Page 1 - Palm City Spotlight - April '23

VOL. 25 NO. 4 www.seabreezepublications.com APRIL 2023

Piper’s Landing Hibiscus Children’s

Holds Golf Tournament Center’s Martin County

Fundraiser For SafeSpace Guild Celebrates 30 Years

By Michelle Maguire Helping Children
On Feb. 21 the Pipers Landing
Women’s 18 Hole Golf Association
(PLWGA) held a golf tournament The Hibiscus Martin County Guild recently celebrated 30 years of helping children and giving
charity event for SafeSpace, the them a brighter future. Pam Gardner, who was a close friend of Hibiscus Founder LaVaughn
only state certified agency serving Tilton, hosted the first Hibiscus Guild meeting in her home 30 years ago. She was joined by 31
domestic violence victims and their like-minded women who wanted to make a difference for abused children in our community.
children in Martin, St. Lucie and Right from the start, they went to work doing what they do best … creating and planning
Indian River counties. Members special events and activities to raise funds for the children and help spread community awareness
of the PLWGA and other members about the needs of abused children on the Treasure Coast. Several of these incredible women,
of the Piper’s Landing community many who are still active today, stepped up and enthusiastically led and organized creative
supported the event by sponsoring events including special themed black-tie galas, fashion show luncheons and art auctions. Today,
golf holes, making donations, the guild has grown to encompass over 100 incredible volunteers, led by guild officers, who
buying raffle tickets and auction donate hundreds of hours annually to raise funds through special events, as well as spearheading
items. The event cochaired by many community projects, booths, the Santa’s Elves Program and a long list of other activities
Nancy Wong and Rosemary Burns that have benefited children. The motto of these amazing ladies was, and still is, “our hearts
belong to Hibiscus and the children.” Their dedication and commitment has been evident for
Piper’s Landing on page 4 Piper’s charity event cochairs 30 years as the guild has never wavered in their support and has significantly increased the
time, talents and financial support they have personally and collectively provided to Hibiscus.
Fore Sistas Hit ’Em Long And This dynamic group has raised $12 million for the Hibiscus children since the beginning!
The result of the guild’s heartfelt philanthropic spirit can be witnessed on a daily basis at
Straight At Golf Fundraiser the children’s home, the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter in Jensen Beach, where 36 abused,
abandoned and neglected children find safety, nurturing, love and healing, every day. The
guild’s amazing support enables Hibiscus to provide children who have suffered severe trauma
with life-changing services. These services include mental health counseling to help them heal,
By Jackie Holfelder educational and literacy services to prepare them for a successful future, medical and dental
When Stanley Campbell, owner of Martin Downs Golf Club, welcomed approximately services and enriching opportunities they would not otherwise experience.
80 golfers and 20-plus volunteers to the Second Annual Fore Sistas Golf Tournament on Thank you to our wonderful Martin County Guild for all of your hard work and support
March 4, he complimented the board members for going from staging last year’s introductory and for continuing to change lives through your unwavering volunteerism and love for the
event to quickly becoming its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit this year. children. Hibiscus is deeply grateful for your support and the children are very blessed to
have the Martin County Guild in their corner. You have all made a tremendous difference in
children’s lives.
For more information about the Hibiscus and the guild, please contact Lori Swift at (772)
334-9311, Ext. 404 or visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.
Photo by MaryAnn Ketcham

Lynn Solomon and Ernie Stanley Campbell and Synthia Snow and Renee
Ellison Phyllis Gillespie Pinder

Fore Sistas Hit ’Em Long And Straight on page 3

Some of our lovely guild members: Sitting left to right: Dana Anderwald, Alicia Weber, Terri
Cole and Mary Zottoli. Standing left to right: Lori Swift, Jill Hanson, Joyce Powell, Pam
Gardner, Molly Hoffman, Carol Holth, Di Baker, Amy Freese and Ellie Lafer