Local Partnership Tees Up Scholarships for Future Women Leaders

JUPITER, FL – April 08, 2026 – A unique partnership between a long-standing local retailer and a prominent women’s golf group has successfully driven home a major fundraising goal, securing $10,000 to empower the next generation of female leaders in Palm Beach County. Anthony’s Ladies Apparel and the Women’s Golf Association (WGA) at PGA National joined forces for a community shopping event on February 24, channeling the power of local commerce into creating opportunities for young women through the prestigious LPGA Leadership Academy.

The funds raised will provide two $5,000 scholarships for local teenage girls to attend the immersive two-day academy, which uses the sport of golf as a dynamic platform for teaching critical life and leadership skills. The event highlights a growing trend of community-centric collaborations that create tangible local impact while supporting national-level youth development programs.

A Milestone Anniversary and a Shared Mission

The collaboration was a particularly meaningful endeavor for the Women’s Golf Association at PGA National, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The fundraising event, held at Anthony’s Jupiter boutique, brought together WGA members, shoppers, and the store’s team for an evening focused on connection and philanthropy, with a portion of all sales contributing directly to the scholarship fund.

“As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Women’s Golf Association at PGA National, supporting the next generation of women golfers through the LPGA Foundation was a natural fit,” said Jackie Derle, president of the Women’s Golf Association. “We were thrilled to raise enough for two scholarships benefiting Palm Beach County participants in the LPGA Leadership Academy. Anthony’s team made the event truly special, and we look forward to building on this momentum with their team to support next year’s charity.”

The success of the evening demonstrates a powerful synergy between a sports organization dedicated to camaraderie and a business committed to uplifting its female clientele. By aligning their missions, the two groups created an accessible way for the community to contribute to a cause that benefits young women directly within their own county.

More Than a Boutique: A Legacy of Community Support

For Anthony’s Ladies Apparel, the event was not an isolated act of charity but a continuation of a core business philosophy cultivated over more than a century. Founded over 130 years ago, the fourth-generation, family-owned business has established itself as a Florida institution, with 12 locations specializing in resort and seasonal apparel for women 50 and older. Beyond its commercial success, the company has consistently woven community support into its operational fabric.

This commitment is often demonstrated through hosting fashion shows and similar events for non-profit organizations and community groups, a practice that reinforces its brand as more than just a retailer. The partnership with the WGA is a prime example of its stated mission to uplift and inspire women, extending that support from its established customer base to the emerging generation. This initiative aligns with the company’s plans to expand its community-driven programs across Florida, reinforcing a model of corporate social responsibility that builds deep-rooted local connections.

The Green as a Classroom for Future Leaders

The destination for the $10,000 raised is the LPGA Leadership Academy, a program designed by the LPGA Foundation to do much more than improve a golf swing. Established in 2015, the academy has impacted over 1,600 girls aged 13-18 by transforming the golf course into an interactive classroom for personal development. The two-day program is offered at no cost to accepted applicants and is engineered to keep teenage girls engaged in sports while equipping them with vital life skills.

Participants delve into a curriculum focused on interactive stations, group exercises, and expert-led discussions. The activities are designed to build confidence, enhance communication, and sharpen decision-making abilities. Through journaling, dream boarding, and on-course challenges centered on teamwork, perseverance, and goal-setting, the girls learn to take calculated risks, overcome setbacks, and find their individual voices. The program’s core message is that every girl possesses the power to lead, helping them to unlock that potential both on and off the course.

The two scholarship recipients from Palm Beach County will be selected by LPGA Professionals during the academy, which takes place in Florida this June. The selection is based not on athletic prowess alone, but on personal growth and active participation throughout the program. The awarded funds will be applied toward the recipients' future college or university education, providing a direct investment in their long-term academic and professional journeys.

Fostering Talent in Palm Beach County

The scholarships address a distinct need within Palm Beach County, a region that is home to a vibrant golf community and numerous youth development initiatives. Local organizations like Leadership Palm Beach County and the United Way are actively working to provide young residents with pathways to success, and this scholarship program offers a unique, specialized supplement to those broader efforts. By focusing on teenage girls—a demographic that historically sees a higher dropout rate from sports—the initiative provides a crucial touchpoint for engagement and empowerment.

With a wealth of junior golf programs already established at clubs from North Palm Beach to Delray Beach, there is a clear local appetite for using the sport as a tool for character building. The scholarships ensure that financial barriers do not prevent deserving local participants from accessing the high-caliber training offered by the LPGA Leadership Academy. As Anthony’s and the WGA have demonstrated, a simple shopping event can become a powerful vehicle for change, creating a ripple effect that begins on a local fairway and extends into the future careers of promising young leaders.