Members of some of Vero Beach’s oldest families attended the Indian River County 4-H Foundation’s eighth annual Cocktail Party & Auction last Thursday evening at the Courthouse Executive Center. In addition to raising money to support 4-H youth and offset the expenses they incur for various activities with the organization, this year’s event paid tribute to the late Hubert Graves Jr.
“Mr. Graves was a lifelong supporter of 4-H in Indian River County,” said 4-H President Ahnna Suranofsky, noting that when he passed away, many people donated money to the organization in his memory. “These funds will be used for our Youth Leadership Programs to send 4-H’ers to Camp Cloverleaf this year.”
Judy Graves, Jeane Graves Bartlett and Janie Graves Hoover accepted a dedication plaque awarded on behalf of their father. Additional awards were presented to ardent 4-H supporters Audrey Sexton and Samuel Adams.
“4-H was so important to him because he grew up in Vero and Wabasso growing citrus and his dad had cattle,” said Judy Graves. “He was in Future Farmers of America and 4-H; agriculture was just his life. He went to every pig and steer auction at the fair. That was the exciting thing for us and my children – to go with granddaddy to the auction.”
Although most equate 4-H with farming, cattle and horse breeding, the organization represents much more to its devotees.
“I was in 4-H from about 9 to when I was 18,” said Rob Tripson, president of the Indian River Cattlemen’s Association. His son Will is now very active with 4-H. “It builds character, puts you in front of people and teaches you about responsibility with livestock and animals in general.”
Taylor Davis was a 4-H member from 8 to 18, the maximum ages allowed, and received numerous awards for the animals she raised each year for the Steer Show at the Indian River County Firefighter’s Fair.
“It taught me leadership, a sense of responsibility and gave me a sense of purpose on what I wanted to do,” said Davis. Her father, County Commissioner Wesley Davis, served as auctioneer for the event’s live auction. “It also helps you feel more a part of the community through the community service we do and brings all of us together.”
Guests had been encouraged to wear Kentucky Derby attire and many of the women took the cue to wear bonnets and colorful, floral dresses. Guests enjoyed cocktails and a buffet of hors d’oeuvres while perusing a long wall of tables filled with silent auction items. The event raised approximately $10,000 after expenses, which will help underwrite some of the programs and activities of the 259 Indian River County 4-H members.
“Club members may also request scholarships from us too,” said Vice President Jennifer Seton. “The money we raise sends kids to camp to teach them leadership skills, teamwork and community service.”
“This is so important because all of the funds go to our youth. It is bettering the next generation, so who cannot get excited about that?” asked Suranofsky.
