20 minute read
The Sonder Project
Improving Lives Building Wells of Hope
THE SONDER PROJECT AND CORCORAN REVERIE
BY LIESEL SCHMIDT
Clean water. Education. Food. Shelter.
As a largely affluent society, we often give little thought to how fortunate we are to have basic necessities and access to things that make our lives comfortable and safe. For countless communities across the globe, however, what we have can be far out of reach. Organizations like The Sonder Project make it their mission to provide basic necessities for these communities, changing lives for the better.
Created in 2015 by a group of entrepreneurs from the 30A area who wanted to give back and have the greatest impact possible, The Sonder Project aims to “empower impoverished communities through high-impact, sustainable development.”
“Every person on this earth should have access to such basic needs as clean water, education and food security,” said The Sonder Project’s CEO, Chad Zibelman.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SONDER PROJECT
Top right: Agness Tembo, from the community of Chimtima in Malawi, carries a bucket of water retrieved from the well completed in her community in December, 2020. Bottom left: The Sonder Project CEO, Chad Zibelman (center), pictured with Malawi education coordinator Jervas Chikombe (left) and country director Martin Nansia (right).
“Organizations like The Sonder Project are crucial because 1 in 10 people in the world lack access to clean water, and 1 in 5 school-aged children worldwide do not attend school,” Zibelman said. “The statistics are staggering; 821 million people in the world are undernourished. We focus heavily on the communities of Africa, because the greatest disparity exists in Africa, where over 50% of the world’s extremely poor people reside.”
Zibelman believes that those who can afford to pass on good fortune should reach out to the areas in the world that need it most.
“We should be able to do so through integrity-driven, responsible and efficient organizations that can affirm and demonstrate impact,” he said.
Trust is critical to The Sonder Project, as the nonprofit relies on private donations from individuals and businesses.
“Our base has stemmed from the 30A area where The Sonder Project was born, but we are an international organization,” Zibelman said. “We have supporters from all across the country, and we hope to be able to continue to spread the word and get more people involved in our mission to empower communities and improve lives.”
Over the life of the organization, in fact, The Sonder Project has partnered with 39 communities to achieve significant change.
Its initiatives have included the sinking of wells that provided access to clean water for more than 50,000 people; school-improvement programs that lowered dropout rates; and the creation of a solar-irrigated community farm that increased food security for over 1,200 people. “We’ve touched over 65,000 lives and counting,” Zibelman said. Annually, The Sonder Project drills 10 to 15 wells, constructs two to three school blocks, seeks to sponsor 200 students, and supports one community farm. With such big goals, The Sonder Project naturally encounters big
“Corcoran challenges. “I wish we were able to find water Reverie’s support is increasing wherever and whenever we drilled and at a sustainable quantity,” said Zibelman. “Unfortunately, that’s simply access to clean not the case, and it sometimes takes us multiple attempts to find the quantity water for people in our partner of water we need to ensure a viable water source.” Overseas, Sonder staff deal with communities and changing lives.” poor and sometimes impassable roads. At home, the organization faces the tall order of leading people to give to a cause that is removed from their everyday reality. “Being headquartered in the U.S., we often get questions about why we don’t focus our work at home,” Zibelman said. “The fact of the matter is that there are plenty of wonderful organizations doing incredibly important work in our communities at home. We applaud their work and effort. For us it’s not an either-or equation. We hope supporters will find the capacity to give both locally and globally.” Among their supporters is Corcoran Reverie.
Top right: Pousdoure residents with their new well, funded through proceeds donated to The Sonder Project by Corcoran Reverie. Bottom Right: Prior to the new well, Pousdoure residents relied on open wells, which are unsanitary, dangerous and time consuming. Bottom left: Students from St. Elizabeth Primary School, in the community of Nkhundango in Malawi, gather in the school building constructed by The Sonder Project. Bottom right: Students from St. Elizabeth Primary School walk towards the school block constructed by The Sonder Project.
“Corcoran Reverie has been a huge supporter and contributed over $10,000 to The Sonder Project ,” Zibelman said. “Jacob Watkins, one of the co-founders of Corcoran Reverie, has been on our board of directors since the beginning and is always looking for opportunities to pay it forward.”
Corcoran Reverie held a silent auction in 2021 and donated $12,615 in proceeds that were used to provide access to clean water for the residents of Pousdoure, a community in the West African country of Burkina Faso.
The Corcoran Reverie Christmas party also generated $12,300 that was donated to The Sonder Project for another wellbuilding project in Africa.
“There are approximately 1,500 people living in the area in and around Pousdoure, and we estimate at least 500 people are directly benefiting from the new well there every day. The community is also home to a primary school that has first through sixth grades and over 200 students enrolled,” Zibelman said.
“Prior to The Sonder Project well, the community either had to walk over a mile to collect water at another well or relied on open wells, which are unsanitary, dangerous and much more time-consuming. We are so appreciative of the support that the Corcoran Reverie team has provided; it increases our ability to touch more lives.”
The Sonder Project was honored at Corcoran Reverie’s annual gala this year, where the company went a step further to challenge their agents to donate a percentage of their commissions. Zibelman expressed gratitude to the real estate company.
“We plan on bringing the top brokers who participate in this program to Malawi with us to experience the impact of our work firsthand,” he said.
“Corcoran Reverie’s support is increasing access to clean water for people in our partner communities and changing lives.”
For more information on The Sonder Project, visit thesonderproject.org.
Memory Making Epitome of Tranquility
MALA BEACH HOMES REFLECT THE BEST THAT NORTHWEST FLORIDA HAS TO OFFER
BY EMMA WITMER
Mala Beach is an intimate gated collection of just seven European-style homes that offers privacy and unparalleled natural beauty. Located at Inlet Beach in Walton County, Mala Beach lies within an easy bicycle ride of Rosemary Beach and all the fine cuisine, high-end retailers and enticing events that the community has to offer.
“The name of Mala Beach is actually derived from Japamala, an ancient Sanskrit word that has been associated with meditation and spirituality for thousands of years,” said Corcoran Reverie listing agent Hilary Farnum-Fasth. “I honestly cannot think of a better way to describe these homes. What we have been able to do in partnership with the owners has really created the epitome of tranquility.”
Jacob Watkins and Farnum-Fasth, the co-owners of Corcoran Reverie, share a deep affection for Northwest Florida and especially the communities along Scenic Highway 30A. When the opportunity to bring the stunning Mala Beach development to market arose, they jumped at the chance.
Find tranquility in Mala Beach, whose name is derived from the Sanskrit word, Japamala, a term associated with meditation.
Each Mala Beach home has been designed to offer a sleek and luxurious style.
PHOTOS BY DAVID WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY
“Inlet Beach and Rosemary Beach have become a destination for those looking for some of the best dining in the world and those seeking some of the best entertainment in the South,” Watkins said. “That is something we are super proud of. We are really excited to bring properties to market in this community and give new buyers the opportunity to experience 30A and South Walton County.”
Together, Watkins and Farnum-Fasth make up Corcoran Reverie’s top-producing team. They share a refined appreciation for the detailing and features that their clients look for. The pair worked with a team of designers, builders and suppliers to elevate the already beautiful Mala Beach development to the pinnacle of style and luxury. They reimagined and refinished
each Mala Beach home with touches including handmade, custom-tile backsplashes; French white oak flooring and marble countertops.
“It's really about the story behind it for us,” Farnum-Fasth said. “We connect the Mala Beach community to those generational families who plan to make a lot of memories with their kids and grandkids in a beautiful, comfortable setting.”
Elevators make ascending each Mala Beach home’s four stories easy for all, while social spaces on the first and fourth floors are ideal for hosting family gatherings.
On the first floor, sleek Peacock Paver flooring and wooden accents lead to a recreation room. Four palatial master suites provide both comfort and privacy; adjoining bathrooms are equipped with custom tiled showers, soaking tubs and dual vanities. Suites on the second and third floors have scenic porch views and generous walk-in wardrobes, while two bunk rooms are perfect for younger visitors. Each bunk room has four queen bunks and a detached restroom to maximize comfort for everyone in the house.
The real highlight of each Mala Beach home, Watkins said, is the fourth floor. Here, vaulted ceilings and large, open-concept dining room, kitchen and living areas add up to a truly grand space. In the kitchen, natural sunlight illuminates a 10-foot kitchen island, waterfall countertops and elegant custom cabinetry. Mala Beach kitchens are all equipped with La Cornue ranges, Bertazzoni hood inserts and Sub-Zero refrigerators. Step onto the rooftop porch, and the real reverie begins.
“The Mala homes are designed to capture the best views possible of the water,” Watkins said. “As you walk out of the great room, there is a large covered porch area with room for outdoor entertaining, and adjacent to that is the rooftop pool. So you are able to sit in the pool, enjoy that sun and also be overlooking the water. There are not many homes in the area that offer rooftop pools like this.”
The specialness of Mala Beach homes aligns with their spectacular setting.
“I can already see families planning their day over breakfast around the kitchen island, grandparents reminiscing with a glass of wine at sunset or parents and kids pulling off their sandals for a walk along the coast,” Watkins said. “I see people coming together at Mala Beach.”
Rooftop pools make Mala Beach homes unique and offer the perfect setting for sunset views.
Personal Stylist Bringing Light to Closets
ANGIE ROBERTS BUILDS WARDROBES AND CONFIDENCE
BY HANNAH BURKE
The late Bill Cunningham, a style chronicler and photo columnist for the New York Times, famously deemed fashion “the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”
You likely possess at least one item of clothing that makes you feel bulletproof: a figure-flattering dress that tempts and turns heads, or a pair of stilettos that elevate your confidence as much as your stride. But, imagine if every piece of your wardrobe inspired such self-assurance …
A girl could conquer the world.
For Angie Roberts, a personal stylist in Santa Rosa Beach, that is precisely the goal. Through her business, Amazing Grey, Roberts has helped inspire dozens of professional women and aspiring entrepreneurs to chase their dreams with the power of dress.
“Amazing Grey started seven years ago in Tallahassee, where I was working in an administrative role and in desperate need of a creative outlet,” Roberts said. “I got a practical degree like I was always told to, but I wanted to be able to help people. Some may argue that fashion is self-serving, but it’s so much more than matching skirts with blouses. Helping people find their personal style so they can walk out the door with their shoulders back — and with far more confidence than insecurity — is invaluable.”
Roberts said she caters her services to women in the business world because she knows well the nuances of professional dress and life. Women may enlist her for closet “edits” and facelifts, or sign up for the full “Sort, Shop and Style” experience.
“Everything starts in the closet, where no one wants to be because it’s dark, dirty and where we have our mental breakdowns,” Roberts laughed. “But, it’s important to roll up your sleeves and really get in there to see what you’re working with. You can’t shop without first knowing what’s there.”
TLC’s "What Not to Wear" fans will be familiar with this process, but versus a televised exposure of all your fashion crimes and hoarder tendencies, Roberts offers an intimate, nonjudgmental and cooperative approach. This is where she gets to know someone’s inhibitions, lifestyle and fashion sense, and helps identify which pieces work and those that don’t.
Clothes make the woman? Well, they can help as indicators of her style and attitude. Here, personal stylist Angie Roberts makes a statement with a dress from Nordstrom and boots by Vince Camuto.
Roberts said many clients are surprised at their own style evolutions, especially post-quarantine. Embracing society’s newfound love for simplicity, she is a huge believer in establishing key, foundational pieces that can be transformed with accessories. A white, chiffon blouse can be given new life with a colorful blazer and handbag one day, and a leather belt and statement jewelry the next.
Upon ascertaining the client’s tastes, Roberts collaborates with them on a “vision board” to inspire and inform shopping.
“I don’t classify style by saying, ‘Oh, she’s a romantic,’ or ‘She’s a classic,’ because style is fluid, and you can like girly dresses and studded leather jackets, too,” Roberts said. “Some people are afraid to step outside of the box because they don’t trust their own judgment, and sometimes, they may just need someone to tell them what looks good and what doesn’t.”
Roberts speaks from experience. Her own wardrobe underwent transformation after she moved from Atlanta to Watersound last year. She considers her style to be a lot more casual now, citing her love for Veja sneakers and a good pair of jeans. Locally, she loves shopping at Indigo Watercolor and BECASA, and loves “mixing the feminine with the masculine,” a la New York socialite Olivia Palermo.
For her clients at Amazing Grey, Roberts said she “sources REVOLVE and Nordstrom like it’s my job.” For activewear, Roberts tends to recommend the Vuori brand, while the FRAME Denim, PAIGE and Free People labels lend themselves to both professional and leisure modes.
After Roberts completes the shopping, she informs her clients why she selected certain pieces and teaches them how to incorporate them into their wardrobes. Roberts will then style outfits and upload photos of them to a virtual closet program for her customer’s future reference.
To expand her outreach, Roberts performs style workshops and presentations for organizations and community groups. At this writing, she has just addressed the Capital Women’s Network, a nonprofit devoted to helping women advance their careers in Tallahassee, about the importance of building a stylish wardrobe with confidence. When you’re not worried about yourself and what others might think of you, she said, you’d be surprised what all can be accomplished.
“Many of my clients come to me in times of change,” Roberts said. “They could be recently divorced, are now empty nesters or maybe they just moved and got a new job. It can be overwhelming when you walk into your closet and feel stuck.
“It’s challenging, and we get into some deep stuff during the closet editing process, but having the opportunity to be the one by their side is a big deal and not something I take for granted.”
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BOOINI
Angie Roberts sports J. Crew loafers, PAIGE jeans, a 360 cashmere sweater and a Blank NYC leather jacket. With a smile that suggests that she is pleased with what it has to offer, Angie Roberts, above, sorts through her closet. Madewell earrings, top photo, are among her favorite accessories.
On Getting Unstuck “You are stuck because you are busy,” personal stylist Angie Roberts says of women today. “You are overwhelmed by your to-do list, and at the very bottom of your list might be shopping. So, you reach for one of the same five outfits you always wear because you at least know it works. You are stuck, and you feel incapable and unequipped to shop for your body and your lifestyle.” Roberts helps women overcome such inertia by offering services including wardrobe styling, closet facelifts and one-on-one styling assistance.
On the Coast Soak Up the Sun
GET OUTSIDE AND EXPLORE ALL THAT NORTHWEST FLORIDA HAS TO OFFER
BY EMMA WITMER
The climate and environment that surround the communities along Scenic Highway 30A invite participation in a myriad of outdoor activities.
HIT THE GREEN
In communities including Destin and Rosemary Beach, you are never more than a mile from the nearest golf course. South Walton County is home to some of Florida’s finest golf courses. Baytowne Golf Club in Sandestin has received a 4.5-star ranking twice from Golf Digest, while Raven Golf Club’s wetland setting offers great beauty making for memorable golf holes.
OPEN AIR DINING
Given the beachfront decks and rooftop porches at many of the area's restaurants and bars, outdoor dining is always an option on the Emerald Coast. “I love to do lunch at Bud & Alley’s on the second-floor, outdoor terrace followed by sunbathing on the beach with good music and a great book!” said Corcoran Reverie’s Laura Calhoun. “Bud & Alley’s has amazing views of the Gulf, delicious crab cakes, tuna dip and Frose. It’s also a great place to people-watch in Seaside.” START A FIRE
Panama City Beach and Miramar Beach are both bonfire friendly, but before you gather your kindling, you’ll need to request a permit. A one-night fire permit costs $50 and can be obtained from the Panama City Beach Fire Rescue Inspection Division or the South Walton Fire District. Be sure that you keep your permit handy, steer clear of buildings and turtle nests and clean up before you head home.
HISTORY, FLORA AND FAUNA
Experience the natural beauty and history of the Emerald Coast by visiting one of the region's many state parks. Travel through time at Eden Gardens State Park, the site of the regal 19th century Wesley Homestead, or take a walking tour of undeveloped coastline at Henderson Beach State Park, Camp Helen State Park, Grayton Beach State Park or Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
Top left: Burnt Pine Golf Course at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Top center: Views from the deck at Bud & Alley's in Seaside. Top right: Bike trails are plentiful along 30A. Bottom right: Hit the courts at Watersound Beach Club.
GO FOR A RIDE
Bicycle trails along 30A are the perfect place to set out on two wheels. Bike rental businesses are sprinkled along the highway and cater to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Northwest Florida is home to some of the most beautiful trails in the state. Among the most popular is the Timpoochee Trail, an 18.6-mile stretch of mostly flat, paved pathways that flank many of the area’s vast dune lakes. Named after an Euchee Native American chief, the Timpoochee Trail runs the entire length of 30A.
HIT THE COURT
Communities along 30A offer dozens of tennis and pickleball courts and opportunities for lessons, league play and friendly competition. “Tennis is a sport for life and is offered abundantly in our area,” said Corcoran Reverie’s Kim Hatley. She prefers to show off her skills at Rosemary Beach Racquet Club, which is ranked among the world’s top 75 tennis destinations by Tennis Resorts Online, but Panama City Beach, Watercolor, Seaside and Alys Beach are also hot spots for racketeers.
The Destin Harbor is the perfect place to set out on the open waters. Choose your adventure with pontoon and Jet Ski rentals or guided tours and excursions available.
FIND FARM FRESH FUN
Farming is a way of life in the Panhandle, but you don’t need to know your way around a tractor to enjoy the simple beauty of the harvest. “One of my favorite outdoor activities and traditions is going up to the local farms for strawberry and pumpkin patch picking,” said Corcoran Reverie’s Kersten Bowman “It is so fun for the whole family, and they have several activities like tractor and hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes, zip lines as well as ice cream at each farm for the months of April and October.”
GET ON THE WATER VISIT THE FARMERS MARKETS
Destin Harbor is a must-visit destination for boat enthusiasts, anglers and adventure-seekers. Here, some 20 charter fishing companies can help you reel in an impressive catch, while businesses including Destin Harbor Pontoon Rental can make you a captain for the day. See dolphins and other wildlife on various excursions or live out your Jolly Roger fantasy aboard Buccaneer Pirate Cruise’s pirate ship. Need a break from the saltwater? The coastal dune lakes in South Walton are perfect for paddle boarding.
JOIN THE FESTIVITIES
You would be hard pressed to find a weekend with nothing on the 30A events calendar. Sample wine, bourbons and barbecue at Alys Beach’s annual 30A Wine Festival, or savor mouthwatering eats at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival or Watercolor’s Harvest Wine and Food Festival. Music lovers flock to Panama City Beach each year for the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, while would-be seafarers go full pirate at the Billy Bowlegs Festival in Fort Walton Beach. The ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival in Miramar Beach, Destin’s Festival of the Arts and the Watercolor Film Festival provide opportunities to connect with the Emerald Coast’s thriving arts scene.
From tomatoes to tamales to fresh cut flowers, farmers markets make for an idyllic weekend activity for the whole family. Known collectively as the 30A Farmers Markets, there are four major farmers markets scattered across the area. The Watersound Town Center Farmers Market, located north of Alys Beach, is known for its food trucks and live music almost as much as it is for its fresh meats and produce. In Sandestin, the Grand Boulevard Farmers Market offers seafood, cheese and homemade soaps every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Niceville’s Florida Community Farmers Market at Palm Plaza and the original 30A Farmers Market in Rosemary Beach attract throngs every weekend.
FOMO ?
Find your home on 30A and never miss out on the fun again.
Marla Hanna
Licensed Luxury Property Specialist m +1 615.476.4209 | o +1 850.231.5030 marla.hanna@corcorangroup.com Visit Beachonthebrain.com to see what you’re missing.
