The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum was founded by the generosity of the community. The members of the St. Augustine Junior League gave selflessly and tirelessly of their time, resources and talent. Together they rallied a community of support that turned the Light Station into a museum in 1998. Since then, generous donors have continued to ensure that the mission to discover, preserve, present, and share the stories of the Nation’s Oldest Port remains not only alive but also thriving!
Our mission persists thanks to our community of supporters, and in appreciation, we want to highlight some of these community members and understand what motivates their support. We hope you enjoy learning about some incredibly generous individuals who have contributed to the museum! This month’s donor spotlight features Belinda Ravan, owner of Buy & Sell with Belinda. Belinda is a devoted supporter of our mission. As a local resident, Belinda’s relationship with the Lighthouse has lasted a lifetime, and she has been a member of the museum for many years. We took a moment to ask her about her connection to the site, and here are her responses:
What did the Lighthouse mean to you growing up in St. Augustine?
Growing up in St. Augustine, the Lighthouse was always something I admired from a distance. I didn’t have the chance to visit it as a child, but its presence was constant—standing tall, beautiful, and full of history. My favorite quote growing up has always been “A Lighthouse can symbolize safety as it provides guidance, direction, and hope.”
What did it mean to you when the site was saved and then finally turned into a museum?
Seeing the Lighthouse restored and brought back to life as a museum makes me incredibly proud of my community. Instead of becoming another forgotten landmark, it became something everyone could learn from, climb, and enjoy the beauty of St Augustine from 165ft elevation, which is accessible to the public.
What has the museum meant to you and your family over the years?
The museum has been a constant source of connection and just simple joy for my family and friends. It’s a place we visit to walk the grounds, enjoy the peaceful landscaping, and remember why St. Augustine is so special. Some of my favorite memories are of challenging myself in the Alpha-Omega Climb the Lighthouse fundraiser — and winning in both 2019 and 2020 made it even more meaningful! Unfortunately, due to COVID since 2020, I have not had the opportunity to challenge myself climbing the lighthouse.
What inspired you to support the museum?
I chose to sponsor the Lighthouse because I value the preservation of St. Augustine’s history and the opportunity it creates for future generations. Knowing that my great-grandchildren will be able to experience our city from such a unique perspective—one of the highest accessible points in St. Augustine, without the need for a helicopter or plane—means a great deal to me. St. Augustine is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I’m deeply grateful that this historic landmark allows people to see and appreciate it in such a special way.
Like members of the business community that came before her, she is stepping in and stepping up to help keep the light shining for generations to come!
Thank you, Belinda!
