PSL Business Women 31st Annual Fashion Show a roaring success

Michelle Glass, at left, Michelle Backus, John Gallagher, and Donna DeMarchi.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women and their guests dressed the part for a Flapper-style 1920’s-themed Fashion Show held on April 22 at Harbour Ridge & Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. More than $24,400 was raised for their Community Action Grants which are awarded to local nonprofit agencies that benefit women and children, and provide scholarships for women who have chosen to continue their education at Indian River State College. Awards and scholarships will be presented later this year.

“The Fashion Show was a huge success,” says co-chair Kathy Post. “It was nice to see so many familiar faces. The guests were having a great time enjoying the wonderful food, the fun photo booth and the silent auction. Our range of fashions appealed to all; there was something for everyone. We truly appreciate all the support in helping to make our event a success and furthering our mission to help the women and children in St. Lucie County.”

Six high school boys outfitted in tuxedos by Cardita Formal Wear escorted guests who sported jeweled and fringed dresses accessorized with long strands of pearls and sparkling feathered headbands, to their seats, adding a touch of elegance to this glamourous event.

Luxury couture fashions by local designers Kallee Jackson (kalleejackson.com), hand-painted clothing and accessories by VIVRE Couture (vivrecouture.com), brightly colored clothing with a tropical flair from Port St. Lucie-based I’ll Have What She’s Wearing (sheswearing.commentsold.com), White House Black Market in Palm Beach Gardens (whitehouseblackmarket.com), Cato’s in St. Lucie West and Cardita Formal Wear in Jensen Beach (carditaformalwear.com).

The 110 silent auction items, including themed gift baskets, gift certificates and memberships generated high-stakes competitiveness. Top takers included four tickets to a Marlins game, including field passes for batting practice, a weekend stay in a 2-bedroom cottage at River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp in Jensen Beach, and a plethora of gift cards presented in a framed collage.

Every year G. Alan’s Fine Jewelry & Coin in Fort Pierce unveils a custom piece of jewelry designed according to the theme of the Fashion Show. This year’s necklace featured a starburst of diamonds with a total of one karat weight surrounding an 8mm freshwater pearl on an 18-inch 14-karat white gold chain. The necklace was valued at $2,200 and generated much enthusiasm. Bernadette Wilkinson was the ultimate winner, immediately donning her prize.

Former PSL Business Women member and past president Michelle MacNichol won the “Speakeasy” Liquor package. Rochelle Finch will always carry herself in style as the winner of the 3-piece Michael Kors purse set donated by Brenda Gallagher, owner of Federal Title Insurance Agency of Rockledge.

Donna Camtbello was ecstatic when her number was called as the winner of 50/50, a prize of $1,025!

The Port St. Lucie Business Women thank those who attended their affair and the following businesses for their support: Greg Childress, owner of G. Alan’s Fine Jewelry & Coin in Fort Pierce; Roaring 20s Sponsor Donna DeMarchi with The Eberst Law Firm; Great Gatsby Sponsors WPSL/WSTU/WJNX and WQCS; SpeakEasy Sponsors Children’s Services Council and iTHINK Financial; Jazz Sponsors Seacoast Bank, Post Insurance and Financial, Watercrest Senior Living – St. Lucie West, Truly Title, Aapex Electric Services, Dwyer Environmental Services, Florida Power & Light, Vineyard Institute of Plastic Surgery, and White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery; and Flapper Sponsor Christina Lofthus/Mary Kay. Thanks also go to media sponsors WPSL/WSTU/WJNX and WQCS.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women also thank Fashion Show emcee Lynette Lockwood and DJ Tony Solomon of Fullhouse Entertainment for providing the music.

This major fundraiser helps support the organization's Community Action Grants, which go to local non-profit agencies that work with women and children and provides scholarships for women who have chosen to pursue their education at Indian River State College. To date, more than $200,000 in Community Action Grants has been awarded to local nonprofit agencies benefitting women and children, and $130,500 in scholarships have been given to women who have chosen to continue their education at Indian River State College.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. The Port St. Lucie Business Women Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization for developing the potential of businesswomen through scholarships and for the awarding of community action grants. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

May. 18, 2023|

Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation holds 5th annual On the Water Poker Run

Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation holds 5^th annual
On the Water Poker Run

The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation, the charitable arm of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, invites you to participate in their annual charity On the Water Poker Run, Saturday, April 1^st from 12 noon to 4 pm. From 4pm to 8 pm, participants will meet at the Fort Pierce Yacht club to enjoy live music by Florida Ridge and BBQ with sides by Pit Master Mathieu Herbeline of Pirate Gypsy Adventures.

The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation is a 501c3 and raises money to support the stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon, operate activities and programs which support the understanding and knowledge of boating and water safety, and supports the FPYC community mission. With the proceeds from last year’s On the Water Poker Run, the FPYC Foundation provided a scholarship to a college junior at Indian River State College for a summer internship at FAU Harbor Branch to do marine research. In addition, scholarships were provided for Wesley Eco Camp, an “immersive learning program that engages youth in environmental studies, restoration and stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon.”

The charity On the Water Poker Run puts power boats (jet skis too) and paddle boats (kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boarders) out on the water to have fun, fellowship, and to raise money. Docks are organized along the Indian River Lagoon for distribution of cards to players. When all stops are completed for each participant, they return to the Fort Pierce Yacht Club for scoring and results, food, beverages, and music. If you do not have a boat, but want to play, you can register for a "Land Yacht " registration. Poker hands will be scored using standard poker hand rankings. Pursuit Boats is sponsoring a $500 cash best hand.

Go to www.fortpierceyachtclub.com/poker-run NOW to sign up. Registration fees are as follows:

$50 power boat captain (includes t-shirt)
$20 poker hand for crew member
$50 jet ski with 2 people
$35 jet ski with 1 person
$25 kayak, canoe and paddle board
$30 land vessel (come into the Club and play a hand on land if you don't have a boat)

Optional Add-ons:

$15 buffet dinner
$18-$20 t-shirts (adult S-XXXL) - Please pre-order on website

There are opportunities for Business/Corporate Sponsorships as well as individual participation and this year’s co-chairs of the charity On the Water Poker Run are Vice Commodore of Fleet, Victoria Westphal and Past Commodore and current Vice Commodore of Building and Grounds, Suzi Boardman.

To register or for more information on the charity On the Water Poker Run please go to: https://www.fortpierceyachtclub.com/poker-run or email: [email protected].

Sponsors Include (as of March 13, 2023*):

Pursuit Boats
Causeway Cove Marina & RV Park
Pierce 1 Marina
The UPS Store (St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie)
Southern Castles Property Management & Real Estate

*Updates on sponsors can be found on www.fortpierceyachtclub.com/poker-run

About FPYC Foundation: Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax deductible. Founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, it has raised money by hosting various events including a community participation On the Water Poker Run. Funds raised have been given as scholarships for college juniors majoring in marine studies. The selected students have worked for 16 weeks each summer with researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. We have proudly put four students through this summer program, and each have gone on to a career in marine biology and most in research.

Mar. 15, 2023|

Three IRSC students receive scholarships from Port St. Lucie Business Women

PSLBW Scholarship Committee Chair Carol Wyatt, President Jessica Parrish, Sherri Monds, Scholarship Development Coordinator/Student Success Services, IRSC

Since its inception in 1980, the Port St. Lucie Business Women has supported women in the advancement of their education at Indian River State College and in their careers. To date, the Business Women has donated more than $125,000 to the Indian River State College Foundation through its annual scholarship awards from money raised in the organization's Spring Fashion Show, assuring the future of more than 70 local women. Three outstanding students were chosen as this year's scholarship recipients.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women/Kay Schaeffer Memorial Scholarship is an annual award of $2,500 for tuition and books to a woman who plans to attend or is enrolled at Indian River State College. The Port St. Lucie Business Women's Scholarship also is an annual award of $2,500 for tuition and books to a female student who currently is pursuing a degree or certificate program at IRSC.

Jahiuka Lifhred is the recipient of the Port St. Lucie Business Women/Kay Schaeffer Memorial High School Scholarship. Lifhred plants to pursue an Associate of Arts degree, followed by a Bachelor of Arts. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner or a surgeon. “I chose this career path because I’m passionate about helping others in need,” says Lifhred. She currently works at the performing arts company End It, a non-profit youth organization that provides education, inspiration, and positive alternatives utilizing the arts. While her goals are serious, Lifhred is quick to mention that she loves pizza, being goofy and the musical Hamilton.

Marline Destin-Chery has been awarded the Port St. Lucie Business Women/Kay Schaeffer Memorial Baccalaureate Scholarship. She is working towards completing her Bachelor of Arts to become a teacher in the St. Lucie County School District. “My biggest motivation is showing my 7-year-old son that anything is possible if you work hard at it,” says Destin-Chery. She works as a Pre-K paraprofessional assisting a teacher with a class of 4- and 5-year-old children. She loves to go camping and to the beach with her son, creating warm memories.

Peyton Santa has been awarded the Port St. Lucie Business Women/Kay Schaeffer Memorial Certificate or Degree Program Scholarship. She is working towards certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. Following attaining this goal, she plans to attend the IRSC Fire Academy and apply for a position in the St. Lucie County Fire District. Beyond this, Santa wants to receive firefighter paramedic training so that one day, she may rise to the position of Chief Fire Officer. “Serving in the United States Navy gave me both strength and confidence,” she says, traits that have served her well as a foundation for her lofty pursuits. Santa shares that she also is passionate about horses and hopes to run an equine rescue and rehabilitation facility. “I like to say at least three nice things to random strangers on a daily basis and brighten their day,” she adds.

Students may apply for scholarships starting November 1 through the IRSC online scholarship application portal. For more information contact Indian River State College at (772) 462-4786, or by e-mail at [email protected].

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Oct. 10, 2022|

The impact of a scholarship award

Port St. Lucie Business Women member Pam Houghton, guest speaker Jessica Hooper, Esq., President Jessica Parrish, Scholarship Committee Chair Carol Wyatt

One of the Port St. Lucie Business Women’s champion causes has been to support women seeking to advance their education and ultimately, their careers at Indian River State College. Throughout the years, more than 70 women have benefitted from scholarship awards presented by the Port St. Lucie Business Women. One recipient, local lawyer Jessica Hooper of Michelle Goff Law Group (michellegofflaw.com), was one such winner who talked about what the scholarship meant to her at the Business Women’s August 18 meeting held at Tutto Fresco in St. Lucie West.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women’s scholarship, which Hooper received in 2009, along with other scholarships she was awarded, allowed her to graduate from college debt-free. This was a major feat, for attending law school often leaves one in debt of more than $100,000.

After graduating from Indian River State College with an Associate of Arts degree, where for the past four years she has been an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department, Hooper received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University. In 2018, she graduated from Florida A&M University College of Law and was admitted to the bar in September 2019.

Hooper shared that she originally thought she would be a prosecutor. However, the loss of her father revealed the need for estate planning. “Not having your affairs in order can cause all sorts of problems,” said Hooper, “destroying families over squabbles about property distribution, or making tough medical decisions for a loved one.” Having an estate plan is necessary to avoid these pitfalls, and that is where she focuses her energy. “I know I can help people,” she says, guiding clients to have tough conversations. “It’s difficult to think about death, but having all your affairs in order is part of the legacy you leave.” She calls upon her skill as a college instructor when explaining issues to clients and answering their questions in a clear, detailed and compassionate manner.

Hooper’s legal practice areas include estate planning, probate and business law matters. She also is a licensed realtor within the State of Florida. She worked as an Attorney Advisor for the United States Business Administration and was a Supreme Court of Florida county court mediator. Contact her at [email protected] or by phone at 772-410-8683.

Every year the Port St. Lucie Business Women awards scholarships from money raised in the organization's spring Fashion Show. Plans are underway for the Business Women's next Fashion Show to be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. For 31 years, this event has been the organization's major fundraiser supporting its Community Action Grants & Awards to local non-profit agencies that work with women and children in our community and providing scholarships for women attending Indian River State College.

PSLBW Graphic

Aug. 22, 2022|

Sunrise Rotary announces winner of the Dritenbas Environment Scholarship

VERO BEACH — Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach awarded its 2nd annual environmental scholarship this October, named after the late Sunrise Rotary member Paul Dritenbas. Paul was a champion for the Indian River Lagoon. He established the Lagoon Oyster Mat project and designed buoys that withstand storm surges, which currently mark and protect submerged sea […]

Oct. 29, 2018|

Chef Challenge Benefits IRSC Foundation

VERO BEACH — On April 23 Rehmann’s Vero Beach, FL office hosted its third annual Indian River State College (IRSC) Chef Challenge at Quail Valley River Club. The event offered students an opportunity to showcase their culinary talents to win a scholarship.

Students were divided into four groups of two and were required […]

Apr. 27, 2018|

First-year nursing students honored

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The recipients of the prestigious Conrades’ Nursing Scholarship Award from Martin Health System are first-year nursing students (back row, left to right) Taylor Cave, Yujun Lincoln, Alexandra Konrath, Amanda Rawlings, Kate Vitiello, (front row, left to right) Shawna Young and Hongjie Wang.

This story is distributed by Treasure Coast Business, tcbusiness.com, a […]

Sep. 20, 2016|

Seven Martin Health associates awarded $1,000 scholarships

MARTIN COUNTY – In an effort to ensure the delivery of high quality health care to the citizens of Martin County, the Sailfish Point Foundation awarded seven Martin Health associates $1,000 scholarships. The scholarships were available to residents of Martin County enrolled in an accredited MSN, BSN, or ASN nursing program. Recipients were Shelby […]

Feb. 16, 2016|

IRSC student beneficiary of scholarship

PORT SAINT LUCIE — Dominion Investment Group recently awarded one $1,000 business scholarship to a local Indian River State College student. The award is intended to encourage area students to pursue college interests that might impact local business. Over the years Dominion has given away more than $50,000 in scholarship awards to local high […]

Jun. 30, 2015|