ORGANIZATIONS
Lee Hicks is the only active charter member with the group today. She continues
to work as a mentor to the membership committee, devotes much of
her time as a history committee member and is the co-chair for the group’s
40th anniversary.
“When we first started, our main purpose was to get ladies
interested in executive positions and be part of civic activities,”
Hicks says. “We were and still are very active in the
community.”
At 86, she continues to meet with the group and has
formed a tight-knit circle within the organization called the
wise women that includes eight older members who meet
and discuss current affairs. Hicks speaks with great fondness
and respect for the organization. Much of her work has been
involved in the membership committee to retain and bring on
new members.
“We really support each other through all of our joys as
well as concerns,” Hicks says. “It’s fantastic to be amongst
women who want to give back to our community and support
other organizations as well.”
Over the years the group has done much for those in need.
Members have done everything from painting walls at the
Pace Center for Girls and SafeSpace to purchasing and filling
backpacks with school supplies for Stuff the Bus. They also
participate in Day of Caring and food drives for Treasure
Coast Food Bank and bring out members to swing hammers
for Habitat for Humanity.
LENDING A HELPING HAND
The group certainly prides itself on its ability to help others.
“For 10 years, the PSL Business Women has participated
in and sponsored the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Walk,” Kamm says. “We have raised more than $16,000 for
Attending a charter members dinner in 1990 are, left to right, Anita Green,
Helen Roberts, Carol Kepp. Joyce Nix, Strelsa Schreiber and Charlotte DeVane.
Seated are, left to right, are: Karen Miret, Pat Seeley, Lee Hicks and
Marge Anderson.
the American Cancer Society to provide free rides to cancer
patients, provide wigs free of charge to women, and to support
the search for a cure, education, and outreach.”
For 29 years, it has held an annual fashion show, a sellout
event that is the talk of the town, to raise funds for local nonprofit
agencies serving women and children and scholarships
for women attending Indian River State College. To date,
more than $200,000 in grants has been awarded. Through
the Business Women’s partnership with Indian River State
College, 68 women have benefited from awards of $124,500 in
scholarships to continue their education.
And in September, grants totaling $10,000 were awarded
to seven Treasure Coast nonprofit organizations that benefit
women and children in the community.
Donna DeMarchi, an attorney who handles personal injury
cases, is the current president. She has lived in Port St. Lucie
since 1986 and has been with the PSLBW group for about
nine years.
“I was recruited to join Port St. Lucie Business Women by a
colleague in the legal field, Robin Delgado,” DeMarchi says.
“I was drawn to this organization because of their communi- >>
The members are proud of work they’ve done over the years raising funds
to donate to the community. Holding a $10,000 check for 2020, left to
right, are: Jessica Parrish, Donna DeMarchi and Esperanza Morales.
14 Port St. Lucie Magazine