2011 Gala Girls: Jennifer Jordan, Teri Shoemaker, and Susan Surage

Travel back in time to the Golden Age of Hollywood, when gentlemen put on their top hats and ladies dripped in diamonds.

Join in the glamour of searchlights and red carpet premiers as the Junior Service League of St. Augustine (JSL) hosts its annual gala October 22 at the Lightner Museum.

Once again, the Lightner Museum has graciously donated its enchanting venue for the JSL's major fundraiser. It's the perfect setting for this year's theme: "Swing Back to Classic Hollywood". It's sure to be the cat's meow!

JSL has been active in St. Augustine for more than 75 years. Each year, members of the JSL donate thousands of hours to community causes and local non-profit organizations.

The fall gala serves as their annual fundraiser and benefits such local charities as The Arc of the St. Johns, Batten's Disease Awareness, The Homeless Coalition, The St. Augustine Lighthouse, The St. Augustine Roadrunner, St. Augustine Youth Services, Willich Kid's Bridge Family Visitation Center.

The evening will begin as guests enter through the grand lobby, where paparazzi will be waiting to take photos and catch a glimpse of the "stars." On the third floor of the ritzy museum, champagne will flow as guests mingle with movie stars - well, at least lookalikes! Not big on bubbly? Work up some moxie and try a vintage cocktail.

For dinner, guests will move down to the mezzanine where an elegant dinner, including a carving station and potato mash-tinis, will be served. For dessert, guests can look forward to a variety of sweet treats, including the trendiest and tastiest cupcakes in town, provided by LuLi's Cupcakes.

During the meal, guests will be serenaded with swing, swing, swing classics by KTB Entertainment. After dinner, Guys and Dolls can venture down to the dance floor and try the jitterbug or Lindy Hop. Professional dancers will be on hand to show guests how its done. They'll be Stompin' at The Savoy in no time! Gentlemen may venture out to the terrace and enjoy a hand-rolled cigar at the cigar bar and a glass of rye. More of a Rat Pack kind of guy? Head to the gaming tables and give craps a try. Of course, dames are welcome, too.

Throughout the party, dancers, magicians, and celebrity impersonators will be roaming through the hotel, puttin' on the glitz and setting the mood.

But the whoopee doesn't stop there. The ladies of the JSL have orchestrated a lovely silent auction. Items including jewelry, art, excursions and vacations will all be up for auction. See a full list of the businesses donating items at www.jslofstaugustine.org.

The JSL's most recent project, the restoration of the Lightner East gallery, will be on display for all attendees. Join us for a hootenanny of a good time!

JSL President Elect (2012), Erin Warrell      JSL President (2011), Ellen Walden