The 23rd annual Delicious Destinations Celebrity Chef By The Sea Luncheon took place on Sept. 5 at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. Proceeds from the luncheon went toward Ascension St. Vincent’s Mothers and Babies Initiatives.
Andrea Laliberte, chair of the Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation Board, opened the luncheon by sharing Ascension’s message.
“Every child deserves health, hope and healing,” said Laliberte. She went on to explain why the luncheon was so important. “This is where generous people come together to support a mission that truly changes lives,” she said.
Proceeds from the luncheon went to support mothers and babies throughout their first year of life. Ascension offers several programs to support mothers and families during this time including a pregnancy resource center, which offers ultrasounds, baby supplies and parenting support, sleep education and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Ascension also offers a program called Brighter Beginnings, which helps to equip parents with education and tools to support their family.
“All of these programs are for everyone in the community,” Laliberte said.
Emily and Enrique Puente know from personal experience how instrumental Ascension can be in the lives of families. Their son was born with health issues, and Emily Puente had to spend some time in the hospital.
“From the very beginning, the team at Southside embraced us like family,” she said.
The Puente family spent a lot of time at Ascension praying and hoping that their son would recover.
“The nurses educated us, and they encouraged us. From our experience it was clear that angels really walk among us.” said Emily.
Ascension’s location in Clay County will open a level 2 NICU in 2026. Laliberte said Ascension is committed to reaching as many families as possible.
“Today is about community, compassion and creating brighter futures for every mother and every baby in every family in Northeast Florida,” she said.
The Puente family will forever be grateful for everything Ascension did for their family.
“Ascension St. Vincent’s without a doubt saved our son’s life, and you have all touched our lives in ways you will never truly know,” said Emily Puente.
