VERO BEACH — With thousands of dollars of budget cuts behind them, and the prospect of continued quality of programs and services in jeopardy, the Recreation Commission of Vero Beach decided it was time to launch a fundraising and awareness campaign for the organization.
Spearheaded by City Councilman Jay Kramer, an ad hoc group has been formed to act as a steering committee for future events that will be held during the season ahead.
“It only took a few meetings with experienced people in the special event and promotional arena in Vero Beach to come up with a series of exciting events for the residents of Vero Beach,” stated Kramer.
“Utilizing their resources and knowing the right people to assist in this was key, and we now have a volunteer steering committee and sub-committee who have stepped up to the plate to make this all possible.
The name of the fundraising and awareness project says it all: City Rec Fundraising for Fun!,” Kramer added.
The steering committee, chaired by Recreation Commission member Sue Dinenno, includes City Councilman Jay Kramer, City Clerk Tammy Vock, Recreation Commission Vice Chair Lin Reding, Recreation Director Rob Slezak, Leisure Square Director Jeff Matthews, fitness instructor/trainer John Sammartano of JAS Fitness, Mulligan’s promotional coordinator Angie Schepers, and PR specialist and event coordinator Beverly Paris of Paris Productions.
A sub-committee has been formed and includes Robert Votaw, Marty Paris, Cathie Callery, Alan Dritenbas, Patrick Jordan, and Joe McMenamin to coordinate the first two events.
“We have blended a new event with an old event, which has been totally redesigned, and we are introducing Holidays with Your City Rec Department at Royal Palm Pointe to the community on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5:30-9 p.m.
We are holding a 2 mile run, The Holiday Rec Run-3296-GO, beginning at dark, complete with glow stick necklaces, headbands, and bracelets. The newly planned route will take runners through the Fingers while beginning and ending at the entrance to Royal Palm Pointe and Indian River Blvd.
John Sammartano/JAS Fitness is Race Director of the unique, first time night run with management by Runner’s Depot.
“We hope to attract several hundred people with their friends, family, and guests in town visiting for the holidays,” explained Rob Slezak.
Once the sprint concludes, everyone is invited to join in on the Holiday Rec Party, which will already be in full gear at the far end of Royal Palm Pointe.
Paris, known for her 16 year stint as the co-founder, publicist, and committee member of Downtown Friday, is excited to be back planning another street party.
“The party will be all about fun, family, and holiday spirit. We will have the Run award ceremony, live entertainment, food, beer garden, a holiday boat parade, holiday craft fair, community and business booths, children’s activities, and of course, a tree lighting, and Santa Claus to meet and mingle.
The original Downtown Friday committee has returned to plan the party, so everyone in town knows how exceptional this party will be,” Beverly Paris said.
While plans are currently underway for the holiday events, other events that are in the works include a Community Open House at Leisure Square in early 2014 and a Beach Party at Humiston Beach in April 2014.
The City of Vero Beach’s Recreation Department, a government nonprofit 501(C)4 organization, will be the beneficiary of the proceeds, which will go directly to keep the Royal Palm Pointe Fountain open year round on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather permitting.)
Donations and sponsorships are welcome to help underwrite the costs of implementing these events.
For more information, please contact Rob Slezak at (772) 567-2144 or Beverly Paris at (772) 234-4412.