STAR of Coastal Georgia offers the perfect opportunity to kick off summer each year with their annual STARgazing Low Country Boil at Village Creek Landing. This year's event is on Thursday, May 8, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Plan to come enjoy a classic Low Country Boil prepared by Mr. Shuck's Seafood, lively music by Owen Plant, and a chance to watch the sun set and dance under the stars while benefiting a good cause.
Now in its fifth year, the STARgazing Low Country Boil serves as a major fundraiser for STAR of Coastal Georgia, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting workforce development in our community by empowering and equipping individuals with essential job skills, financial literacy, and career readiness programs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in exciting raffle prizes and an in-event donation initiative. Businesses interested in supporting STAR can also take advantage of sponsorship opportunities to gain community visibility while contributing to their impactful cause.
Proceeds from this event will directly support STAR’s programs, helping individuals of all ages—from teenagers to seniors—gain the knowledge and foundational skills they need to thrive both personally and professionally. STAR has evolved immensely over the years since it was first established in 1996 as computer classes for public housing residents to give them access to better employment opportunities. Now their focus is not just supporting individuals, but the broader economy as well—on the long-term economic empowerment that comes from building a skilled and prepared local workforce.
STAR continues to expand its impact and strengthen our community through key initiatives for a wide range of creative programming that meet people where they are in life and career, regardless of age or background. STAR's flagship program, the Employment Readiness Program (ERP), equips individuals with practical tools to secure and retain employment across a range of industries. They have partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia to teach high school students budgeting, credit, and smart money habits that set them up for long-term success. They also launched Senior Technology Bootcamps to help older adults confidently navigate technology—from online safety, using tablets to accessing online services.
STAR now serves as a bridge between workforce needs and community talent. They are actively leveraging and expanding community partnerships, collaborating with local nonprofits, schools, and businesses to expand program reach and effectiveness. Those partnerships include the Brunswick Housing Authority, Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, Roosevelt Senior Citizens Center, New Roots Glynn, Golden Isles College & Career Academy, and the Camden Connection. As an often overlooked non-profit, STAR seeks grant partners and donors so they can continue to provide and expand training programs that help individuals build essential job skills and career readiness. By fostering more skilled and workforce prepared individuals in our community, we are contributing to the long-term growth and economic stability of Coastal Georgia. That’s a win-win situation.
Julie Martin, Brunswick City Commissioner sums it up well. “STAR creates a sense of purpose, value and community among its participants. STAR adds tremendously to our workforce productivity and quality, while transforming lives and families.”
The annual STARgazing Low Country Boil summer kick-off celebration is STAR’s way of bringing the community together to raise funds and awareness through an unforgettable evening of food, music, and purpose. Contributions from this event will ensure that STAR’s vital services continue to grow and reach even more people in need. To learn more about STAR’s programs, visit starofcoastalga.org. While you’re there, click on the Events tab to purchase tickets for the STARgazing Low Country Boil. If you can’t attend, consider supporting STAR through one of the sponsorship opportunities or donations. We hope to see YOU under the stars at Village Creek Landing on May 8 as we kick off a summer of fun.
