Jacksonville Fundraiser Raised $600,000 for MS Research
The local event organizer leverages professional background in lobbying to scale charitable results.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Teresa Eichner, founder of Jax Bourbon Social, has raised $600,000 for multiple sclerosis research following her 2016 diagnosis. The initiative has grown from its inaugural event to secure recognition from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Why it matters
The effort highlights how private-sector skill sets, including marketing and government relations, can be applied to effectively scale non-profit fundraising initiatives. Her work addresses a condition affecting an estimated 60,000 people in Florida.
The initiative has scaled fundraising significantly from $23,520 in 2021 to $60,769 in 2022, reaching a total of $600,000. These resources support research for a condition impacting approximately 1 million people nationwide.
The players
Teresa Eichner
Founder of Jax Bourbon Social who leverages marketing and lobbying expertise for MS advocacy.
Jax Bourbon Social
A Jacksonville-based organization that hosts tasting and auction events to generate research funding.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
A national non-profit organization focused on research and patient support for those with MS.
The details
Teresa Eichner founded Jax Bourbon Social in 2020, utilizing whiskey tasting and auction events as the primary mechanism for generating capital. She leverages professional experience in marketing, public relations, and lobbying to manage the organization and advocate for research funding at the state and federal levels.
Timeline
2016: Teresa Eichner received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
2020: Jax Bourbon Social was established.
2021: The inaugural fundraising event was held, raising $23,520.
2022: The second annual event raised $60,769.
2026: Teresa Eichner was named the Dinner of Champions Honoree.
Market Landscape
The recognition marks the formal integration of an independent local fundraising model into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Dinner of Champions framework. This shift follows a broader industry trend where specialized non-profits increasingly partner with private-sector advocates.
Operators looking to align their business with charitable causes should consider how leveraging specific industry skills, such as lobbying or public relations, can accelerate fundraising milestones. Aligning with established national organizations can help scale an independent project's reach.
The takeaway
The successful growth of Jax Bourbon Social demonstrates that applying corporate strategic skill sets to charitable work can yield high-impact results. Operators can monitor the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's advocacy platform for future opportunities to engage in regional health policy.
Further reading
For more on how local business leaders contribute to community causes, see our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Times-Union.
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Should communities rely on private volunteer-led events to fund critical medical research?
