Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6PM
Bowing Oaks, 7743 Alphons St.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the St. Johns River and the stories, history, and people that have shaped Mandarin. Enjoy an exceptional dinner, inspiring company, and a one-of-a-kind experience while supporting Mandarin Museum’s work to preserve and share the stories of our community.
Mandarin Museum & Historical Society is thrilled to host its 2026 annual fundraising dinner on Thursday, September 17th at the beautiful Bowing Oaks. With a theme of “Always the River,” the evening will be a true celebration of what has been foundational to our love for the community and its history – the St. Johns River!
At 6:00 pm, Mandarin Museum’s Board of Directors will welcome guests for cocktail hour and the opening of the silent auction. The fun continues with a custom dinner and dessert menu curated by Chef’s Garden and our dear friend Chef Dennis Chan of Blue Bamboo. Throughout, guests will enjoy a fun-filled program of speakers and entertainment chronicling the river’s central role in the history and culture of Mandarin, including a very special “Always the River” musical performance by museum house band The Orange Pickers. Mandarin Museum will also bestow its annual Always the River Award on the 2026 honoree for their role in ensuring the St. Johns River remains in the hearts, minds, and hands of the community.
Our 2026 Always the River Award recipient is Lisa “the Boatanista” Almeida!
Co-owner of Freedom Boat Club of Northeast Florida, Lisa has been a tireless champion of our beloved St. Johns River. She has made it her business to get as many people as she can out onto the water, cultivating a continued appreciation within the community for our most precious natural resource.
Since our founding, Mandarin Museum & Historical Society has preserved and shared Mandarin’s past, not only for our present, but also to ensure a future firmly rooted in a longstanding sense of community. As Mandarin’s famed riverfront resident, Harriet Beecher Stowe, once remarked, “The past, the present, and the future are really one: they are today.” Proceeds from our 4th annual fundraising dinner will enable Mandarin Museum to continue this mission by supporting operations and an array of programs that educate, entertain, and inspire.
Thank you to our 2026 Presenting Sponsor!
– Gold Sponsors –
– Silver Sponsors –
Sponsors
– for Museum Volunteer Dinner Tickets –
Dr. Edward N. Cohill, USN (Ret.)
Dr. Jim & Mrs. Renee Waler
– Audio/Visual Sponsor –
The highlight was a special screening of the short film, Celebrating 35 Years of Mandarin Museum, produced by our dear friend, Olis Garber. Enjoy the extended version below.
Aren’t able to attend but still want to support Mandarin Museum with a tax-deductible gift? Consider making a donation in lieu of attendance