Teresa Eichner Raised $600,000 for MS Research
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recognized the Jacksonville philanthropist as its 2026 Dinner of Champions Honoree.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Jacksonville resident Teresa Eichner has raised $600,000 for multiple sclerosis research through her organization, Jax Bourbon Social. In recognition of her efforts, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society named her its 2026 Dinner of Champions Honoree.
Why it matters
The funds support critical research for the estimated 1 million Americans and 60,000 Floridians living with multiple sclerosis. Eichner founded the organization to support the cause following her own diagnosis in 2016.
Eichner's latest fundraising event generated $142,022, marking a significant increase from the $23,520 raised in 2021. Approximately 60,000 people in Florida live with the condition.
The players
Teresa Eichner
She is the founder of Jax Bourbon Social and a dedicated advocate for multiple sclerosis research.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
This nonprofit organization funds research and provides support services to individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
The details
Eichner utilizes her professional background in government relations, public relations, and marketing to organize whiskey tasting and auction events. She also leads teams to lobby for multiple sclerosis advocacy in Washington, D.C.
Timeline
Teresa Eichner received an MS diagnosis in 2016.
Eichner founded Jax Bourbon Social in 2020.
The first fundraising event was held in 2021.
The second fundraising event occurred in 2022.
Eichner was named Dinner of Champions Honoree in 2026.
Market Landscape
Eichner's work follows the established pattern of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Dinner of Champions, which highlights individuals who drive significant philanthropic growth. This honors a shift toward personal advocacy roles within medical nonprofit fundraising ecosystems.
Local residents looking to support the cause can participate in upcoming bourbon and whiskey tasting events hosted by Jax Bourbon Social. These community initiatives serve as the primary vehicle for the organization's fundraising and advocacy efforts.
The takeaway
Eichner's transition from a personal diagnosis to leading large-scale advocacy efforts illustrates the impact individual initiatives can have on national health outcomes. Her success demonstrates how specialized events can effectively scale charitable contributions over several years.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by exploring the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Times-Union.
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