The Windsor Ortega Golden Years Gala, held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, was a jubilant celebration benefiting the Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park. This annual event, now in its 17th year, serves as a heartfelt “Thank You!” to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to our community through their dedication and service.
The Gala recognizes excellence across several categories, including the prestigious Ernie Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award, Volunteer Man of the Year, Volunteer Woman of the Year, and the Shepherd’s Center Outstanding Service Award. These awards highlight the remarkable efforts of individuals who embody values such as commitment, integrity, generosity, and loyalty, significantly impacting others’ lives.
Among this year’s esteemed awardees was Nancy C. Keating, recipient of the 17th Annual Golden Years Gala’s Ernie Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award. Nancy’s lifelong commitment to serving people of all abilities, backgrounds, and statuses has left an indelible mark on Clay County.
Nancy has been an active and dedicated member of the Green Cove Springs Rotary Club since 1990, breaking barriers as the club’s first female member. Her tireless efforts in fundraising for the Clay High School Scholarship Fund and chairing the Annual Rotary Swine and Dine have benefited numerous local nonprofits and initiatives.
Additionally, Nancy has generously devoted her time to the Clay County Special Olympics, Sacred Heart Church as a eucharistic minister, and the successful development of the Food Pantry. She is also a valued member of 100 Women Who Care, a board member of PET Florida, and a dedicated supporter of Rotarians for the Development of Youth.
“ Nancy exemplifies empathy, kindness, and service. She deserves to be selected for the Ernie Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award for her volunteer efforts. For half of a century, she has been building a community of inclusiveness in Clay County through her volunteer efforts,” responded Christy Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park.
The 17th Annual Windsor Ortega Golden Years Gala not only celebrates individual achievements but also highlights the invaluable role that senior adults play in our community. Their values of hard work, commitment, and generosity serve as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the power of service and the importance of giving back.
