VERO BEACH — The sun that was brightly shining down on the Quail Valley River Club had to compete with the beaming smiles of representatives from the 24 non-profit programs chosen to benefit from the Ninth Annual Quail Valley Charity Cup Week fundraiser. They were gathered on the lovely waterfront terrace with Charity Cup committee members and sponsors for what everyone involved in the massive undertaking agrees is the highlight of their efforts – the check presentation reception. What began as simply a golf tournament in 2002, has now grown into a week-long, community wide event, which this year raised a whopping $300,000 for programs that benefit children and education in Indian River County. This year an OceanSide Business Association Shopping Day and a P”ART”icipation Art Show and Sale at the Palm House Gallery were added to the week’s other events, which included the Fun Run and 5K Walk/Run, Gourmet Wine and Guest Chef Dinner, Duplicate Bridge, Tennis and Golf Tournaments, and the Grand Gala Auction and Awards Night.
“This was absolutely the best year ever,” said event chair Wanda Lincoln. “We had new events and we didn’t know how they would do, but everything was just wonderful. We feel so grateful because we can fund at an even better level than before.”
Members of the tight-knit, passionate committee, who generally also support the individual charities as sponsors, board members or volunteers, were also all smiles as they gleefully discussed event highlights.
“The whole week just came together; everyone was in great spirits,” said Debbie Brower. “Every year we think it will be hard to top, but we’ve been doing it.”
“The weather was great. I loved the shopping and the art show, and the gala was the best yet,” added Carol Fischman. “It was the best financially by far, and there were a lot more club members and other participants involved.”
Most agreed that the continued increase in community participation has played a big part in the success of the event.
“As soon as we got it out of Steve and my hands, and let the ladies handle it, it took off,” joked Kevin Given, Quail Valley Chief Operating Officer, speaking of the well-organized Charity Cup committee.
Long before the January fundraising activities took place, a committee of enthusiastic volunteers reviewed grant proposals from the various organizations and listened to oral presentations to determine which programs would be funded.
“This is the best day,” said a beaming Trudie Rainone. “You work so hard and then you think about all the good this will do. Our goal was $200,000 and we raised $300,000; I’m just so excited about it.”
Addressing the gathering, Given thanked the committee, sponsors, Club members, department heads and staff, noting that the successful fundraiser would not be possible without their generosity. He also applauded the non-profit organizations for their daily support of the children in our community.
“This is absolutely my favorite, favorite part of the Quail Valley Charities Cup,” said Wanda Lincoln as she and Martha Redner, Quail Valley Charities, Inc. Executive Director began the check distribution.
“The community involvement this year was heartwarming; it was more than ever,” said Steve Mulvey, Quail Valley CEO. “It was just unbelievable, from the OBA to the artists to the children in the fun run.”
“It’s beyond wonderful,” agreed Redner. “To know how many kids it’s going to help; it’s just huge. It’s such a blessing.”
Checks were distributed to the following non-profit organizations, some receiving funding for more than one program:
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County
C.A.S.T.L.E.
Children’s Home Society
Childcare Resources
Dasie Hope Center
Dollars for Scholars
Education Foundation
Environmental Learning Center
Gifford Youth Activity Center
Hibiscus Children’s Center
McKee Botanical Garden
Mental Health Association
Quail Valley Clubs’ Educational Scholarships
Redlands Christian Migrant Association
SafeSpace
Riverside Children’s Theatre
Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast
The Sun Up Center
Substance Abuse Awareness Council
Visiting Nurse Association
Youth Guidance {igallery 358}