The Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach hosted its annual Mineral City fundraiser on Saturday, May 4, at TPC Sawgrass.
Attended by over 500 people, the Gatsby-themed event honored former PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman with the club’s “Rock of the Community” Award for his efforts in making Ponte Vedra Beach the golf destination and community it is today.
“We are so honored to be here tonight and honor Deane Beman for his vision that transformed Ponte Vedra Beach,” Rotary Club President Vickie Cavey said. “His vision that has contributed $100 million to charity in Northeast Florida. His vision that has had a $3 billion impact.”
A four-time PGA TOUR champion, Beman is widely credited with transforming professional golf into a billion-dollar sport with an international following during his tenure as PGA TOUR commissioner. Central to Beman’s vision for the TPC tournament network was the mandate that each tournament would be a 501c3 nonprofit, with tournament proceeds donated to area charities in recognition of the vital role local volunteers played in making the tournaments happen.
In addition to receiving the award, Beman and his wife, Judy, were presented with rutilated quartz cufflinks and a rutilated quartz necklace from Miriam’s Jewelry.
“I want to say first, not only is it an honor to be here, but I also want to make sure to thank all of you here tonight to support the Rotary Club and the beneficiaries that are so important to this community,” Beman said. “My many thanks to all of you who have contributed to tonight and contributed all year long.”
The primary beneficiary of the fundraiser was Beman’s charity of choice, Vision is Priceless, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the visual health of children and adults in Northeast Florida through education, vision screenings, treatment and referrals. The club’s fundraising efforts will also benefit numerous other nonprofits and organizations in the area.
The Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Foundation has distributed $1.5 million to area nonprofits. Some previous beneficiaries of the Foundation include Beaches Habitat for Humanity, BEAM, Betty Griffin Center, Bright Holidays, Community Hospice and Council on Aging, among several others.
In addition to honoring Beman, the Rotary fundraiser also featured entertainment by The Groov, BSweet Entertainment, a Social Affair Dance Studio; decorations by Mugwump Productions; a diamond necklace giveaway thanks to Miriam’s Jewelry; five antique cars; a silent auction; and more. The event was emceed by Channel 4 news anchor Kent Justice.
Sponsors included THE PLAYERS, Ring Power, Gary and Nancy Chartrand, John and Gail Casey, Bright and Randie Skinner, Carl and Judy Stoudemire, Joe and Brenda Adeeb, Advanced Disposal, Bono’s, Killashee Investments, Miller, the PARC Group, Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach, EY, the Bailey Group, Mugwump Productions, Sight & Sound Productions and several others.
For more information on the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach, visit http://www.pvbrotary.org/.
