On Tuesday, Dec. 7, the Ponte Vedra Beach Division of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce held its annual holiday party, Jingle and Mingle.
Donations were taken from attendees to benefit Fostering Connections, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 that provides support for children in foster care and foster parents through fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy.
Karen Everett, division director, said dozens of items and gift cards were donated at the event.
“The gifting was coordinated by the Chamber’s Ambassadors, and staff and board members of Fostering Connections were pleased at the generosity shown by Chamber members,” Everett said, “and know that the gifts will make a difference in a young person’s life.”
“I was so excited to see the full boxes and to see the overwhelming support for our organization this holiday season,” said Aubrie Simpson-Gotham, founder and CEO of Fostering Connections St. Johns. “I’m thankful for the Ponte Vedra Beach Division Ambassadors and all of the members who attended the event and are supporting our local kids impacted by foster care this holiday season.”
Fostering Connections is based in St. Augustine but serves all of St. Johns County. It has recently expanded services to Putnam, Flagler and Volusia counties. So far this year, it has served more than 150 children and youth. The organization provides children and youth with needed essentials, educational programs and community connections.
Anyone who wants to donate to Fostering Connections, may go to fosteringconnectionsstjohns.org. Volunteer opportunities are frequently posted there, as well.
On Sunday, Jan. 2, the organization will conduct its Foster Friends 5K and Fun Run in Nocatee. It will start at 8 a.m. For more information go to runsignup.com/Race/FL/PonteVedra/FosteringFriends5K.
“We hope many of our supporters can join us,” said Simpson-Gotham. “It will be a great way to start the new year.”
