By Courtney Clark
mail@floridanewsline.com
When Ponte Vedra Beach resident Vickie Cavey was approached about participating in Jacksonville’s annual Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), her immediate response was an excited and emphatic “yes.” After retiring from JEA following 32 years of employment, Cavey was excited to help the event that benefits Jacksonville Children’s Chorus in any way possible — especially if it included dancing, one of her favorite activities.
Cavey has lived in the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach areas her entire life. She and her husband frequently watch the sunrise on the beach because Cavey loves mornings, and currently she spends her free time practicing yoga, enjoying water activities, and giving back to the community.
To learn more about DWTS, the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, or to vote for Cavey, visit www.jaxdwts.com.
- What’s your favorite thing about Ponte Vedra Beach?
Oh gosh… I love the beach, community, and the lifestyle out here. It’s a relaxed yet classic beach community. It’s lovely — I just love the food, the people, the climate. It has everything I could ever want. There aren’t many places like Ponte Vedra Beach.
- What are your hobbies?
I think I’m busier now than when I was working! I’m very active in the Palms Presbyterian Church, I volunteer at PACE, and I’m a board member on the United Way committee. I’m part of the Leadership Development Committee at Sawgrass, and I’m involved with the River Club board and Rotary Club. I love my Rotary Club! I love to travel, and I love the beach. The ocean is very centering for me. I enjoy paddle boarding, scuba diving, and I’m really big into yoga. - How did you get involved with Dancing with the Stars?
I have friends who’ve done it in the past. Nancy Chartrand [last year’s winner] asked me to do it and I immediately said, “I’m all in.” I love Darren Dailey [the Director of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus] and music had such an impact on my life growing up.
- What are you most excited for regarding DWTS?
A couple of things: the show, of course. And I have watched what Darren Dailey has done with the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and it is remarkable. A little girl at church actually came up to me when she found out I’m participating, and she said how much she loves the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus. I’m a strong believer that music helps you academically, and I’m excited to do anything to help the children. - Why should people vote for you?
Here’s why, honey: I’m gonna work really hard, raise money, and put on a good show for a good cause — so how could you not vote for me?
Photo courtesy Carolyn Audije
Vickie Cavey and professional partner Wesley Kuehlthau.