By Tiffany Merlo Phelps
mail@floridanewsline.com
Sisters-in-Arms marks four years in existence this year on a mission to help young women aging out of foster care. This month on Friday, Oct. 25, the Ponte Vedra Beach-based non-profit will hold its annual fundraiser with a new concept, “Arm-in-Arm Showdown,” featuring golf and pickleball tournaments to further its cause — one swing at a time. The event will be held at The Yards in Ponte Vedra Beach.
For Sisters-in-Arms co-founders Mary Lourdes Saenz and Steph McFee, the event will support long-term goals via the Purpose to Possibilities program.
“Our first annual Showdown combines our golf and pickleball tournaments into one and will prove to be one of the most fun and inspirational events of the year. Our goal is to support 10 – 20 girls through our program in 2025, and The Showdown will be our major fundraiser to support this goal,” said McFee. “Each young woman in our Purpose to Possibilities program receives training, mentorship, clothing and the community they will need to transition and thrive.”
Saenz said the dual tournament tickets will include drink tickets, light food, entertainment and an epic after party featuring evening entertainment Howl at the Moon. The event, which is open to the public, offers team and individual player tickets, and sponsorships are currently still available.
Sponsors of the event include Duval Clinical Solutions, Mike Ammirata with Resource Solution Plus, Beards, Jay W. Granzow, M.D., EPX Restoration, O’Steen Volvo, The Harris Agency, Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, Skinner Family, Jim Pitts, Gloria North, Dr. Jay W. Granzow, Isaac Family Charitable Fund, Tony Spuria, Terrance Kane, Lockett Family, Aimee and Dane Boggs Foundation, Daniel and Sarah Stouder, Our Lady Star of the Sea and the DeGoey Family/ La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery. Local businesses also donated silent auction items totaling $3,000, added Saenz.
Chip O’Steen, O’Steen Automotive Group president, said the event is one that he likes to sponsor as well as attend.
“It is amazing to see what Mary and the Sisters-in-Arms organization is doing in our community. We could not be prouder to stand behind and support such a wonderful organization, in helping young women change their circumstances and secure a better future for themselves and future generations,” he said.
Inspired by the support that she has received during her life, especially during challenging times, Saenz founded Sisters-in-Arms to lift up young women in the community who are aging out of foster care and provide a strong support system. The non-profit offers tools to empower young women to achieve economic independence and acquire personal development skills.
“We want to provide the resources needed to succeed once they enter society,” said Saenz.
Sisters-in-Arms has a team that provides etiquette classes, instruction in how to look and dress with confidence and money management skills. One day programs, focused on education, mentorship and community, are offered at Sisters-in-Arms, providing young women with a laptop, resume support and an interview outfit. That program is delivered at no cost to the young women through donors and sponsors.
Saenz said that the community has embraced her organization, and she is grateful to so many, including Seamark Ranch, where Saenz is able to bring her program. Seamark Ranch is a non-profit organization in Green Cove Springs that offers a nurturing Christian home and family system, giving children from families in crisis the tools needed for a bright future. More partnerships like this are on the horizon, she said.
“Sisters-in-Arms partners with Seamark Ranch to invest in the young women we serve, helping prepare them for success in adulthood. They spend time mentoring the girls on how to dress professionally on a budget, business etiquette and how to eat at a business luncheon or dinner. They have also given computers to our high school senior girls to help with job applications and resume writing,” said Seamark Ranch executive director Nathan Stanley. “We are so grateful for the partnership with Sisters-in- Arms.”
Saenz said Sisters-in-Arms serves women between the ages of 18 – 24 — a critical time for many young people coming out of foster care. Saenz and McFee have a goal to build a house for the young women as a transitional and safe space. The fundraiser will bring them one step closer, they said.
[Author’s note: For more information about Sisters-in-Arms and the fundraiser, go to sisters-in arms.org. The Arm-in-Arm Showdown will begin at 2 p.m. at The Yards. To learn more about sponsorship availability, email mary@sisters-in-arms.org.]
Photo courtesy Mary Saenz
Sister-in-Arms co-founders Steph McFee, Mary Saenz and Seamark Ranch Director of Transformational Care Kindall Walden.
