The I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless held their 5th Annual Transformation event last night at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. The evening was a tribute to nine special individuals whose lives have been changed by their experiences at the center. This event is the center's signature fundraiser, and has been described as Jacksonville's best feel good event.
Cornerback Fernando Bryant, currently serving as spokesperson for the center, attended the event escorting Anthony Nelson, designer of the 2003 Holiday Card, on-stage. Anthony was one of the nine individuals featured at Transformations.
"Anthony is a special young man, and I am very proud of his accomplishments and all that he has been able to overcome," said Fernando.
Funds raised from the event will go towards the continued service the center provides for guests with the most basic of daily needs – three meals and a warm bed. Also, proceeds from an auction of cigar boxes transformed into purses by local celebrities and artists will support the new Children's Department of the Arts at Sulzbacher. The new center will provide children with a nurturing environment to broaden their minds and develop a life-long appreciation of the arts.
The I. M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless is home to over 300 homeless men, women and children. At any given point in time, more than 60 children live at the center.
