Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) raised more than $375,000 at its 2026 Beam of Light Beach Ball, “A Garden of Grace,” held Aug. 29 at TPC Sawgrass.
More than 300 guests and sponsors came together for an evening of celebration, generosity and community support, raising critical funds to help local families, seniors and single mothers stay in their homes, keep their utilities on, put food on the table and move toward greater financial stability.
Presented by Berry & Co. Real Estate, the annual Beach Ball highlighted the people, partnerships and programs that allow BEAM to serve neighbors throughout the Beaches community.
Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman served as emcee for the evening, with BEAM Chief Executive Officer Jeff Winkler welcoming guests and sharing highlights of the organization’s impact over the past year. Susan King, BEAM Trailblazer and president and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida, also took part in the evening’s program.
“I’m proud to be part of an event that brings together so many people who care deeply about this community,” said Hoffman. “It’s meaningful to see everyone rally behind BEAM’s mission to help neighbors through difficult times.”
Winkler reported that in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, BEAM distributed 1.5 million pounds of food — equivalent to 1.3 million meals — and harvested more than 10,000 pounds of produce from its Grace and Giving Gardens. The organization recorded 12,866 pantry visits and senior food deliveries, provided wraparound support to 130 senior households and distributed $850,589 in emergency financial assistance to 971 households. BEAM also supported 66 single mothers, while 501 volunteers contributed more than 51,000 service hours.
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments was the presentation of BEAM’s 2026 Shining Light Award to longtime Garden Manager Mary Ellen Waugh. Waugh was recognized for 13 years of service and for embodying BEAM’s mission and values through her work nurturing Grace Garden, A Giving Garden and the relationships that have helped both programs flourish.
Liz Stewart, owner of Liz Stewart Floral Design in Jacksonville Beach, transformed the room into a true Garden of Grace with her breathtaking floral designs and, with his signature call of “Let’s kick it!” U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean brought energy and humor to the live auction.
Catherine Yant, three-year Beach Ball committee head and a Beaches resident for more than 30 years said, “Chairing BEAM’s Beach Ball is incredibly rewarding because every effort supports an organization that meets people with empathy, dignity and the resources they need to build better lives. It’s also a joy to work alongside BEAM’s dedicated staff, and I’m grateful to be part of such meaningful work in our community.”
The event was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Berry & Co. Real Estate and numerous corporate, foundation and individual sponsors, including Diamond Sponsors Turner Home and Turner ACE; Platinum Sponsors Sabatino Family Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities; as well as Gold and Silver sponsors whose support helped make the evening a success.
“The generosity shown at this year’s Beach Ball was extraordinary, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who came together to help us continue serving our local neighbors in need,” Winkler said.
