Active Vero social season draws to a close

Vero’s social season, now officially at an end, was a particularly active one, with more than two dozen major fundraisers held on the barrier island alone, along with smaller parties and benefits too numerous to count.

Anyone who says there’s nothing to do in Vero Beach really just isn’t looking!

Whether they donate money, time or both, Vero Beach residents take pride in supporting their favorite organizations, and view themselves as fortunate to live in such an amazingly philanthropic community.

Before the season ended, several more functions raised heartening amounts of money for good causes.

Relay for Life of the Beaches teams scored a touchdown with an NFL Football theme, “Tackle Cancer, Score a Cure,” to benefit the American Cancer Society.

As the principal honorees, 77 cancer survivors were cheered on by the crowd during an inspirational Survivors’ Victory Lap at the start of the Relay. Later, an impressive Florida sunset complimented the emotional Luminaria Ceremony, honoring loved ones and serving as a reminder that “hope lights the way.”

The response to the overnight Relay for Life of the Beaches, held at Riverside Park, was overwhelming. Although only two years old, this event, under the direction of young dynamos Shawn Marchetti and co-chair Katy Block, netted an impressive $71,800.

The largest team by far was composed of a particularly enthusiastic group of students from Saint Edward’s School. They lapped the track throughout the night alongside teams made up of faculty members and parents, raising more than $15,000.

Singing to stay awake, 12th graders Morgan Clay and Aly Ryall won the Beaches Got Talent Show with a great duet.

Committee chairs Rhonda Morcillo, Denise Finizio, Judy Becker, Steven Zeuner, Jon Madsen, Mary Mazzarella, Christina Vorce, Bekah Conti, Jennifer Pegler, Morgan Clay, Rick Hartley, Dwayne Tallman, Jennifer Langdon and Dawn Hass led an enormous group of dedicated volunteers.

Huge urns filled with sunflowers welcomed food aficionados into three large tents set up along Cardinal Drive for the newly revamped Taste of Vero, hosted by the Oceanside Business Association.

Instead of strolling from one end of Ocean Drive to the other, guests this year were able to sample an assortment of delectable tidbits offered up by some of Vero’s most popular restaurants in one central location.

Festive tents provided a respite from the sun, if not necessarily from the heat, while long tables festooned with additional sunflowers offered attendees a welcomed place to sit and enjoy their culinary delights.

This was the first chance many people had to sample the gastronomic skills of Chef David Rodriguez, who will preside over the not-yet-open Oriente at the Costa d’Este Resort, and Chef Michael McBride from the Indigo Room at the Vero Beach Hotel and Club.

The offerings of both were enthusiastically received. Other participating restaurants and specialty shops included Faith, Hope and Chocolate, Mike Mac’s at the Village Shops, Monte’s, Rip’s Place for Ribs, Sonya’s at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Village Beach Market, Pearl, Felix’s Place, Mulligan’s, Undertow, Chelsea’s on Cardinal and Southern Eagle Beverages.

In keeping with the Taste of Vero theme “celebrating food and sharing abundance,” attendees brought in 413 pounds of grocery items which were donated to the Treasure Coast Food Bank. Proceeds from raffle tickets for a variety of prizes were also donated to the TCFB allowing them to provide 820 meals to the needy.

Education Foundation supporters were All-in for Education at the Aces for Education Texas Hold ’em Gala held at the Moorings Club.

More than 140 guests were given a million-dollar welcome at the door by board members as they entered into Las Vegas East. There was no shortage of creativity as guests, keeping in line with the Club’s ban on denim, got imaginative with their Vegasstyled western wear.

Special cocktails, sponsored by Tom Nelson of USB Wealth Management, started things off as guests purchased backpacks and sneakers for students in need and bid on silent auction items created by local students.

During the live auction, skillfully led as always by County Commissioner Wes Davis, a specially designed necklace by S&K Jewelers drew the attention of those in need of last minute Mother’s Day gifts. The bidding was also spirited for a Murder Mystery Party at the home of Tuny and Toby Hill and a get-a-way package at Boris Gonzales’ romantic Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel.

Lady Luck drew betters to the tables following a sumptuous dinner sponsored by John’s Island Real Estate. Competitive natures took over as sponsor tables, especially those from the Hill Group, Stowe and Vero Beach Chrysler Saab/RV, tried to out-do each other with laughter and Vegas style blinking rings and necklaces.

Beginners luck held for Debbie Huryn who emerged victorious after having played only once before – at last year’s event. She, and Brian Fowler, an RBC banker who proved that his money management skills made a difference, each won $1,200 travel vouchers.

At the end of the night, the Education Foundation was the big winner, with $35,000 raised to support its Sneaker Exchange, School Supply Fund, Great Ideas! Grants, Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair and Teacher Development Programs.

Committee members Tuny Hill, Patrice Stowe, Dan Bockhorst, Adrian Smith, John Campione and Kristin Ashcroft helped organize the event.