EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was published in Sand Castles, July 25, 2024.
The Jacksonville Chapter of Florida House on Capitol Hill hosted a memorable fundraiser and silent auction at the Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center to celebrate Grace Nelson. Nelson received the prestigious Florida House Vision Award in recognition of her decades-long dedication to Florida House.
Mayor Donna Deegan presented her with the key to the City of Jacksonville, underscoring her profound impact on the community and love for her hometown.
The evening featured heartfelt tributes to Nelson's leadership and advocacy, emphasizing her pivotal role in promoting Florida House’s mission and resources. Florida House Trustee Emeritus Mike Hightower emceed the event, welcoming a lineup of distinguished guests. Florida House Chairman of the Board Rick Derrer expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Nelson, as well as to Dane Bennett, vice president of government relations for Baptist Health.
We were also honored to be joined by Bruce Smathers, representing a family deeply connected to the Nelsons and to Washington, D.C.
Nelson’s sisters, cousins and son, Billy Nelson, were in attendance. In her heartfelt address, she conveyed her gratitude for Rhea Chiles’ legacy and fondly reminisced about her hometown of Jacksonville.
“Florida House would not be what it is today without Mrs. Nelson’s vision and generous spirit.” said Interim Executive Director Liz Doyle. “Not only are we always happy to see her at Florida House, but we deeply appreciate her many contributions to the growth of the organization.”
Founded in 1973 by Chiles, wife of former Senator and Governor Lawton Chiles, Florida House on Capitol Hill serves as the only State Embassy in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to connect, celebrate and champion Florida to the world through arts and culture, education, business and outstanding hospitality.
For more than 50 years, Florida House has been the cornerstone for Floridians visiting the nation's capital, fostering connections and showcasing the state's rich heritage.
Today, the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization is comprised of more than 160 rustees who promote the Florida House mission, serve on committees, and support its programs and services through fundraising and local events.
For more information about Florida House and its mission, go to floridahousedc.org. To see all the exciting happenings at America’s Only State Embassy, follow us on social media @floridahousedc.
