Supporters of the Indian River County 4-H Foundation sipped mint juleps under the brims of derby hats last Thursday evening at the Courthouse Executive Center. All that was missing during the 10th annual Cocktail Party & Auction at the Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser were the horses.

The annual event was created to help promote, support and fund the 4-H community. The party netted nearly $10,000, with proceeds helping to offset expenses incurred by Indian River County 4-H Youth as they work on projects throughout the year.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they perused a bevy of silent-auction items and nabbed raffle tickets for a chance to win a fully stocked Yeti Cooler. Later, the live auction was wrangled by longtime 4-H supporter Wesley Davis. The amiable auctioneer had to put his “boot” down to keep bidders in line for art, jewelry, dining and hotel packages. The auction also featured a variety of specialty wine, fishing, barbecue, gym and pet baskets put together by 4-H Clubs in the county.

Foundation President Katie Profeta said “because of your support our foundation was able to raise almost $30,000 last year. We were able to donate to a number of other local events, including the Indian River County 4-H Show and Auction; 4-H Valentine’s Day Horse Show and Senior Award of Excellence along with a number of field trips.”

According to Profeta, the foundation was able to sponsor 107 children last year, sending them to 4-H University, Camp Cloverleaf and Horsemanship School in addition to other regional and national events.

It is through the generosity of the community that the Indian River County 4-H Foundation supports 4-H programs to help children learn life skills through volunteerism and projects. Profeta proudly announced the foundation received the Dyer Difference Award for the month of April.

“We do this to raise money to help the kids in the 4-H community,” explained Profeta. “Because of our successes we’ve been able to create a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior.”

The 4-H is a youth development program in which adult volunteers work with children to develop the club’s guiding principles of Head, Heart, Hand and Health through hands-on educational opportunities. The Indian River County 4-H has been active since 1902, offering a variety of clubs including citrus, rabbits, steer, swine, line dancing and photography among others.

To learn more about the Indian River County 4-H, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/indian-river.