Junior Service League of St. Augustine creates photo calendar to help community nonprofits
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — Local essential workers are featured in a 2021 calendar created by the Junior Service League of St. Augustine. In the spirit of giving back to the community, the calendar photos were taken at well known locations and landmarks in the nation’s oldest city, and funds raised will go back to nonprofits in St. Johns County.
Medical essential workers stand on the beautiful grounds of the St. Augustine Lighthouse; local police officers and staff pose in front of the historic Castillo de San Marcos; area farmers are shown in a field in Hastings with a gorgeous sunset; financial (bank) workers stand in the middle of the iconic Magnolia Avenue near the Fountain of Youth; and the list goes on — 13 groups in total, also representing sanitation workers, EMTs/firefighters, teachers, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and St. Johns County school board and school administration support, nonprofits, grocery store workers, distilleries/brewery staff, restaurant works, and child care staff.
Essential Medical Workers in St. Johns County, standing on the grounds of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. All photos by Suzanne Henry
“There is no doubt that this year has hit everyone hard with the Covid-19 pandemic. Small businesses have had to close their doors, educators have had to reinvent themselves and their schools, and essential workers have placed themselves at risk and worked harder than ever,” said Dr. Teri DeLucca, President of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, a women’s organization that volunteers and raises funds each year in order to help area nonprofits.
“As we looked around, we wanted to find a new way to help. Normally we would be hosting Feel the Wheels and our annual gala to fundraise, and finding opportunities to volunteer in the community we love. This year we had to get a little really creative. We could not go to nonprofits to volunteer in person. We could not host a fundraiser of more than 10 people to raise money for the nonprofits. One of our solutions is the St. Johns County Essential Heroes Calendar. This calendar celebrates all of the workers in this community that came together to keep us going during these uncertain times,” DeLucca explained.
Essential farmers in St. Johns County, standing in a field in Hastings.
Real Estate Agent Suzzane Henry graciously donated her time and photography talent to take each of the photos. Each calendar page is sponsored by a local business, offsetting the cost of printing to ensure that all proceeds go back into the community. The cover art was designed by Danielle Waldrop, who helped with design for the 2016 Sweet Relief Gala, which benefited essential workers during Hurricane Matthew. Holly Washburn formatted the cover of the calendar. Dennis Lockwood donated an immense amount of his time to format and design the calendar to prepare it for printing. Brut Printing Co provided a generous discount for their printing services, even amidst the struggles of the pandemic.
Along with photos of favorite essential heroes in favorite St. Augustine locations, the back of the calendar features discounts at local businesses.
“Organizing 13 groups with Covid-19 restrictions was not easy but once again this community outshined our expectations and came together to produce a beautiful product. The calendar is truly a labor of love from many community members,” DeLucca said.
The 2021 St. Johns Essential Heroes Calendar will be available for purchase online and in local businesses in November. Pre-orders can be made by visiting the Junior Service League’s website: https://jslofstaugustine.org/donate-2/
Each calendar is $30 or two for $50. All proceeds from the sale of the calendars will benefit the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, Inc. Those proceeds will then be distributed to charities throughout St. Johns County in an effort to help support those in need.
About the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, Inc.
In 1935 a group of dedicated women came together to address civic, social, and cultural needs in the Nation’s Oldest City. Through world wars and personal struggles, national triumphs and family milestones, the Junior Service League of St. Augustine has triumphed in remaining a strong organization with a heritage as rich and vibrant as the historically unique community that they support.
The League is committed to the traditions and legacy of their organization in promoting the privilege of volunteerism in St. Johns County. Never ones to be afraid of a challenge, League members’ past and current projects include beginning and directing a speech and hearing clinic, organizing and managing a thrift store, renovating and refurbishing our St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, and conceptualizing and directing Willich Kids Bridge Family Visitation Center. Through the dedication of their members, both active and sustaining, along with the generous community response they continue to receive, the League has supported the aforementioned endeavors, both financially and emotionally with great pride. And so it is with honor for our traditions and joy in our accomplishments that we ask you to join with us as we proudly celebrate over eighty five years of service.
