Recognizing that tomorrow’s history is being made today, the Beaches Museum has announced the extraordinary individuals selected to be recognized at its Beach Legends Gala, Friday, September 15 at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse.

"An annual gala has been part of our organization since it's inception. But this year marks the 10th year of honoring Beach Legends." says co-chair Leslee Burch. "Honoring these history-makers is right in line with our mission and we are proud of its success!"

The 2023 Honorees are:
 
Clare Berry’s life work is seemingly to make people feel welcome in our community. From being one of our area’s top realtors to her decades of service to The PLAYERS Championship through the Player Services, PR and Admissions Committees, Clare helps everyone from new homeowners to internationally known golfers feel right at home. Her generosity of time, talent and treasure to organizations such as the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, BEAM and Audubon Eagle Watchers helps make our community a better place for all.

Joe Mitrick spent his career focused on the health of our community. As a leader in the Baptist Health system, Joe made his most notable mark on our area as the CEO of Baptist Medical Center-Beaches. Leading during a time of tremendous expansion in the health care offerings for our community, Joe was also an engaged and active leader at the beaches through the JAX Chamber-Beaches Division, Mission House, Exchange Club and more.
 
Coach George Paugh is a true waterman. Countless kids across our community learned how to swim from him at the Beaches Aquatic Club with hundreds more learning how to be Junior Lifeguards under his leadership and commitment to the Volunteer Life Saving Corps since 1964. During his tenure at Fletcher High School, Coach Paugh was a fixture alongside the pool or the wrestling mat as a quiet leader in the swimming, diving and wrestling programs at the school.

“We are thrilled with support of the community for this event and these honorees and expect our tenth year to be the best year so yet” said Gala Co-Chair Heather McConville.
 
For additional information on the Beach Legends Gala visit the website www.beachesmuseum.org. For information on sponsorship and auction donations, contact Chris Hoffman at [email protected] or by calling 904-241-5657 x 113.