One of the area’s most highly anticipated events is once again a sellout! Over 800 supporters will attend the 7th Annual Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Wine Tasting Gala and have the chance to enjoy cuisine from the area’s top restaurants and world-class wines in a walkabout format downtown. While socializing, eating and drinking guests will also enjoy bidding on auction items including sports memorabilia, rare wine and exciting trips- all to benefit local children with cancer.
This food and wine foray will be hosted by Coach Tom Coughlin, who will be joined by celebrity guests from the football world including Gene Smith and Tony Boselli. “This cause is dear to my heart as is the Jacksonville community” said Tom Coughlin, president and founder of the Jay Fund and head coach of the New York Giants “it has become an essential source of revenue for the Jay Fund’s grant making and also a reunion of sorts. I look forward to the celebration of great wine and food to raise funds for our local kids.”
Southern Wine & Spirits of North Florida has put together a fantastic selection of over 200 wines for this gathering, from all over the world, including California, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Accompanying the libations are food tastings provided by some of Jacksonville’s favorites such as: bb’s, Eleven South, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and Salt Life Food Shack. Platinum sponsors are: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Acosta Sales & Marketing, Baptist Health Foundation, Crawford Investment Counsel and Wells Fargo.
There has been a tremendous increase in demand for the quick response and tangible help the Jay Fund provides to local families. Over $500,000 was distributed by the Jay Fund in 2010. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation’s mission of benefiting local children suffering from cancer.
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The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation was created in honor of Jay McGillis. Jay was a very special young man who was a member of Coughlin’s team at Boston College and developed leukemia. The courage, compassion and faith he demonstrated during the course of his illness were an inspiration to many people. The mission of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation is to assist children with leukemia and other cancers and their families by providing emotional and financial support to help reduce the stress associated with treatment and improve their quality of life.