One of Us: Nancy Morrison

Posted

Nancy Morrison is a co-chair of the 12th annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic in Ponte Vedra Beach, which is taking place Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. The Classic and ensuing events support Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center Beaches in their mission to research and treat breast cancer. Morrison is chairing the events with Joanne Ghiloni. The two women have been co-chairs for the last two years.

Can you please tell us about your background?

My husband and I have been in the real estate and luxury home construction business for many years. We owned and operated Benchmark Custom Luxury Homes for the last 20 years, where we built high-end homes in Ponte Vedra and the surrounding area. We have recently retired and are planning to start construction of a home for ourselves in Marsh Landing. I would say it is our final home, but we have moved locally 19 times in 38 years. No one believes me anymore when I say, “final home.”

How did you get involved with Pink Ribbon? What’s it mean to you to be part of it?

I was recruited to join the board of Pink Ribbon about nine years ago when Robin Wahby, who was chairperson at the time, asked if Pink Ribbon could use our home for the annual cocktail party. The event was so well done, and the stories of many of the survivors who attended the cocktail party were so compelling. I decided it was an organization I could get behind. When I found out that everyone on the board is a volunteer, expenses are kept at an absolute minimum and all money raised stays local, I was IN! I have known several women who were home building clients of ours that had breast cancer, and both of my grandmothers and my mom were breast cancer survivors.

What activities are up next after the Classic?

The next week, we will be hosting guests at our annual cocktail party, which will be held Oct. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at a home in Marsh Landing. Tickets are still available at $100 per person. The party will have a silent auction featuring pieces from many local artists thanks to the help and coordination of Village Arts. On Nov. 8, one of our original sponsors, Underwood Jewelers, will host our annual check presentation at a David Yurman trunk show where we will present the 2018 check to our beneficiaries, Baptist Medical Center Beaches and Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville. We hope to raise at least $300,000 this year. To date, we have raised over $1,465,000 for the local fight against breast cancer.

How can people get involved?

Pink Ribbon is only as good as its volunteers and the many sponsors and donors who help us each and every year. Currently, we are looking for talented women who have an interest in local philanthropy so that this great organization can continue helping local people stricken with this dreaded disease. Sponsors can get involved at any level starting at $250 for a “Friends of Pink Ribbon” donation, to “Premier” donations that exceed $25,000 each. This area is blessed with many generous people who understand the benefits of local giving. For more information on how you can help, please check out our website at www.pinkribbonjax.org.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area?

I love the Ponte Vedra area for many reasons, but mostly because the people are so generous and fun, and always willing to go the extra mile to give back. Of course, I love the proximity to the ocean and the fact that everything is at your fingertips and nothing is over 10 minutes away.  It’s beautiful, there’s sunshine almost every day and we have the greatest winters ever.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I work out daily at our TFW gym and love spending time with my husband, Rich, and my little fur baby, Zoe. After our new home is complete, Rich and I hope to travel extensively and enjoy our retirement to the fullest.