The charismatic Bertice Berry thoroughly captivated luncheon guests with laughter, tears and even song at the fifth annual Starfest fundraiser to benefit Childcare Resources of Indian River. An inspirational lecturer, talk show host and author, Berry graduated Magna Cum Laude from Jacksonville University and earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Kent State University, where she also taught.
To accommodate more than 400 guests eager to hear her, Childcare Resources hosted luncheons last Monday and Tuesday at the Quail Valley River Club. Presenting sponsor was George E. Warren Corporation, foundation sponsor was PNC Bank, and luncheon co-chairs were Karla Spooner and Judy Munn.
Prior to her engaging talk, Childcare Resources Board President Katie Block Faires spoke briefly about the ongoing $1.8 million Better Beginnings, Bright Futures Capital Campaign, which has enabled the organization to open its brand new school. The group is now focused on establishing an endowment to fund a perpetual source of income for the nonprofit, which is financed 100 percent by philanthropy.
“Without Childcare Resources, these children and families would fall through the cracks. There is no other funding available to them,” said Faires. She explained that Childcare Resources provides affordable, quality early education at its own facility and at four partner agencies, to the children of low-income parents unable to afford the high cost of tuition elsewhere.
“Families are desperate; there are no other programs,” added Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman. As she spoke of watching from her new office at the school as parents touchingly interact with their children, she remarked, “You realize that this new school is really part of these families’ lives. I am inspired by our families every day. They work long hours and they work hard every day.”
Guests were fortunate to hear from one of those hard-working parents, a woman who was quite literally on the job. “To everyone in this room, I really, really appreciate you,” said Cassandra Thompson, a Quail Valley staff member, whose 3-year-old daughter is enrolled at the school. “I want others to be able to experience what I have with Childcare Resources.”
“This is the only place like it in the world; there is nothing else like it,” said Berry, who had toured the campus earlier in the day and was impressed by the teachers, the facility and the educational opportunities for early educators.
She went on to say that a parent’s education and their ability to work can make all the difference in bettering the life of a child. “This is the gap; this is the thing that’s missing. The work you’re doing is critical. Don’t grow weary of it, because it’s the most important thing on the planet.”
Organizers hoped to net more than $100,000 through the event to help fund operating expenses for high quality childcare.