A Jacksonville woman who has multiple sclerosis came up with a unique fundraising idea — a bourbon and whiskey tasting and auction — that has helped raise about $600,000 for critical research and improved treatments since 2021.
Teresa Eichner donated the proceeds to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and its Florida Chapter recently named her its 2026 Dinner of Champions Honoree. She is the first person living with MS and the first society trustee selected for the award.
"This one means more to me than I can put into words," Eichner said. "When I was diagnosed with MS in 2016, I never could have imagined where that diagnosis would take me. What began as a life-changing moment became a journey of purpose, advocacy, friendship and service.
Along the way, I’ve learned that sometimes the hardest chapters of our lives can become the chapters that give our lives the greatest purpose."
Eichner, chief of public information for the Jacksonville City Council, founded Jax Bourbon Social in 2020. The first event in 2021 raised $23,520. The next one in 2022 more than doubled the proceeds, raising $60,769. The latest brought in $142,022.
"I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, colleagues, my Jax Bourbon Social family the MS community, my fellow trustees and everyone who has stood beside me and helped turn my personal MS journey into a commitment to helping others," she said.
MS is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. There is currently no cure. An estimated 1 million people in the U.S., including nearly 60,000 in Florida, live with the disease.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize Teresa’s leadership and dedication to the MS Society’smission," said Robin Nunley, executive director of the Florida Chapter of the National MS Society. "I can personally attest to her passion and commitment. There is no one better to receive this honor.”
Since Eichner was diagnosed, she has also used her marketing and public and government relations experience leading MS Walk teams, serving on the society's Florida board and lobbying in Florida and Washington, D.C., among other things.
For more information about Jax Bourbon Social, go to jaxbourbonsocial.com. For more information about MS and the society, go to nationalmssociety.org.
Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at bcravey@jacksonville.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville woman turns bourbon into MS research, raises $600,000
