first screening: 2 PM; last screening: 11:55 PM, Sun-Ray Cinema
Thursday, October 11-Sunday, October 14
Tim Meadows
times vary, Comedy Zone
Friday, October 12
O.A.R.
6:30 PM, St. Augustine Amphitheater
Friday, October 12-Wednesday, October 17
MactruQue: “Precaptivator”
Free, Avondale Artworks
Friday, October 12
Kevin Hart
7 PM, Times-Union Center
Saturday, October 13
Amelia Island Wine Festival
11 AM-6 PM, on the waterfront in Fernandina Beach.
Saturday, October 13
Inaugural Beaches Cash Mob
1 PM, Blue Water Island Grill
Sunday, October 14
Caring Chefs
7 PM, The Avenues
Sunday, October 14
MythBusters: Behind the Myths
7 PM, Times-Union Center
Wednesday, October 17
Ani DiFranco
8 PM, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
The Most Comprehensive local National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Calendar
Etc.
Snoop Dogg just announced concert at Mavericks October 26.
Pat Benatar rescheduled for March 29.
Tickets for Jerry Seinfeld‘s January 12 go on sale Friday, October 11.
Go “Around Town” with Kerry “The Specktator” Speckman on First Coast Connect on 89.9 FM every Thursday around 9:45 AM. And if you really want a laugh, tune into the show via USTREAM. Her dancing skills are really quite impeccable, an indisputable fact now that she has been crowned “Jacksonville’s Favorite Dancer.”
And sometimes she forgets she’s on camera and picks her nose.
Like it or not, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I say this because I get a lot of grief from people who are tired of hearing about breast cancer (even people who have lost family members and friends to the disease) or folks who believe that there are other causes that are just as worthy of an entire month of publicity. I’m not disagreeing that there are hundreds of non-profit agencies out there that deserve more money, more awareness and more attention than they currently get. But the fact of the matter is this: 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. I have seven friends. At least one of them is going to get it—or I am. I don’t like my chances or theirs.
This sobering fact, coupled with the reality of my own mother’s death from the disease in 1981 at the age of 41, has compelled me to create what I consider the most comprehensive Breast Cancer Awareness Calendar in Northeast Florida (until someone proves me wrong).
Go to a breast cancer awareness event this month—or don’t. Make a donation to a breast cancer research/education/support organization—or don’t. Get a mammogram—or don’t. Just know that nearly 40,000 women will die of breast cancer this year alone, which certainly makes it more worthy of a month-long advertising campaign than National Caramel Month or Squirrel Awareness Month.
If you have an event you would like to include, e-mail me at kerry [at] jacksonvillemag [dot] com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Friday, October 5
Remission Rocks
Local physicians perform in concert to benefit Bosom Buddies. Includes appetizer and beverage.
River City Brewing Company, 6-11 PM
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Friday, October 5 **STALKER ALERT**
An Evening On the Pink Carpet
Donna Hicken hosts this annual VIP reception, presentation and fashion show to benefit The Donna Foundation.
Florida Theatre, 7:30 PM, 6 PM for VIP
$35, $75 for VIP
Saturday, October 6
Boobsapalooza: Bands Against Breast Cancer
Ten local bands including J Collins, Cupid’s Alley, Circle of Influence and Reggae Swat Team perform, while the Miz(ter) Boobsapalooza Contest encourages men to get their pink on.
Lynch’s Irish Pub, noon-8 PM
$10
Saturday, October 6 **STALKER ALERT**
Pink Ribbon Symposium
Survivor panels, caregiver sessions, informational presentations by local medical professionals with keynote by Olympic gold medalist and breast cancer survivor Peggy Fleming.
Hyatt Regency Riverfront, 8 AM-1 PM
Free
Saturday, October 6 **STALKER ALERT**
Buddy Check Celebration with First Coast News
Join First Coast News anchor Jeannie Blaylock as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of Buddy Check 12. And don’t miss the Ta-Ta Cha-Cha!
Northbank Riverwalk, 1-2 PM
Free
Saturday, October 6
Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon
Three-time, primary cancer survivor turned patient advocate, author and international-recognized speaker Bobbi de Cordóva-Hanks presents “In Sickness and in Health: A Survivor and Caregiver Tell Their Story of Tears and Hope” with husband turned caregiver, Jerry Hanks.
The Peek Center, 11:30 AM-3 PM
$15-$35
Wednesday, October 10 **STALKER ALERT**
The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic Tee-Off Cocktail Party
This prelude to the annual golf tournament benefiting Baptist Beaches Hospitals and Mayo Clinic breast cancer research includes hors d’oeuvres, open bar, celebrity guests and a silent auction.
Marsh Landing (private home), 6-10 PM
$75
Thursday, October 11
Pink Ribbon Golf Classic
Includes a light breakfast, the tournament, awards luncheon and gifts. All proceeds to benefit Baptist Beaches Hospitals and Mayo Clinic breast cancer research.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, 8:30 shotgun start
$100 per player
Thursday, October 11
What Everyone Should Know About Breast Health
This public forum, hosted by UF & Shands Jacksonville, includes a panel of experts with the latest information on breast cancer, as well as dinner.
Omni Jacksonville Hotel, 5:30-9 PM
Free
Thursday, October 11
The World’s Largest Happy Hour
Whisky River supports The American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by hosting the World’s Largest Happy Hour. In addition to happy hour specials, WR is donating 100 percent of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Pink Lemonade and raffle ticket sales to the cause.
5:30 PM, Whisky River Jacksonville
Free
Friday, October 12
Public Forum on Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness
Renowned pathologist Shahla Masood and urologist Ali Kasraeian take your questions about breast cancer and prostate cancer at this wine and cheese reception. Call (904) 244-4387 to RSVP.
Scan Design, Philips Highway, 6-8 PM
Free
Friday, October 12
Upbeat Pink: A Musical Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivorship
The UNF Wind Symphony and UNF Chorale Ensembles pay tribute to survivors with an evening of songs from Broadway musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rogers & Hammerstein.
UNF Fine Arts Center, Lazzara Performance Hall, 7:30 PM
Free
Friday, October 12
Pele’s Wood Fire Gives Back
Pele’s is participating in a nationwide campaign called Slice of Hope to raise funds for a breast cancer organization: 10 percent of that day’s sales will be donated to the campaign while another 10 percent will be donated to 26.2 with Donna.
Saturday, October 13
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K—Jacksonville
The American Cancer Society’s annual event in support of breast cancer awareness, education and fundraising encourages participants to “Put on Your Pink Bra.”
Treaty Oak Park, 9 AM
Saturday, October 13
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K—Orange Park
The American Cancer Society’s annual event in support of breast cancer awareness, education and fundraising encourages participants to “Put on Your Pink Bra.”
Best Bet of Orange Park, 9 AM
Saturday, October 13
Row for the Cure
The Stanton Rowing Foundation hosts this fundraiser for the North Florida affiliate of the Komen Foundation, as part of the First Coast Head Race. Female racers only compete in four categories.
St. Johns and Arlington rivers, time TBA
Saturday, October 13
Yoga in the Park 4 Cancer
This second annual event celebrates cancer survivorship with yoga, meditation, Pilates, live enteratinment and vendors. Special guest Yogi Amrit Desai shares tips for relieving stress associated with disease.
Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, 8 AM-4 PM
Free, $20 for VIP seating
Saturday, October 13
Think Pink in October Motorcycle Ride
Police-escorted ride is organized by Unity Outreach in St. Augustine and benefits breast cancer patients. Helmets strongly recommended.
Adamec Harley Davidson, 9:45 AM
$20 for drivers, $5 for passengers
Monday, October 15
The Pink Express Style Show
Paul Mitchell The School presents this fashion show/fundraiser for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with DJ Wes Reed. Drinks specials all night.
Suite, 9 PM
$10
Tuesday, October 16
Eighth Annual Rally to Find the Cure Charity Golf Tournament
Four-person teams complete in flights; nine holes: scramble, nine holes: two best net ball. Breakfast and lunch included, raffles, hole-in-one prizes. Proceeds benefit Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Center.
Jacksonville Golf & Country Club, 8:30 AM
$65 for members, $90 for non-members
Saturday, October 19
Jacksonville Bullies Honor Cancer Survivors
The city’s pro lacrosse team honors cancer survivors with a special half-time celebration and a cancer survivor singing the national anthem. A portion of proceeds from the game will be donated to In the Pink.
Veterans Memorial Arena, 7 PM
$10-$45
Friday-October 19–Saturday, October 20
San Marco Goes Pink for Breast Cancer
Look for the pink balloons in San Marco Square shops Friday and Saturday. Merchants displaying them are donating a percentage of their sales to the Donna Foundation.
San Marco Square, store hours vary
Free
Saturday, October 20
Komen North Florida Race for the Cure
The largest series of 5K run/fitness walks in the world enables participants to run or walk the 5K route—with a team or as an individual.
Metropolitan Park, 7 AM
Saturday, October 20
Breast Cancer Survivors Breakfast and Art Show
Includes music, dance, songs and poetry featuring local artists and entertainers.
Balis Community Center, 8:30 AM-11 AM
$20, in advance only
Saturday, October 20
Oktoberfest 2012
For seven years, European Street Cafe has been hosting its annual Oktoberfest celebration, and this year the event doubles as a fundraiser for Bosom Buddies.
European Street Cafe—Riverside, 11 AM
Free
Saturday, October 20
Victory in Pink: A Celebration of Women Who Have Fought Breast Cancer
Olympic gold medalist and breast cancer survivor Shannon Miller emcees this inspirational and educational event hosted by St. Vincent’s HealthCare.
St. Johns Town Center (between Pottery Barn Kids and Ted’s Montana Grill), 6-9 PM
Free
Saturday, October 27
Breast Cancer Awareness Bra Design Event
The First Haitian American Community Church of Jacksonville celebrates its first birthday—and raises awareness and funds for breast cancer—with a decorate your bra contest.
First Haitian-American Community Church, 2-4 PM
$15
ONGOING
During October, Tijuana Flats will donate $3 from the sale of every bottle of Just in Queso Sauce to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The NFL supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month with special pink ribbon gear for players—and fans.
As part of its Love, Hope & Pizza Campaign, Hungry Howie’s will make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every pizza purchased in October.
Throughout the month of October, Black Finn American Grille features a special Think Pink menu with a $1 from each item drink donated to Bands Against Breast Cancer.
Belleza Salon in the Shoppes of Ponte Vedra hosts Pink Parties all month long. Your $25 donation includes light hors d’oeuvres, a make-up refresher, dry styling and pink feather or hair extensions with proceeds to going to Baptist Beaches Hospitals and Mayo Clinic breast cancer research.
In October, Stella & Dot is donating all net proceeds to the Noreen Fraser Foundation: Fight for a Cure.
During October, JC Penney salons are offering free haircuts and styles to breast cancer survivors. The store will also donate $1 for the first 50,000 cuts to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For more information or to make an appointment, visit JC Penney Salons.
St. Vincent’s offers Jacksonville’s only mobile mammography unit. For a schedule and locations or to make an appointment for screening mammography, call (904) 308-3780.
Jacksonville’s Most Comprehensive Breast Cancer Awareness Month Calendar is brought to you, in part, by European Street Cafe.