Episcopal Children’s Services Children’s Champion gala now virtual

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Concerns over COVID-19 left a local organization that serves children without a place to hold a major event.

Episcopal Children's Services was set to hold it's Children's Champion gala at UNF this month.

Action News Jax anchor Tenikka Hughes was set to emcee.

Due the to coronavirus outbreak, UNF limited its on campus events, while leaders are asking people to avoid large gatherings and events.

Instead of cancelling altogether, Episcopal Children’s Services CEO Connie Stophel says her team decided to think outside the box.

They decide to hold a virtual gala online, featuring videos of the three honorees, a "silent" auction and a text-to-give donation option.

Stophel told Action News Jax, "We put our heads together and that's what we've come up with. We're going to do this online with links and our videos that we already have. They're all excited. My team is amazing. They don't give up easy and I don't either."

ECS provides early childhood education services for more than 50,000 children across 14 counties in our area. The Children's Champion Gala is their major fundraiser for the year.

The event will now take place online April 2. You can find more information here.

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