Hometown Heroes Fashion Show

group photo at Barnabas Center Hometown Heroes Fashion Show

Celebrate Local Heroes for a Cause That Matters

Celebrate local community members while helping neighbors in need! Please join us in honoring the Believers in our Youth: Unsung Heroes who Support Youth in our Community.

JOIN US FOR THE 5th ANNUAL HOMETOWN HEROES FASHION SHOW

Cheer on local coaches, tutors, caregivers, educators, mentors and neighbors as they walk the runway at our 5th annual Hometown Heroes Fashion Show. It’s an uplifting event where you can enjoy atmosphere and appetizers at Mocama Beer Company and bid on a silent auction stocked with goodies – all to support Barnabas Center’s vital health services, empowerment programs and nutrition services.

Tickets are sold out! 

Hometown Heroes Silent Auction

Get ready to bid on an incredible lineup of items at the Hometown Heroes Fashion Show Silent Auction—all in support of Barnabas Center’s mission to serve and empower youth and families in Nassau County.

 

5th annual Hometown Heroes Fashion Show

Feb. 23, 2026

Mocama Beer Company
629 S. 8th St., Fernandina Beach, FL
5:30 to 8 p.m.
Tickets are sold out for this event! 

For more information, contact Trish Thompson at pthompson@barnabasnassau.org.

Nominees Announced for the
2026 Fifth annual Barnabas Center Hometown Heroes

Barnabas Center is proud to announce the 2026 Hometown Heroes—individuals recognized for their outstanding impact on youth in Nassau County. Each year, through our Hometown Heroes Fashion Show, we honor local champions who quietly and faithfully support young people, including coaches, mentors, educators, caregivers, and advocates.

Barb Kent — Rotaract
Sarah Twardy — Nassau County Teacher of the Year, Fernandina Beach High School
Dr. Kathy Burns — Superintendent of Schools, Nassau County School District
Mollie Cressey — Homeless Liaison for the McKinney-Vento Program, Nassau County School District
Bryce Nelson — Fernandina Beach High School Football Assistant Coach, Offensive Coordinator
Lisa Sala — Religious Formation Director, St. Michael’s
Dearsha Johnson — Director of Children’s Merchandising and Programming, Story & Song
Rod Gibson — Fernandina Beach Youth Tennis
Daisy Hester — America’s Youth
Shuala Martin — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida
Lena Ramsay — Area Manager, Nassau County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida
Jacque Banks — Program Director, Take Stock in Children
Eric Kubatzke, Pat & Jeremy Ferry — Fernandina Beach Wrestling Club
Frances Peters — Founder of Front Porch Beads

2026 Hometown Heroes Sponsors

Runway Sponsor

Anonymous 

Healthy Community Sponsor

Anne & Bill Gower

Community Sponsor

Mary Anne Sharer

Donna & Jim Sweet

Duo Hero Sponsor

Robin & Robert Cormier

Eileen & Stuart Klein

Hero Sponsors

Karen & Rick Kirkendall

May Lyn & Jeremy Marshall

Jamie & Stephen Reynolds

Linda Simmon & Louis F. Tuzy

BECOME A SPONSOR

Support the Hometown Heroes Fashion Show by becoming a valued sponsor! We are currently offering sponsorship opportunities at all levels.

With your help as a sponsor, we will focus on local unsung heroes who embody the spirit of Nassau County. You will be featured and spotlighted as a sponsor to include your logo in pre-event promotions, publicity and on-site profiles at the event. Additionally, you will be recognized by the emcees, in promotional media during the evening, and in the event’s print program.

Would you consider becoming part of the Barnabas Center 5th annual Hometown Heroes Fashion Show and join us as a sponsor? Please help us recognize those individuals who personify the superheroes who make a difference in the lives of our youth. We have options and would love to tailor a sponsorship package for you to help celebrate the Believers in our Youth.

If you’re interested in sponsoring this special event, please contact Nicola Barnack at nbarnack@barnabasnassau.org or click the button below to learn more.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Whether you need assistance, want to get involved or just have a thought to share, we’re always happy to listen and help however we can. We’re committed to making sure everyone in our community feels heard, valued and supported.