The renowned 100-year-old philanthropist Inez McDonald has again made a $100,000 contribution to a St. Augustine nonprofit.
Her generosity this year benefits the youth of St. Augustine by helping to construct the St. Augustine Yacht Club’s Sailing Center and providing sailing scholarships for children from underserved communities. Her commitment also includes $25,000 in matching funds, designed to motivate additional contributions from the public.
In recognition of her significant gift, the Sailing Center’s main classroom will be named in honor of Inez McDonald. A reception in her honor will be held at the St. Augustine Yacht Club at 2 p.m. Sept. 6, when McDonald will meet with youth sailors and their families.
“With this generous donation, our capital campaign has eclipsed the $1-million mark, providing us with the funds needed to complete construction and bring this decade-long dream to life,” said Mike Bedford, St. Augustine Yacht Club Foundation treasurer. “We are so grateful for Ms. McDonald and all of our supporters for sharing our dream and helping us build this new facility that will be used to teach sailing and life skills to thousands of our community youth.”
McDonald’s Legacy
McDonald began giving large donations to area charities in 2008 with a donation to Habitat for Humanity. In 2009, she began $10,000 matching gifts to encourage others to donate to Habitat for Humanity and St. Francis House.
She has since increased her generosity to annual donations of $100,000 that have benefited the Lightner Museum, Habitat for Humanity, Council on Aging, West Augustine Health and Wellness Center and Limelight Theatre. Earlier this year McDonald was recognized for her gifts to the arts by the St. Johns Cultural Council with a ROWITA award (Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts).
When asked what inspires her to give, McDonald replied, “I want my legacy to be that Inez McDonald is remembered for recognizing the needs of St. Augustine and for doing her best to address those needs. There is joy in giving to this wonderful town I love so much.”
McDonald attributes her vitality to ballroom dancing, which she embraced upon retiring to St. Augustine several decades ago, and to an active lifestyle including weight training, daily squats and tai chi — activities she began at age 80. Though she acknowledges slowing down somewhat since reaching her centennial milestone, those who know her affirm that her enthusiasm and sharp mind remain undiminished.
About the Sailing Center
Located on Salt Run adjacent to the St. Augustine Yacht Club, the new 2,500-square-foot facility will include instructional rooms, offices and ample storage for boats and equipment, including a 300-foot pier and large floating dock that were opened earlier this year.
The facility is expected to be fully completed in early 2026 and will host a variety of instructional programs including: summer sail camps, after-school adventure camps, beginner-to-advanced competitive youth sailing teams and learn-to-sail clinics and evening racing for adults.
These programs are operated by St. Augustine Yacht Club Sailing Center, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, whose mission is to provide affordable access to sailing and boating for youth in and around St. Augustine.
“I truly believe that to teach a child to sail is to give a gift for life and has impacts far beyond time on the water with us,” sailing director Marissa Burrier said. “I believe the power of the sport of sailing unites, breaks down barriers and enhances the lives of everyone who gets to enjoy it.”
The Sailing Center will be named after Drs. Stanley and Catherine Paris, who donated the land to the City of Saint Augustine and additional funds to support construction. The property was deeded to the city and then leased to the Yacht Club for a term of 99 years.
