Our Story
The Dunedin Youth Guild was organized and incorporated in 1964. However, our history started much earlier.
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In 1946 the Dunedin Youth Center Auxiliary, known locally as DYCA, was organized to meet the need for increased voluntary service and financial support for the youth center inaugurated the same year.
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Mrs. Elizabeth Skinner Jackson, daughter of one of the city's founding families, responded to the needed of the children of the city donating a house and property titles Lee B. Skinner Youth Center.
In 1964, Dunedin Youth Guild was formed for the purpose of serving the youth of Dunedin and furthering the civic and cultural progress of greater Dunedin.
The Elizabeth Skinner Jackson Park became not only The Dunedin Youth Guild's premier playground project, it has been maintained and enhanced through the years and remains an important resource for the community. In addition, DYG has supported the development of playgrounds and parks, including the parks and playgrounds pictured below:
DYG members assisting in testing playground equipment. (Tampa Bay Times article, 1964)
Elizabeth Skinner Jackson Park and Playground (current photo)
The Dunedin Youth Guild Park located on Bayshore Blvd. in Dunedin
Dunedin Youth Guild Nature Playground located at Weaver Park on Bayshore Blvd.
Over the last 60 years, DYG members have raised funds for contributions that enhance and contribute to the development of Dunedin Fine Art Center's Childrens area, Dunedin Public Library Children's room and playground, the Nature Study Program and numerous projects (see the "Our Mission" page for details about DYG projects).
Several highlights of some DYG events are listed below:
The highly-sought-after Suncoast Seasons Cookbook was published in 1984 and was a popular fundraiser. It includes 750 tested recipes and sections focused on local, state and national leaders and personalities. DYG members traveled the state to make the cookbook available for purchase in bookstores and markets. It it currently available at several online booksellers.
DYG Holiday Tour of Homes:
Since 1969, the Dunedin Youth Guild's Annual Holiday Tour of Homes has been an important and popular tradition in the area, as well as an important fundraiser for DYG. The themes have often emphasized the involvement of community artists, resources and of course, home owners who graciously open their homes during the tour.
First Tour of Homes 1969
50th Anniversary Tour 2019
Virtual Tour 2020
2025 Tour - Vintage homes and Jolley Trolley rides
Scholarship Luncheon & Fashion Show:
The leading event for the DYG Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show was the 1973 Card Party and Fashion Show which had a $2.00 donation entry fee and earned $600. Since then, the luncheon and fashion show has been a popular, often sold-out event. All proceeds from the event are dedicated to DYG's Scholarship Program.
Luncheon and Fashion Show 2026 - Supporting the Futures of Dunedin's Youth
A popular Dunedin event started as a Card Party.
Article from Clearwater Times
The first Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show was held at the Dunedin Community Center and included service of tea and desserts.
Celebration of the 50th Scholarship Luncheon & Fashion Show Event.
Scholarships
1977
In recognition of The Dunedin Youth Guild's contributions made through scholarships the City of Dunedin issued a proclamation designating March 4, 2026 as Dunedin Youth Guild Scholarship Day in Dunedin.