The Women’s Food Alliance celebrated its 13th anniversary at Lynda’s at The South Ponte Vedra Ocean Club on Tuesday, April 28. The celebration was a fun, festive affair with its tropical seaside theme and delicious food and a group of talented ladies and gentlemen guests in attendance.
Members were greeted at the door with tropical leis in an array of colors that paired with their first sweet mango mocktail. Hors d’oeuvres were served during nearly an hour of mingling, laughter and lively conversation and introductions. The club’s tables were decorated with cheerful, beach-inspired décor provided by member Anne Urban, while giant TV screens featured 250 photos that spanned 13 years of Women’s Food Alliance events and friendships that continue today.
Before dinner, Leigh Cort, founder and well-known host of the WFA, thanked all the people who helped make the evening possible. She applauded Jacksonville restaurateur Lynda Culhane-Merritt, who opened Lynda’s at the Ocean Club in 2025.
Cort shared a heartfelt poem about the thrill of teamwork, partnerships and creativity in hospitality followed by introducing the current WFA leadership team of 10 women. Cort admitted that the Women’s Food Alliance was a dream of hers, starting with a dinner party of eight women in varied hospitality careers in 2013. They didn’t know each other when they met, but by the end of their first dinner together, they felt like old friends. It has continued to grow successfully over the years as Cort and her members celebrate the diversity of cultures and careers. Everyone’s mutual respect, support and love for each other was evident throughout the night.
Culhand-Merritt, also the co-owner of Culhane’s Irish Pub and 5 Sisters Vodka with her three sisters, spoke about her gratitude for Cort’s leadership and encouragement over the years.
“It’s important to be surrounded by women who care about and support each other,” she said. “I’ve been very blessed to have three wonderful partners here in the U.S., with another sister in Ireland. Thus, the creation of 5 Sisters Spirit Vodka. The hospitality industry is challenging; but what makes it easy and fun are the people and meaningful connections like the Women’s Food Alliance.”
As guests dined on a tasty dinner of a variety of the chef’s gourmet pastas, conversation was sparkling while they listened to music by Yael ZaZa Flamenca. A fun limbo contest brought cheers and laughter as the ladies “limbered up for the limbo.”
One of the evening highlights was the No. 13 celebratory cake, created by Isela Gonzalez and Nelly Santiago, owners of Paladar Cuban Eatery. They decorated the cake table with a bold array of florals, pearls and lighting that commemorated the special occasion.
“The Women’s Food Alliance was founded upon women caring about each other, lending a helping hand, being a haven of trusted advice and always remembering that it’s friendship first,” Cort said.
The event’s finale included awarding culinary and travel raffle prizes that happily closed another spectacular evening with the Women’s Food Alliance. The 13th anniversary celebration was a triumph of all that the Women’s Food Alliance has accomplished throughout the years as it expands into central Florida, according to Cort.
Cort shared a few closing words and graciously thanked everyone from coastal Georgia and Northeast Florida for attending the Lucky 13th celebration.
