PALM COAST, Fla. — Twenty years of friendship, community service and a steadfast commitment to education were celebrated Saturday, September 12, as the University Women of Flagler marked its milestone anniversary at Grand Haven Golf Club.
Members past and present gathered to reflect on the organization’s beginnings, honor the women who shaped its mission and celebrate two decades of supporting students and strengthening the Flagler County community.
Keynote speaker and co-founder Jane Mealy, affectionately introduced as the organization’s “founding mother,” took members on a journey through its history, sharing photographs, memories and stories from the past 20 years.
A retired educator, union leader and longtime Flagler Beach city commissioner, Mealy moved to Flagler Beach in 2001 and quickly discovered that retirement was not going to keep her on the sidelines.
After joining the local branch of the American Association of University Women, Mealy became increasingly concerned that too little of the money raised locally remained in Flagler County. National and state dues also left the local chapter with limited funding to operate and fulfill its mission.
“We had big fundraisers, and the problem with that was we didn’t keep the money,” Mealy recalled.
For Mealy and several like-minded members, the turning point came when proceeds raised for scholarships were directed outside the community.
“I really didn’t think that we needed to kill ourselves with one of our fundraisers and send it away,” she said.
In fall 2005, Mealy chaired a five-member committee that met repeatedly to explore creating an independent organization. The women developed new membership guidelines, sought legal and financial guidance and established an organization focused on keeping locally raised funds in Flagler County.
Their original intent was clear: provide scholarships and support education close to home.
The women officially voted to form University Women of Flagler, setting annual dues at $35. Two decades later, Mealy noted, dues have increased by only $15 — and the money raised through the organization’s efforts continues to benefit local students and programs.
“It took a lot of work,” Mealy said. “It was a busy start. There were a lot of steps involved, and here we are 20 years later.”
Since its founding, University Women of Flagler has built a legacy of educational advocacy, philanthropy and community engagement. Members have organized fashion shows, theatrical performances, auctions, teas, dinners and other fundraisers while also participating in educational programs, cultural outings and service projects.
The organization has supported the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides a free book each month to enrolled children from birth to age 5. Members have also visited local cultural attractions and nonprofit organizations, including Whispering Meadows Ranch, where equine-assisted services benefit children and adults with disabilities.
Over the years, members have toured public facilities, learned from community leaders, attended performances at City Repertory Theatre and supported initiatives recognizing women’s contributions to history and civic life.
Mealy also paid tribute to influential members who are no longer with the organization, recalling their dedication, friendship and lasting impact. The gathering observed a moment of silence for the women who helped build the organization and inspired others to continue its work.
Longtime members shared how joining University Women of Flagler opened doors to friendships, leadership opportunities and greater community involvement.
Nancy Carlton, who joined in 2006 after being encouraged by a neighbor, said the organization connected her with women who would become lifelong friends. It also led to her serving six years on the Flagler County Education Foundation board and becoming involved with other community and governmental initiatives.
“It really has been a wonderful networking opportunity for me,” Carlton said. “Twenty years later, I’m still a member. I’m not as active as I used to be, but I still try to support the organization because I so believe in the mission of this organization and how passionate our members are about education and women in the community.”
During the celebration, founding and longtime members were recognized with commemorative 20th-anniversary gifts. Past presidents and the full membership were also invited forward for photographs capturing the milestone.
For Mealy, the anniversary was not only an opportunity to revisit the past but also a call to continue building the organization’s future.
“Thank you, ladies — those of you who have been here since the beginning, those of you who have joined recently and those of you who came back today,” she said. “Keep getting new members, and we’ll go on for another 20, 40 or 50 years.”
The celebration reflected what has sustained University Women of Flagler since its earliest meetings: women united by friendship, strengthened through service and committed to creating educational opportunities for generations to come.
Over 20 years of service, the organization has provided $300,000 to educational endeavors in Flagler County. Find out more about the University Women of Flagler by visiting www.uwflagler.org.
