Earplugs, hats and glasses were de rigueur at the 15th annual Charity Shoot to benefit the Education Foundation of Indian River County. It’s clearly one of Vero’s loudest events, but also one of its more exciting, as blasts from 12- and 20-gauge shotguns punctuated the morning air. Last Saturday’s friendly competition drew roughly 50 shooters and spectators to the Windsor Gun Club at Indian River Trap and Skeet.
“It’s actually one of our bigger turnouts; it’s a great group of people,” said Cynthia Falardeau, EF executive director. “There’s a core group that comes out every year; even the sponsors. The people that are here are really invested in all our programs. It’s one of my favorite events because it’s a small group of supporters. I really get to talk and visit with them.”
In addition to Windsor, top sponsors included Bill and Mary Ann Becker, George E. Warren Corp., Georgia Welles Family, Piper Aircraft, John and Judi Osteen, and Toyota of Vero Beach.
“This year we have a lot of new faces,” said Gail Kinney, EF board president. “The money that we raise at this function helps a lot of students in Indian River County.”
Randomly drawn teams of three people with varying skill levels, from newbies to experts, shot at bright orange disks (clay pigeons) which had been flung into the air by mechanized traps, at varying angles, speeds, elevations and distances. The competition involved two disciplines – Driven Game Simulation and Quadruple Three-Stand. The second is a fast flurry, with 100 targets thrown in about 4-1/2 minutes. Both scores were added to come up with first-, second- and third-place prize winners.
The event was overseen by Nicky Szápáry, director of the Windsor Gun Club, ensuring the safety of participants and spectators alike. An expert at the sport, he competed in two Olympics in mixed skeet shooting, and has taught it since 1991.
“This is our 21st year; we’ve been making noise since 1995,” said Szápáry with a smile. “We’re set up right where we first started.” After beginning at Indian River Trap and Skeet, the Windsor Gun Club moved to the Platt Station north of Fellsmere, before returning three years ago.
“This is our first year attending this event; we’re usually gone by now. It’s a very nice place,” said Ed Filusch. Wife Cathy Filusch has been on the EF board two years.
When asked how she became involved she answered, “I was an educator my whole life. I’m extremely committed to the educational goals of the Education Foundation. I believe in their mission.”
Winners were announced during a rustically elegant BBQ lunch catered by Windsor. The event was expected to raise more than $15,000 to support operating expenses for the organization, which offers educational programs for all the Pre-K through 12th grade student in the county. Programs include the Sneaker Exchange, the School Fund, the Indian River Regional Science & Engineering Fair, the Great Ideas! Grants, and Teacher Development initiatives.
