The Education Foundation of Indian River County tapped into Vero’s hottest ‘in’ spot last Thursday evening, holding its sold-out Read, Write & Brew event at the newly opened American Icon Brewery.

Hoping to introduce as many people as possible to the various ways the Education Foundation works to enhance the educational experiences of local students and educators, organizers hosted two functions at the same venue – an outdoor lawn party on the lush, newly planted grassy area in the front of the Historic Landmark building, complete with refreshments and live music by the band Minglewood; and an indoor VIP reception on the remarkable ‘floating’ second floor, overlooking the brewery vats and bar area where the bright-red, decades-old former generator is now home to beer taps.

VIPs dined on a generous buffet featuring an assortment of the gastropub’s culinary fare and sipped on its delicious craft beers and wine, while marveling at the astonishing transformation of the former Vero Beach Diesel Power Plant.

“My son Drew is a brewer for a very large brewery in Ashville,” said Mark Ashdown, as he peered down at the vats. “He was a chemistry major and that’s why he became a brewer. As soon as he comes home for Thanksgiving I’m bringing him here.”

“It was a vision of our board last year to try something new and different,” said Cathy Filusch, EF president, crediting board member Chris Bieber for making the connection with American Icon owner Michael Rechter. She noted that theirs is a hands-on board whose members believe in the vision of the school district and its leadership, adding, “but we cannot do it without the support of all of our family and friends who are here this evening, so welcome.”

“The Education Foundation is one of those partners that just comes to our assistance without any questions asked,” said School Superintendent Mark Rendell. “They’re always here to help us whenever we’ve identified a need that we need to be fulfilled.”

“This is the most giving community I have ever been in,” said Principal of the Year Kathy Pierandozzi. She is principal at the Wabasso School, a special education center serving students with developmental disabilities from pre-K up to age 22. Thanking everyone for their support, she related that through the Education Foundation’s grant efforts with its community partners, her nonverbal students can now communicate and a learning lab is helping to prepare older students for independent living and careers.

Rechter gave a brief history of the American Icon Brewery, calling it “a labor of love,” noting that throughout its renovation he also strove to maintain the historic context of the building.

“This building is so iconic and that’s where the name comes from; this building is an American icon,” said Rechter. “And that’s what we’re doing; celebrating American people, places and things.”

For more information visit edfoundationirc.org.

Photos by: Denise Ritchie