SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL (October 14, 2004) – On October 12, 2004, the Junior League of the Emerald Coast received a grant from The St. Joe Community Foundation which will allow them to increase the number of Walton County children served through the League’s signature projects - the Child Clothing Project and the Holiday Wish Tree.

      The Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.  Women along the Emerald Coast in Walton, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties are members of the Junior League.

      “The Junior League has been very involved in Okaloosa County communities since 1964.  As the population has grown in Destin, Sandestin and South Walton, membership from those areas has increased and interest to serve the areas represented has expanded,” said Lori Ellen Ward, 2004-05 League President.

      “Last year we were able to include Walton County children in our Child Clothing Project for the first time. Walton County serves a large percentage of children living in poverty which directly identifies an area of need we would like to serve.  This year we have been able to significantly increase the number of Walton County children served in Child Clothing and will serve 125 with holiday gifts for the first time due to The St. Joe Community Foundation,” said Ward.

      According to the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program indicators, over sixty percent of students in the Walton County Schools district qualify for the program. These indicators are the main tool used by the JLEC in selecting the children participating for both Child Clothing and Holiday Wish Tree projects.  The JLEC works closely with Walton County Schools to ensure the projects serve those  in need.

      About the St. Joe Community Foundation

      The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) created The St. Joe Community Foundation (STJCF) in 1999 to invest in community initiatives that pay long-term returns on the quality of life in Bay, Franklin, Gulf and Walton counties.

      Focused primarily on education, regional health care delivery, art and culture, parks and recreation, and community spirit, STJCF investments are based on building civic infrastructure and providing on-going improvements in the region through grants and initiatives that promote teaching and learning and create healthier communities.  To learn more about STJCF log on to www.stjcf.com.

      For any additional information concerning the Junior League of the Emerald Coast projects or membership, contact the JLEC office at (850) 862-2665 or visit us on the web at www.jlec.org.