Written by: Andrea Lerner Thompson, Club President
After 60 years of service to the community, the Jacksonville Boosters Club spirit continues to thrive. With over 250 individual and 37 business members, the organization works to advance the general welfare and improvement of the city. The Club’s mission states, “we engage the community by preserving Jacksonville’s history and enhancing its livability.” Its early accomplishments include obtaining federal Historic District status for the city and saving historic downtown buildings in the past of a proposed highway project.
Today, Jacksonville Boosters volunteer in a number of standing committees and oversee the maintenance and improvements of Beekman Arboretum, Peter Britt Gardens, and Veterans’ Park. They also hang flags in downtown Jacksonville and Veterans’ Park on national holidays. Club members also engage in civic life by volunteering in support of other groups like the Jacksonville Community Center, the Jacksonville Historic Cemetery, and assisting the Chamber of Commerce with Victorian Christmas and other events. Boosters can often be found serving on the City Council, Boards and Commissions.
Club members are also members of the Jacksonville Boosters Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Since 2012, the Foundation has provided over $500k toward investments in community enhancement. Contributions to the Foundation provide grant funding to entities like the Jacksonville Elementary School music program, Jacksonville Woodlands Association, Art Presence Art Center, Jacksonville Fire Department, the Peter Britt Gardens, and a variety of other Booster led projects.
Membership is open to everyone who has an interest. Annual membership dues are, $25 for individuals; $50 for couples and $40 for businesses. The club meets September through November and January through May on the second Monday of the month, top floor of Jacksonville City Hall, 206 N 5th Street. Refreshments are provided at 9:30am, followed by a one-hour General Meeting at 10am, featuring prominent speakers, discussion of local issues and proposed community projects. Three to four social events are also held during the year. A valuable benefit of membership includes a group discount on Mercy Flights ambulance service.
The Boosters Club tagline is “Make Friends and Make Jacksonville a Better Place–Become a Booster Today! There are many opportunities to get involved and give back to the Jacksonville community. Let us know your background and interests, and we will find a place for your participation.
For more information, visit us at www.jacksonvilleboosters.org. Membership can be completed online via the website or send an email to info@jacksonvilleboosters.org. We invite you to follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com Jacksonville Boosters.
