INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — United Way of Indian River County announced today that The Gloria Estefan Foundation on behalf of Gloria & Emilio Estefan have contributed a $25,000 gift towards the agency’s 2011-2012 Annual Campaign. In making the gift to United Way, the music legends and South Florida icons who own a multi-acre estate on the barrier island and the Costa d’ Este Beach Resort, urge their fellow seasonal residents to consider the impact they, too, can have on the local Indian River community.
Facing a $200,000 shortfall in reaching its $2.5 million dollar goal, the United Way has extended its campaign this year through May 15.
“Having chosen Vero Beach as our second home and enjoyed its pristine environment and wonderful sense of community, it was natural for us to want to share this with others by developing Costa d’ Este.,” the Estefans said. “Through our foundation and together with the Vero Beach community, we all can help United Way reach its goal and meet its needs.”
The Estefans are known not only for their dramatic impact on arts and culture worldwide but also for their strategic and far-reaching philanthropic work through the Gloria Estefan Foundation. Founded in 1997 the Foundation promotes good health, education, and cultural development for those who struggle outside the safeguards of society.
Just as they have invested in the local community by building the world-class retreat and Personal Luxury Resort Costa d’Este, they felt an equally pressing desire to invest in the health of the community by helping United Way meet its goal of touching the lives of 65,000 residents.
“The Estefans’ remarkable philanthropic reach truly does extend into the heart of our local community. Through their generosity they are helping us and our network of agencies provide critical services to those in need throughout the county,” said United Way CEO Michael Kint. “There is no doubt seasonal residents play a significant part in the philanthropic life of this community – the Estefan’s donation is a testament to the impact these residents can have in the lives of so many.”
From food pantries to domestic violence shelters to aid for homebound seniors, United Way’s broad reach and diverse array of partner agencies was the single most important determining factor for the Estefan’s choice of United Way.
“With United Way you don’t have to choose who to help, your contribution simply helps so many,” said Monica Smiley, Costa de’Este Beach Resort Director of Sales & Marketing and United Way Campaign Cabinet member.
The $25,000 gift is one of the largest gifts from a resident during the 2011-2012 campaign and places the Estefans in the elite Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Indian River County. Members of this society contribute a minimum of $10,000 annually to the United Way campaign.
“Alexis de Tocqueville Society members not only see our community for what it is, they are active in helping shape its future through their generous philanthropy,” added Kint.
Much of the time, the work of the Gloria Estefan Foundation and the Estefans donations are made anonymously but they both felt strongly that if, by lending their name and efforts, it can make a difference in helping United Way of Indian River County meet its goal, than “it’s the least we can do to help.”
