VERO BEACH — Everyone involved in the massive Quail Valley Charities undertaking agrees that the highlight of their efforts, and what makes the hard work all worthwhile, is when they actually present the checks to representatives of all the deserving charities. Since its inception in 2002, Quail Valley Charities has distributed more than $1.8 million toward programs identified as having a primary focus on children and education.
It was a perfect evening for the Check Presentation Reception, held this year at the breathtaking Quail Valley Golf Club. There were smiles all around, as representatives from each of the 21 non-profit organizations mingled with committee members on the club’s terrace, overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of the course. Many on the Quail Valley Charities committee also support the individual charities as sponsors, board members or volunteers, which made the gathering a particularly cohesive group. The original Quail Valley Charity Cup began eight years ago as a Golf Tournament and has since become a week-long event which now includes a Tennis Tournament, Guest Chefs Dinner, 5K Run/Walk and Bridge Tournament, encouraging participation by the entire community. Long before that week’s activities though, a committee of enthusiastic volunteers had begun working on the event, reviewing proposals and listening to oral presentations, and determining which programs would be funded.
Prior to the check presentation, I spoke briefly with committee member Trudie Rainone who was thrilled that despite the economy, the fundraiser had raised another $250,000. When I asked what made the event so successful, she smiled and quickly said, “Martha [Redner] and Wanda [Lincoln]. They’re two very dedicated women. It’s a year-long project; we’ve already started on next year.”
Kevin Given, Quail Valley Chief Operating Officer also gave credit to Redner, as he started off the presentation by saying, “We made a change four years ago. I used to serve as executive director [of Quail Valley Charities] and we made a little over $100,000. Then we made Martha executive director and for the fourth year straight, we’ve made $250,000 plus. Now that’s a sign of good management.”
Event chair Wanda Lincoln thanked the committee for their hard work, saying, “The event is a success due to their ingenuity and perseverance – and 8,000 emails. We listen to the non-profits when they make their presentations and it makes us all want to work harder. We can never do enough for our children.”
Steve Mulvey, Quail Valley CEO also credited the generosity of their members. “It’s a wonderful, eclectic group, from all walks of life and from all over the country. They open up their hearts and pull together in times of need.”
Redner, Lincoln and Mulvey presided over the actual distribution, presenting checks to the following charities for their programs and services:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Indian River County and Big Brothers Big Sisters TEAM of Indian River County – Jump into Reading Program and Sports Buddies Mentoring Program;
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County -Triple Play Program;
Childcare Resources of Indian River County – Quality childcare for children of lower-income working families;
Children’s Home Society – Summer Reading and Math Tutoring Program;
Dasie Hope Center – After-school Literacy Program;
Dollars for Scholars of Indian River County – Quail Valley Scholarships;
Education Foundation of Indian River County, Inc. – Sneaker Exchange, School Supply Fund and Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair Program;
Environmental Learning Center – Summer Ecology Program;
Exchange Club CASTLE – Valued Visits Program;
Gifford Youth Activity Center – GYAC After-school Educational Program;
Hibiscus Children’s Center Inc. Child Development Center – Hibiscus Village Child Development Center Program;
Homeless Family Center, Inc. – Assist in funding a qualified Children’s Program Director;
McKee Botanical Garden – Children’s guide for Return of the Dinosaur Invasion;
Mental Health Association – Mental Health Walk-In Center’s children’s services;
Quail Valley Employee Education Fund – Scholarships for Quail Valley employees;
Redlands Christian Migrant Association – Children’s House Child Development Center;
Riverside Children’s Theatre – Learning Through Theatre in School Program;
SafeSpace, Inc. – Assist in funding a children’s advocate for child victims of domestic violence;
Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast, Inc. – Assist in funding certified riding instructors for therapeutic equine riding activities;
Sun-Up Center for the Developmentally Disabled of Indian River – Children’s Early Intervention Program;
VNA Hospice – Camp Chrysalis Bereavement Program. {igallery 166}
