St. Augustine Society Hosts Fall Fling Festival to Support New Family Shelter
CONTACT:
Lydia Diehm
Journalism Intern, St. Johns Moms/Women Group
media@stjohnsmoms.com | (904) 338-2044
ST. AUGUSTINE – St. Augustine Society will host its first Fall Fling Festival on Sunday, September 28, from 12–5 p.m. at the St. Augustine Rod & Gun Club to raise $10,000 for a new family shelter laundry facility.
The festival will fund the Clean Start Laundry facility, a vital space that will allow families in crisis to care for one of life’s most basic needs.
“Something as simple as a washer and dryer makes a world of difference,” said Joy Case, director of development at St. Augustine Society. “It means kids go to school in clean clothes ready to learn, parents can attend job interviews with confidence, and families can focus on moving forward instead of worrying about basic needs.”
The Goff Family Shelter, currently under construction at 64 Washington Street, will more than double the organization’s capacity to serve families with children. They are expanding from 16 beds to 37. The project has been supported by a City of St. Augustine grant, local Rotary Clubs, and countless community donors.
Case added that the Fall Fling is a direct response to community feedback, “Our past events have often been geared toward adults. Families told us they wanted something more inclusive, so we decided to do this fall festival, who doesn't love a fall festival?”
Festival highlights include a charity cornhole tournament, Fall Market, hayrides, bounce houses, cider bar, pumpkin painting, face painting, games, and live bluegrass music from the St. Augustine High School Band. Guests can also enjoy bites from Salt Run Barbecue, Frankie’s Franks, and Travelin' Tom's Coffee of St. Augustine.
General admission tickets are $45 for adults and $10 for kids ages 10 and under. Guests who purchase before September 1st can use code FLINGFUN for $5 off each ticket. Vendor spaces are also available for $100. Tickets and vendor registration are available at stfrancisshelter.org.
The festival is presented by Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf at La Fiesta Ocean Inn & Suites, with venue sponsorship from Island Prep School. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Kate Batzel at k.batzel@stfrancisshelter.org
“We’re very lucky to have the support that we have from our community,” Case said. “Families can come, have fun, and feel fulfilled knowing they are helping our homeless neighbors.”
About St. Augustine Society, Inc.
Founded in 1984, St. Augustine Society provides housing crisis services through St. Francis House, Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center, and SOS Street Outreach Services. One hundred percent of contributions support these programs, which are all under the umbrella of the Society, a 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 59-2475614. Learn more at stfrancisshelter.org and follow along on social media @StFrancisPortInTheStorm.
