The Rotary Club of Palm Valley is stepping into a new chapter of service, one that stretches far beyond Ponte Vedra Beach and reaches across the Atlantic to the villages of Ghana. There, in communities where clean water is scarce, the club is helping fund a life-changing project: eight new wells that will serve six schools and two clinics.
The $50,000 initiative addresses one of the world’s most basic human needs — access to safe drinking water. For the children and families of rural Ghana, these wells will mean fewer waterborne illnesses, shorter walks to collect water and more time for education and community life.
Funding for the project is a true Rotary collaboration, combining resources from Rotary Global Grants, the North Florida Rotary District, the Rotary Club of Accra-Osu RE Ghana and three U.S. clubs — Jacksonville-Oceanside, Palm Valley and SEV Golf New Smyrna. Notably, no Palm Valley members will be assessed for this effort. Instead, it’s a testament to Rotary’s belief in teamwork: when clubs around the world come together, local impact grows into global change.
For Palm Valley Rotarians, this project is about more than just pipes and pumps. It’s about dignity, health and hope.
“Every drop of clean water changes a life,” said one club member. “It means children can stay in school, mothers can spend less time searching for water, and families can dream bigger dreams.”
Guiding the project is longtime Rotarian Rosemary Takacs of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville-Oceanside. With years of experience in international Rotary work and the Peace Corps, Takacs brings both technical expertise and a deep understanding of sustainable community development.
“We’re fortunate to have someone like Rosemary leading the way,” said a club spokesperson. “She knows how to get projects done the right way — with local involvement, accountability and a big heart.”
As Palm Valley looks outward to Ghana, the club is also growing stronger at home. Recently, members welcomed Ali Suhel, a financial adviser with Edward Jones, whose life story embodies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
Originally from Syria, Suhel lived through the hardships of war before finding refuge in Bulgaria. There, he was embraced by a church community that offered compassion and belonging.
“In my darkest moments, they lifted me up,” he shared during his induction. “That experience taught me the power of kindness — and the importance of giving back.”
His story touched every Rotarian in the room, reminding them that service isn’t just about faraway projects; it’s also about building community close to home.
With experienced leaders like Takacs and inspiring new members like Suhel, the Rotary Club of Palm Valley is poised to make an impact both in Florida and around the world.
The club meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in the Ponte Vedra Beach area, where members enjoy a four-course, sit-down dinner, share fellowship and ideas to make the world a better place.
For more information, email admin@palmvalleyrotaryclub.org or call 904-226-2696.