Gingerbread Extravaganza -- More than a beloved holiday tradition!
Donations to Gingerbread Extravaganza -- our major fundraiser -- help keep the lights on and the doors open at the Jacksonville Historical Society.
$57,585 raised
$100,000 goal
We are no longer accepting donations on this campaign, but there are other ways for you to support us today!
Keep Jacksonville's most beloved holiday tradition alive!
This beloved, family-friendly Jacksonville tradition -- now in its 19th year -- was founded by the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville in 2003 as a fundraiser to benefit other nonprofits, including the historical society, and was hosted by the club through 2010. The Jacksonville Historical Society became the host of the event in 2011 and it is held in Old St. Andrew's Church, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. This year we are using the event to kick off celebrations for Jacksonville's Bicentennial in 2022.
The event is our major fundraiser, which proceeds enable us to maintain an extensive archive and research library of photographs, newspaper clippings, books, artifacts and other collectible ephemera pertaining to Jacksonville history. Why does that matter? Awareness of the past fosters a sense of place and identity in the present. Jacksonville’s stories allow us to understand who has been here before, what they did, and what happened as a result. Learning and sharing Jacksonville’s stories with others is how we take ownership of this place and become its citizens. That is the value of history, and that is why, after more than 92 years, the Jacksonville Historical Society is more relevant than ever.
Any donation is welcome! Sponsorship levels include:
Under $500 – Stocking Stuffers
$500-$999 – Santa’s Elves
$1,000-$2,499 – Santa’s Reindeers
$2,500-$4,999 – Holiday Stars
$5,000-$9,999 – Holiday Angels
$10,000+ – Presenting Sponsors: Our marquee level sponsors currently include VyStar Credit Union, Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund, and the Cultural Council.