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About The Plantation Foundation

The Plantation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation founded by residents of The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach in 2013.

The Foundation is independent of the Association but operates with its full cooperation. Since inception, the Foundation has provided 70 scholars with tuition awards totaling close to $566,300.

Our Mission

We encourage The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach employees and their dependents to achieve their academic aspirations by providing mentorship and financial support.


Our Core Values

Education

We firmly believe that higher learning provides people with an invaluable foundation of knowledge of the world, and with this knowledge, they will flourish and contribute their perspectives and talents back to society, creating a stronger, more vibrant, community.

Accountability

We are accountable to our donors and scholars in all our relationships and interactions. We strive for excellence in every aspect of our endeavor.

Compassionate

We are deliberate and generous in spirit when guiding the selection and mentoring of our Scholars.

Community

The Plantation Foundation board members, mentors, and Scholars value equally all members of the greater Plantation community, recognizing the responsibilities each has to provide exceptional experiences for the other.


  • History

    • History of the Plantation Foundation

      Early in 2013, Greg Tunis, then President of the Board of Directors of The Plantation at Ponte Vedra, asked Plantation owners Sandy Cook, Judy Haberkorn and Toby Smith to lead a task force to assess the feasibility of creating a Foundation for The Plantation community to benefit its employees and their families.

      After a period of investigation and evaluation, the framework of The Plantation Foundation, Inc. took shape, and the accompanying legal work to create a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation was undertaken under the guidance of Toby Smith and John Marchese.

      The first Board of Directors began work in early 2014 and was comprised of:

      • Sandy Cook, President
      • Genevieve Carney
      • Cammie Disston (Plantation Board liaison)
      • Paula Liang
      • Jim Pope
      • Toby Smith
      • Anita Taylor
      • Terry Williams

      The Foundation awarded its first scholarships in late 2013 for the Spring 2014 school term. In the ensuing years, many scholars have been supported in their educations with grants and mentoring.

      During the early years—2013 to 2016—five different free musical events were offered to The Plantation community as a way of promoting and educating the membership about the Foundation and as a 'Thank You' to the donors. In addition and thereafter, a fundraising campaign has been conducted by mail in the fall of each year. In 2017 and 2018, the Foundation sponsored Bark in the Park, a friend-sharing event for all Plantation families. Starting in 2020, the Plantation Foundation in conjunction with Plantation Croquet Association has held a croquet tournament with proceeds from the tournament, a community lunch, a silent auction, and a raffle going to our scholarships. Other Plantation organizations such as the Plantation Ladies Golf Association, the Plantation Men’s Golf Association and the Plantation Tennis Association have all held fund raising events to support our scholars.

      The current Foundation Board of Directors can be found on the side of this page. Other Plantation owners who have served on the Foundation Board are:

      • Cynthia Bergren
      • Susan Birk
      • Steve Booma
      • Jonathan Coles
      • Jayne Evans, ex officio
      • Barbara Gartland
      • Jim Giraldin
      • Fred Goldsmith
      • Karen Hunt, ex officio
      • Don Hutton
      • Mary Koss
      • Maria Madaffari
      • Tom McAndrews
      • Matt Meagher
      • LaRee Moody
      • Mary Murphy
      • Elsa Priestley
      • Andy Sharkey
       

      We are continually indebted to our Plantation neighbors for their loyalty and generous monetary support. Because of you, we can continue to fulfill our mission—to encourage the employees and their dependents of The Plantation at Ponte Vedra to achieve their academic aspirations by providing mentorship and financial support.

  • Foundation Scholars

    • 2023 Scholars

       
      Khalilna Bishop
      Daughter of Kevin Soloman, Garden Homes Crew.  She is attending Florida State College at Jacksonville.
       
      Parker Bush (server)
      Parker is studying Fine Arts and Sculpture at the University of Florida.
       
      Juan Calvo (Golf Course)
      Studying Information Technology  at Western Governors University.
       
      Emma Cramer (Food & beverage)
      Emma is attending Florida State College of Jacksonville studying Business Administration.
       
      Henri Cupi (Food & Beverage)
      Pursuing an associates degree in physical therapy at Keiser University.  
       
      Joel Dearie
      Joel is attending Florida State University majoring in International Affairs.
       
      BLAKE DICKS (CATERING & EVENTS)
      Blake is pursuing Masters of Health Administration at the University of North Florida. 
       
      dakota dicks (kitchen) 

      Dakota is studying Sports Management at the University of Tampa. 
       
      Hannah Erwin (Server)
      Hannah is a server and is attending the University of North Florida working on her BS in Nursing.
       
      Carly Fagan
      Daughter of Donald Fagan is attending Tallahassee Community College
       
      Javier Fernandez
      Javier is attending Jacksonville University with a major in aviation Management.  He works in Food and Beverage.
       
      Natalie Hill (Server)
      Natalie is attending Florida State College at Jacksonville studying Marine Biology.
       
      Kevin Langan
      Kevin is part of our golf course crew and is studying for a Horticulture certificate at Florida Gateway College.
       
      Rachel Lynn (server) 

      Rachel is attending Florida State College at Jacksonville.
       
      Alex Madson
      Alex is attending Transylvania University studying Business Management.
       
      Bradley Maness (equipment operator)
      Bradley is working to receive his Advanced Turf Management Certificate from Florida Gateway College.
       
      Mariah Manning (Food & beverage)
      Attending Florida State College at Jacksonville.
       
      Gabby Norve
      Returning scholar attending the University of North Florida studying business management.
       
      Patrick Quinlan (Beach Club)
      Studying computer science and mathematics at the University of Florida.  
       
      Cierra Ramirez
      Cierra works in Food and Beverage and studying for an AS in nursing at Florida State College of Jacksonville.
       
      Will Sheehan
      Will is attending the University of Florida studying Business Administration.
       
      Addie Williams (food & beverage)
      Pursuing a degree in cosmetology at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
       
      Alex Woodward (beach club attendant)
      Alex is attending the University of North Florida majoring in History. 

      Past Scholars

      The Plantation Foundation awarded its first scholarships in November 2013. Since then, many of our scholars have completed undergraduate degrees and are pursuing further education or busy starting a career. We wish all of them much success.

      • Jack Baker 
      • Kayla Bentz
      • Samantha Brown
      • Sydney Brown
      • Kayla Bulik
      • Ian Carpenter
      • Brianne Carter
      • Kelly Cason
      • Jessica Chamberland
      • Rory Clarke
      • Matt Dawson
      • Sarah DeBellis
      • Justin DeJarnette
      • Abby Escano
      • Alex Fechtel
      • Sydney Fechtel
      • Rhett Franklin
      • Cody Galvin
      • Charles Gambuzza
      • Michael Gambuzza
      • Kiersten Goetz
      • Jonathan Greco
      • Matt Gupton
      • Emilia Hakansson
      • Mike Hubbard
      • Tiffany Ibanez
      • Will Kennedy
      • Cindy Kichura
      • Jordan Kiernan
      • Alex Krohnfeldt
      • Ryan Lark
      • Morgan Lemon
      • Ryan Lemon
      • Sarah Linabury
      • Jeff Lukas
      • Jessica Madden
      • Nick Malone
      • Alyssia Molina
      • Mariana Narvaez
      • Brady Okla
      • Zoe Radojicic
      • Alec Regan
      • Anthony Regan
      • Xavier Ripka-Kemenek
      • Juliana Roldan
      • Kyle Sanland
      • Adeline Schlingmann
      • Kailee Schnabele
      • Abigail Smith
      • Hunter Simes
      • Kristian Sipos
      • Ashley Small
      • Olivia Suddarth
      • Sherry Turner
      • Francesca Vandersluis
      • Amber Vachon
      • Lindsay Wilson
      • John Winpisinger
      • Jacqueline Worsham
      • Arina Yakotseva
      • Cole Younger
  • Donate

    • How to Donate

      Donating to The Plantation Foundation is easy! Your gift can be made by check, credit card through PayPal or any of the ways listed below. Simply click here to download a donation form, complete and email to [email protected], or print and mail the form to Chief Financial Officer at 101 Plantation Drive if you are donating by check.

      If you prefer to donate right now by credit card through PayPal (it is safe and secure, and you do not need a PayPal account), click the donate button below.

      Levels of Giving
      The Foundation is grateful for donations of any size and all donors are recognized in the Morning Line and in our Annual Letter.   Those who give at certain levels annually receive additional recognition.  Those levels are as follows:
      ·         Magna Cum Laude – donations of $2000 or more
      ·         Dean’s List – donations of $1000 to $1999
      ·         Honor Roll – donations of $500 to $999
      ·         Contributors – donations up to $499
      Become a Sustainer

      Another option for giving is to request $50 or more be added to your Plantation bill each month. This will continue until you ask that it stop. The sustaining gifts give the Foundation a more consistent understanding of our cash flow for scholarships. Special recognition as a Sustainer will be noted in The Morning Line and in our Annual Letter.

      Qualified Charitable Distribution

      For those who are required to take minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA’s, consider this tax savvy way to benefit the Plantation Foundation and your tax bill. You can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to the Foundation. If you are interested in this type of giving, please contact your tax or investment advisor to determine if this opportunity is available to you. Our Treasurer, Carl Kraus, at [email protected] can work with you or your advisor to provide the necessary Foundation information.

      Appreciated Securities

      The Foundation also accepts appreciated securities. Please contact our Treasurer, Carl Kraus at [email protected] and he will work with your broker to affect the transfer.

      Gifts of thanks, in memory of or in honor of

      We have several ways to make these types of gifts. You can make them directly through the Foundation by noting it on the donation form or by the use of the InLieu app, inlieu.com. This app encourages users to make donations instead of giving material gifts for occasions such as birthdays, hostess gifts and memorials. Download the app and make a gift to the Foundation as a “thank you” instead of a bottle of wine or flowers.

      The Plantation Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit Section 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by lawunder Internal Revenue Code Section 170. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free within the State (1-800-HELP-FLA) or online at www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State. State registration #CH39297.

  • Apply

    • How to Apply For a Grant

      For Post-Secondary Academic Tuition Assistance

      Scholarship awards are for a maximum of $3,000 per term for tuition and tuition-related expenses.

      Who is eligible?

      Any member of the Plantation Association staff and their legal dependent child or spouse is eligible.  First-time applicants must have been employed by The Plantation for at least 90 days, have at least 175 hours, and be considered an employee in good standing by the application deadline.  Continuing scholars must have worked at least 350 hours in the past 12-month period prior to the application deadline and be considered an employee in good standing. Applicants normally will have been accepted without probation or condition by an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or vocational/trade school program that culminates in earning a degree and/or certificate.

      How do I apply?

      Download the application form below and follow the instructions to submit online. All forms are also available on the Employee App and can be submitted from there.

      When do I apply?

      Applications are due by:


      Summer 2024 Term - April 17, 2024
      Fall 2024 Term - July 17, 2024
      Spring 2025 Term - November 20, 2024 
       

      We appreciate early submissions.

      How can I be sure my application was received?

      When you come to the end of the online applications, YOU MUST HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON BELOW. After you have done this, a screen will appear that says, "We have received your application". If you do not see that message, you did not complete the application and it must be resubmitted.

      Apply Here

      Scholarship Application for Continuation of Grant

      Applicants must complete the form above, and email the following documents to [email protected] to be eligible.

      • Most current transcript available
      • When available, a copy of your tuition bill with courses you will be taking and your student identification number.
      • Plantation Employee's Manager Recommendation form

      Scholarship Application for First Time Award

      Applicants must complete the form above, and email the following documents to [email protected] to be eligible.

      • Two personal recommendations from someone else who knows you well. Copies of recommendation letters submitted elsewhere (for college applications, other awards) are acceptable.
      • Plantation Employees - Manager Recommendation form
      • Most current transcript available
      • When available a copy of your tuition bill with courses you will be taking and your student identification number.

      Manager Recommendation Form

      All applicants, whether an employee or the dependent of an employee, should have the relevant manager submit this form. The manager can access the form above or it is also available from the Employee App and can be submitted from there.

      Who can I talk to if I have questions?

      Any of the Board members listed below would be happy to help you or contact The Plantation Foundation at [email protected].

      Board Of Directors
      • Bob Cole, President
      • Karen Hunt, Secretary
      • Carl Kraus, Tresurer
      • Genevieve Carney
      • Regan Cartwright
      • Ron Fish
      • Edith Howle
      • Janie McIlvaine
      • Jill Mikes
      • Fred Pensotti
      • Susan Rodgers
      • Kelly Valentine
      • Kat Lichter, Ex Officio
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