For Clare Berry, real estate has never been simply about houses. It’s about people, neighborhoods and the community that turns a house into a home.
For more than four decades, one of Jacksonville’s award-winning Realtors has built her career in Northeast Florida from deep roots in Jacksonville and the Beaches communities she knows as a real estate professional, resident, neighbor, volunteer and supporter.
But one of her most lasting community connections began in 2001.
That year, her son wanted to volunteer at Back to School with BEAM with his classmates at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Clare dropped him off, planning to continue with her busy day.
She drove away.
Then something made her turn around.
When she returned, she saw tables and tables filled with clothing and back-to-school items, along with volunteers happily and willingly giving their time to help neighbors in need. Families were welcomed, children were getting what they needed for school, and the entire effort reflected a community taking care of its own.
What Berry saw made her stay.
Back to School with BEAM had begun in 1994, when BEAM board member Karen Wolfson helped create a one-day shopping event. About 35 volunteers served approximately 250 people that first year, launching what became BEAM’s first organized program beyond emergency assistance.
For Berry, the program captured what made BEAM special.
“BEAM does things like no one else does,” she said.
Her support soon extended beyond her own family. Also in 2001, Berry encouraged fellow Rotarians to support BEAM, helping connect the organization with an even broader network of civic and business leaders. That partnership continues today. This summer, Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary joined with other Rotary organizations to provide BEAM with a large, refrigerated truck, expanding the nonprofit’s ability to safely transport and distribute fresh and perishable food.
Over the years, Clare and her husband, Vance, a lawyer with Stoneburner Berry Purcell & Campbell, P.A., have been major donors and supporters of BEAM. Berry & Co. Real Estate has also been a long-time sponsor of BEAM and its signature Beach Ball fundraiser. In 2026, the company significantly increased its commitment while retaining its role as the event’s presenting sponsor for the fifth consecutive year.
Berry’s philosophy, ‘have an attitude of gratitude,’ reflects a belief that appreciating what you’ve been given also means finding ways to give back.
Over the years, Berry has also devoted her time to multiple local organizations and causes, including decades of service with THE PLAYERS Championship, as well as Audubon, Leadership Jacksonville, Episcopal School of Jacksonville and public education foundations, WJCT and Constellation Furyk & Friends presented by Circle K Champions Tour. Her service has earned recognition including the Ponte Vedra Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award and recognition as one of the Beaches Museum’s “Beaches Legends.”
That spirit of stewardship connects naturally with her real estate career. She has seen firsthand that the strength of a neighborhood is measured by more than property values.
It is measured by people willing to step forward when someone needs help.
Twenty-five years after Clare first turned around, she and Vance are still stepping forward.
On Saturday, Aug. 29, Berry & Co. Real Estate will once again join BEAM and more than 300 guests at the Beach Ball at TPC Sawgrass. It is an opportunity to enjoy a special evening, but more importantly, to help BEAM continue providing food, financial assistance and vital support to Beaches-area neighbors facing difficult times.
For Berry, it all comes back to gratitude — and to taking care of the community you call home.
PHOTO CUTLINES
Photos courtesy of Clare Berry
PHOTO 1
Clare Berry and others gathered at BEAM Back to School Rotary tent
PHOTO 2
Clare Berry and husband Vance at the Beach Ball
PHOTO 3
BEAM back to school with generations
PHOTO 4
Gathered under the tent for BEAM Back to School
PHOTO 5
THE PLAYERS Player Services Committee
PHOTO 6
Clare Berry with the NEFAR Circle of Honor award
PHOTO 7
Episcopal School of Jax Alumna of the Year
PHOTO 8
BEAM Maguire Express (Clare Berry and Michael Bruce)
PHOTO 9
Berry Family photo at Ponte Vedra
PHOTO 10
Ponte Vedra Recorder alumni
