Players went “all in” for education at an inaugural High Stakes for Students event last Monday evening at the Quail Valley River Club to benefit the Education Foundation of Indian River County. The nonprofit organization supports all public and private Pre-K through 12th-grade students in the county through programs and initiatives such as the Sneaker Exchange, Backpacks/School Supply Fund, Indian River Regional Science & Engineering Fair, Great Ideas Grants, Vision for Reading, STEP into Kindergarten, Algebra Counts 2 and Teacher Development.
Pointing out the organization’s fresh new logo, longtime board member Wanda Lincoln noted, “The new logo is a symbol of the Education Foundation’s new projects and forward-thinking orientation.”
The Education Foundation has always been creative with its innovative fundraisers, and High Stakes was no exception. At the start of the evening, guests mingled over cocktails and nibbled on finger foods while watching as some of the poker newbies got instructions on the art of the game.
Attendees had the option of competing in a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament or could try their luck at far less serious rounds of bingo. Later, as players began to drop out of the tournament, many traded chips for daubers and migrated to the bingo room.
Board President Cathy Filusch said that through smaller, more intimate fundraisers they hope to target a younger crowd and encourage them to become involved with foundation programs and the board.
“Most importantly, we want to invite the young professionals who have an interest in our school system, whether public or private, because they really are the future of Vero Beach,” said Filusch. “We’re trying to energize the younger generation to realize that the Education Foundation supports all children.”
Before the tournament began, Executive Director Cynthia Falardeau thanked the numerous event sponsors, adding with a smile, “We hope you’ll bid high and we hope you’ll bid well.”
“Let’s all give the Ironwoman a round of applause,” said School Superintendent Mark Rendell, recognizing Falardeau’s recent completion of the Ironman Maryland 2016 competition.
“Not all of our students come to school with the same sets of resources at their disposal. But the Education Foundation helps fill in the gaps for some of those students,” he added. “Pretty much any time we come to Cynthia with a need, she finds a way to meet that need on behalf of all the children in Indian River County.”
In the end, Karl Dixon emerged victorious, besting a final field that included Cindi Dixon, Brian Elwell, George Fetterolf, Brian Fowler, Lyndal Greene, Joseph O’Neill, Trudie Rainone, Jack Rush and Fran Walker.
“It was fun; I think we did well. We had a good turnout and everyone seemed to have a good time,” said board member Jim McGuigan. “We look forward to growing it next year. It turned out to be a good mix, with a lot of people who wouldn’t have been comfortable playing poker somewhere else.”
