Front Porch Beads is a group of volunteers who meet regularly to create handcrafted jewelry for sale to benefit local charities. Since its inception in 2018, the group has donated $70,000 to local nonprofit organizations and is still going strong under the leadership of founder Frances Peters.
It all began on Peters’ spacious, shady front porch in Amelia Park when she invited a few friends and neighbors over to share in her hobby of beading jewelry. Soon they were meeting regularly with a purpose. Their first goal was to raise $1,000 from the sale of their jewelry for Micah’s Place, an organization for survivors of domestic abuse. That goal handily achieved, the ladies of Front Porch Beads set their sights higher. To date, 28 501(c)(3) organizations in Nassau County have been recipients of their cash donations. The group has since outgrown the porch.
Peters exudes enthusiasm. She speaks with urgency as though she can barely capture her thoughts in time to put them into words. Originally from Southampton, England, Peters also speaks with an English accent somehow oddly fitting for a transplant to American southern culture. Although Front Porch Beads has outgrown her porch, the home she shares with husband Dan Goth remains the center of activity, where thousands of beads and finished products are stored in neatly labeled plastic drawers from floor to ceiling. The highly organized operation occupies one room of their home.
The group makes all types of beaded jewelry, including bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, wine glass charms, eyeglass holders and holiday decorations. The designs and color combinations seem infinite. Particularly amazing are rings made with beads so tiny the end result looks like cloth or lizard skin.
Currently they sell their wares at artisan markets, festival events, craft fairs and at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro. They recently held their own event in conjunction with the YMCA. In some instances they also donate their work directly. During the COVID pandemic, the group donated beaded “mask keepers” to local hospitals. Currently they distribute jewelry to chemotherapy patients and in holiday bags assembled by charities for their clients. The group has also done beading workshops for children at various sites around the county.
“We have opted not to incorporate our group as a nonprofit entity,” said Peters. “Nobody wanted to formalize a board or commit to that process. We just want to keep it informal and fun. Also our volunteers like to choose the events where they sell and how often.”
To be the recipient of cash donations organizations must qualify as a 501(c)(3), have a broad inclusive mission, be local to Nassau County and guarantee a high percentage of the donation with go directly to program activities. A list of all the organizations supported to date is available on their website.
Beading events are now held at a variety of venues twice a month. Front Porch Bead is always looking for new venues that can accommodate 30 to 60 volunteers. Those wanting to volunteer are requested to pre-register for the event. Location of meetings and other information is located on its website, www.frontporchbeads.com.
pbushnell@fbnewsleader.com