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.