Mark your calendar for March 17, 2012 — the 10th Annual Battle of the Minds at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club.

Every year, Battle of the Minds offers fabulous silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner, and a competitive trivia challenge game where teams compete for the coveted Mastermind Cup. Will your team win this year? SPONSORSHIPS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. Click here for a downloadable sponsorship form.

Our auction committee has been able to secure two brand new auction items for the tenth anniversary of Battle of the Minds:  an African Photo Safari for two and a John Kelly Band Concert for 80.

On Friday, December 16, the middle division faculty from Shorecrest Prepartory School prepared and served a love-filled meal for the Beacon House Community Kitchen. Jeff Diedrich, one of the faculty members, has shared his experience:

I’m a teacher and I love what I do. My students inspire me and give me joy on a daily basis. And on occasion, there are moments so meaningful that a warmth consumes me and emblazons an unforgettable feeling to be cherished forever. Today was one of those days, but the glow came from an unexpected source.

Today, I volunteered with Shorecrest middle division colleagues at the Beacon House, a transitional shelter for homeless men that provides dinner to anyone in the community. We waited tables, prepared food, and adorned the room with student-made holiday decorations that included edible ginger bread houses, table runners, and repurposed plastic bottles turned Christmas trees.

I was stationed in the dining room, greeting guests and serving food. Immediately, I was humbled by their politeness and gratitude. Every plate I served or glass I offered to refill was followed by a heartfelt, “Thank you.” Repeatedly, I was told how appreciative they were and how wonderful the food tasted. One gentleman in particular, Rick, responded to my queries in the most engaging way which led to a very rewarding conversation.

It began when I asked Rick how the food tasted and then followed it up with a toungue-in-cheek “And how about my singing?” (we had just finished a six-song set of Christmas Carols that I had more than likely butchered 80% of). “It was horrible,” he said with a straight face that quickly turned to a smirk. “I’m just kidding,” he assured me as I complimented him on his wry humor. He then commented on how pleased he was with the end of the Iraq War and from there we talked about Afghanistan, Vietnam, his childhood horse, Betsy, and watching golf on television. I was so engaged in the conversation that I didn’t even notice that the group was leaving until I was tapped on the shoulder as my colleagues were walking out the door.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines beacon as a source of light or inspiration. My experience at the Beacon House was more than inspirational. I was genuinely touched by the warmth, gratitude and politeness displayed by the men and women I was so fortunate to spend time with today. I am still glowing, consumed by an unforgettable feeling and I’ll be going back for more — soon.

Jeff Diedrich
Assistant Director of Athletics
Physical Education Department Chair
Boys’ Varsity Soccer Head Coach
Shorecrest Preparatory School

Elise Minkoff, Chair of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic Board of Directors, announced on November 29 that Beth A. Houghton will be the Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic as of December 1.  She follows Jane Egbert who has served as Executive Director for the last 12 years and is retiring on December 23.

“I am extraordinarily excited to be joining the St. Petersburg Free Clinic as its Executive Director. The mission of providing for basic unmet needs is near to my heart. It is often said that there is a place for everyone at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic — those who care and those who need care. After years of being a donor, volunteer and Board Member, I am happy to find a new place for myself at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic,” said Ms. Houghton.

Beth has served on the Board of Directors of the Free Clinic for six years and for the last two years was Chair of the Board. She is also a weekly volunteer who packs groceries for individuals and families in need. She holds a JD with highest honors from the Stetson University College of Law and an MBA from the Tulane University Graduate School of Business.

Previously Ms. Houghton was Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel of All Children’s Health System and is Vice-President of Houghton-Wagman Enterprises, Inc. A familiar volunteer in the community, she currently serves as Treasurer for the Foundation for International Missions and has personally taken 15 mission trips to the medical health clinic in Honduras. She has served on the Hospital Board of H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in a variety of roles including Board chair. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church and Board Chair Emeriti of Great Explorations.

The St. Petersburg Free Clinic, for forty-one years, has provided temporary assistance to individuals and families in the community who are in need of health care, food, and shelter. The programs of the Free Clinic include Free Clinic Food Bank, Free Clinic We Help Services, Free Clinic Health Center, Free Clinic Women’s Residence, and Free Clinic Beacon House.

On Monday, November 21, St. Petersburg Free Clinic We Help Services distributed food to families so that they can prepare their own Thanksgiving dinners. Many volunteers, including groups from Lutheran Church of the Cross School, St. Petersburg Sertoma Club, and Fidelity Information Services helped pack the bags of food as well as distribute them in the parking lot of the Free Clinic. We give a huge thanks to the many generous individuals and organizations who have given of themselves to help people in need enjoy this holiday.