Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary supports local charities, honors community figures at annual fundraiser
Local Rotarians donned their finest flannels, cowboy hats, and boots earlier this month at the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach’s “Bourbon and Boots”-themed fundraiser.
Hosted virtually and in small groups throughout Ponte Vedra, the club’s annual Mineral City Celebration raised support for several First Coast charities, including the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation. The founder of the nonprofit, tennis great MaliVai Washington, was also the recipient of the club’s “Rock of the Community” award.
“We are honored to support this tremendous role model for our First Coast youth,” said Sam Hall, president of the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach. “His foundation’s mission to support at-risk youth and develop champions in classrooms, on tennis courts, and throughout communities is commendable. We are proud to contribute to his team’s efforts.”
The club also honored Tabitha Furyk, cofounder of the Jim and Tabitha Furyk Foundation and the Rotary’s 2020 Rock of the Community award recipient. Due to the pandemic, the club was unable to hold its Mineral City Celebration and honor Furyk in 2020. However, the club still directed support toward Furyk’s charity of choice, Alex’s Dragonfly Coalition, which strives to destigmatize and raise awareness about mental health.
