INK! is pleased to announce an upcoming fundraiser in partnership with Ocean Sole, a non-profit based in Ponte Vedra Beach and Kenya, Africa.
The Art of the Possible Flip Flop Soiree will be held at Asado Life, a renowned waterfront restaurant in St. Augustine with a sense of community, compassion, and unique culinary style. The event will benefit STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs in St. Johns County School District.
Activities will be held on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 pm until 9:00 pm at Asado Life, 173 Shipyard Way, for an evening of purpose and networking along with asado cuisine, live music, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on education and families in need throughout St. Johns County. Individual ticket prices are $125 per person. VIP packages are $200 and include preferred seating, a large Ocean Sole sculpture, and two beverage tickets. For ticket information and to purchase visit https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/flipflopsoiree.
The event features the tradition of asado cooking which dates back centuries, to the time when the Spanish colonists brought cattle to Argentina. The gauchos, or Argentine cowboys, quickly adopted the practice of cooking meat over an open flame.
The local restaurant will be creating the traditional cooking methods with modern day fine dining. On April 18, the five-course Asado Trio meal will include Parrilla Roasted Prime Picanha, House made Argentinian Malbec Infused Chorizo, and Signature Spiced All Natural Chicken Thighs Chimichurri. A vegetarian option is also available. All food will be prepared by Asado Life’s renowned chefs, featuring the finest locally sourced ingredients while dining al fresco along the historic San Sebastian river.
Investing in Kids (INK!) has cultivated success for students and teachers through funding, initiatives, and inspiration since 1994. Participation and donations at The Art of the Possible will help provide educational resources, innovative programs, and classroom support to teachers and students across St. Johns County, ensuring that local children have access to a brighter future.
“As CEO of Ocean Sole, I’m excited about our partnership with INK! for the inaugural ‘Art of the Possible’ event. Our experience at Ocean Sole has taught us the invaluable role of art in education and empowerment, particularly for women,” said Erin Smith. “Through transforming flip-flops into meaningful art, we’ve seen how creativity fosters creativity and collaboration, enhances learning, and fosters economic empowerment. The INK! and Ocean Sole collaboration allows us to share our passion for integrating art with STEM, demonstrating that the addition of art makes learning more engaging and comprehensive,” she said. “We’re proud to support an initiative event that prepares students for a future where they can innovate, collaborate, learn, lead, and make a positive impact on their world.”
According to Cathy Newman, INK!’s executive director, event sponsors include: All American Air Charitable Foundation, The Volen Group – Keller Williams Luxury International, Old Town Trolley Tours, Leonard’s Photography, and Grand Canyon University. The event will feature a silent and live auction, photo booth, custom selfie station, door prizes, and live acoustic music. Unique items available in the auctions include a five night stay at a four star beachfront resort in Mexico; Golf and a three night stay at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head; a World Traveler Package including choice of locations in Tuscany, Bali, Thailand, Paris and Greece for two; guitars autographed by various music legends including Jimmy Buffett and Bruce Springsteen; NFL signed helmets; 2018 USA Women’s Hockey autographed photo; PGA Tour Champions custom memorabilia; local golf course packages; gift certificates; services and baskets from local restaurants, spas, attractions, and more.
“We are excited to host the inaugural Flip Flop Soiree with Ocean Sole at Asado Life to bring our community together and raise awareness for the work that INK! does supporting STEAM programs within the St. Johns County School District as well as the conservation education initiatives that Ocean Sole supports locally and globally,” said Newman. For more information, contact Cathy Newman at 904-547-7120 or email Catherine.Newman@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
Ocean Sole is a forward-thinking non-profit dedicated to transforming pollution into life’s possibilities for many experiencing hardships, with one flip flop at a time. With a heart for the planet and a vision for change, team members and volunteers clean polluted beaches, breathe new life into discarded flip flops through art, and empower communities and artisans in need. Ocean Sole’s functional creations serve as vibrant examples of conservation, while educating the young and old about the urgent need to protect the world’s seas. By championing women-led initiatives and using art as a powerful tool for advocacy, the non-profit strives to clean up the oceans and inspire a wave of change for a sustainable future. For more information about Ocean Sole and its mission to improve environmental conditions, the issues of pollution, and focus on environmental stewardship and economic empowerment, visit the website at https://oceansole.com and #LetsDoGoodTogether.
