Ponte Vedra Beach resident Shelley Morgan hosted a wellness fundraiser benefiting Volunteers in Medicine on Saturday, June 9 at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach.
The event, entitled "Heart to Heart," featured yoga classes, charcoal painting, massages, makeovers, a silent auction, a physician panel and more.
According to Morgan, who is the 2018 June “Woman with Heart” for the Jacksonville clinic, the event raised $7,500 before doors even opened. She predicted at the event that proceeds could amount to at least $10,000.
"That wasn't the goal," she said. "But if it happens, I love it because $500 gives three months to someone who can't afford medical treatment. $100 gives someone a complete physical and wellness evaluation, and these things are so important to people. They're working, but they can't afford medical insurance and they're making anywhere from $13,000 to $30,000 a year."
The physician question and answer session featured Dr. Pamela Rama, a cardiologist; Dr. C.W. Randolph, an expert in the fields of hormone health and optimal aging medicine; and Dr. Shreena Patel, an orthodontist. Following the panel, Mayo Clinic registered dietician and nutritionist Elizabeth Bailey hosted a diet presentation and food sampling session.
Morgan said her two favorite aspects of the event were the yoga classes and physicians panel.
"It's all about enjoying," she said. "We just want people to come and enjoy. We advertise that it's friends in the community, it's people from all over who come and have a great time."
Volunteers in Medicine is a full service nonprofit clinic providing free medical services and programs to working uninsured individuals and families. For more information on the organization, visit www.volunteersinmedicine.org.