Ponte Vedra Woman's Club raises $110K for charities, scholarships

At a time when many charities are challenged in their fundraising efforts, the Ponte Vedra Woman’s Club has reached a record goal since being established in 1970. It has raised $110,000 for local charities and students for 2026, exceeding all goals.

As of May 20, the Ponte Vedra Woman’s Club has granted its charities $20,000 each. This financial boost will make a difference in the lives of local St. Johns County women and children.

Additionally, scholarship checks will be presented to three winners at $5,000 each: Layla Harvey, Catherine Houston and Kalee Lechleidner.

Charities receiving $20,000 apiece were:

• Betty Griffin Center: Offers shelter and services for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Donation received by CEO Kelly Franklin.

• BEAM: Helps low-income residents in Jacksonville’s beach communities. Donation received by Deb Durbec and Marianne Woodward.

• Mission House: The only day facility to help meet the needs of people who are homeless at the Beaches. Donation received by Lucas Seilhymer.

• Port in the Storm: This is the only homeless youth shelter in St. Johns County for ages 18-24. Donation received by Joy Case, director of development.

The Ponte Vedra Woman’s Club supports its legacy charity, as well:

• Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind: Educating students from all over Florida, tuition-free, who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deaf and blind.

“I have served for the last two years as the Ponte Vedra Woman’s Club president and am thrilled to have been elected for another two years,” said Anne Urban. “We have doubled our fundraising and our membership this past year. We are proud to share we now have 190 PV Woman’s Club members.”

Learn more at www.pontevedrawomansclub.com.