There’s something magical about summer on the First Coast. From sun-drenched days by the water to warm evenings spent with family and friends, this season reminds us why we’re so lucky to call Northeast Florida home. And this year’s Fourth of July was especially memorable, with dazzling fireworks illuminating the coastline from beach to beach — a breathtaking display that brought our community together in celebration of our 250 years.
July also ushers in one of our favorite traditions: Christmas in July. Through this annual toy drive, generous community members help stock gifts that can transform an ordinary hospital day into something worth celebrating, whether it’s a child’s birthday, a medical milestone or simply a moment when a child needs an extra reason to smile, these treats provide extra smiles.
A Busy Season Behind the Scenes
While many are enjoying summer adventures on the beach or along the St. Johns River, The Women’s Board is hard at work preparing for two of Jacksonville’s most anticipated philanthropic events.
The Florida Forum
Known as one of the region’s premier speaker series, The Florida Forum welcomes internationally recognized leaders, influential thinkers, bestselling authors and heads of state to Jacksonville. The highly anticipated 2026-27 lineup has been announced. We will be welcoming Venus Williams, tennis icon, entrepreneur and advocate, on Oct. 12; Mike Massimino, astronaut, engineer and professor, on Feb. 2; and David Axelrod and Karl Rove, political strategists, authors and educators, together on April 7. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at www.thefloridaforum.com. Please join us for another extraordinary season of inspiration and insight.
The First Coast Design Show
Creativity, elegance and philanthropy come together Dec. 3-6 at the First Coast Design Show, a spectacular four-day event that has become a holiday-season tradition. The Design Show is the perfect place to find your holiday shopping treasures as we feature more than 40 exhibitors showcasing fine art, antiques and garden ware. With a focus on unique one-of-a-kind items, there is something for everyone.
The weekend also features a glamorous black-tie gala, presentations from nationally acclaimed designers, inspiring designer vignettes and beautifully curated tablescapes.
A highlight each year is the beloved Children’s Fashion Show, where current and former Wolfson patients take center stage, reminding everyone why this event matters so deeply.
Building a Place to Heal
This year, support from both events will help fund an ambitious and meaningful project: raising $1.5 million to create an outdoor therapeutic play space for the Behavioral Health Unit at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
The connection between nature and well-being is powerful. Access to fresh air, sunshine, movement and outdoor activities play a vital role in emotional and physical healing. The new space will provide pediatric patients with opportunities for recreation, therapy, exercise and quiet reflection in a safe, thoughtfully designed environment created specifically for their needs.
The Women’s Board is proud to champion this important initiative while helping raise awareness of the growing need for pediatric behavioral health services throughout our community.
Fifty Years of Giving Back
The impact of The Women’s Board continues to grow thanks to the dedication of more than 400 volunteers and the generosity of countless supporters. Last year alone, The Women’s Board contributed more than $750,000 to Wolfson Children’s Hospital and its programs. Over the past 50 years, the organization has raised more than $38 million, helping advance world-class pediatric care for children across the region.
As we enjoy the sunshine and celebrations of summer, we remain inspired by what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose: helping children heal, thrive and dream bigger.
To learn more about our mission, upcoming events, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to get involved, go to The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital website at www.womensboardwch.com or call 904-202-2886.
Wishing you a wonderful summer filled with joy, connection, and unforgettable memories.
