The Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County hit the trifecta Friday night at its 11th annual Football Classic – a perfectly gorgeous night, a sold-out crowd of fans cheering on well-matched teams and a great cause that would ultimately benefit many of those in the stands.
“Football is a community event in Vero and people are passionate about education. This year both teams are undefeated. It will be a true rival game,” said SFIRC Executive Director Camilla Wainright of the matchup between the Vero Beach High School and Sebastian River High School football teams at Vero’s Citrus Bowl.
The Scholarship Foundation, founded in 1964 by the late Dan K. Richardson and members of the local Rotary Club, has awarded $10.4 million in need-based scholarships to 2,812 local students over the years, including $695,000 in scholarships to 52 students this past May.
Not only was it standing-room-only in the stands, with the foundation receiving $2 per ticket, the VIP Pre-Game BBQ to benefit the foundation was also sold out, with supporters gathering under a tent located in the shadow of the east end goal post.
After a finger-licking-good 14 Bones dinner of ribs, chicken and fixings, a few of the braver guests lined up their chairs along the end zone to immerse themselves in the experience, enjoying the game, the roar of the crowd and some of the best entertainment in town from two amazingly good bands.
Despite the DFS tent being officially neutral territory, with the event being held in Vero there was a preponderance of VBHS enthusiasts.
“I was born and raised here,” said Scholarship Foundation board member Mary Rice Johnston, wearing a bright red dress in support of the Vero team. “I think it’s just a great community endeavor and that’s why everyone supports it. My dad used to do all the uniforms for the football team a long time ago; Rice Brothers Laundry Cleaners.”
She noted that their sold-out golf tournament a few weeks ago at Grand Harbor did equally well.
“It’s nice because so much is underwritten by sponsors so we can put it all into scholarships for the kids. And that’s what it’s all about,” added Johnston.
“My mom was the drum major in ’46, ’47 and ’48,” said a red-clad Frank Schlitt, another lifelong Vero resident, attending the BBQ with wife Karen and mother Mary Schlitt. “At half time we’re getting a picture of her with drum majors Colin Rhodes and Caitlyn Monaghan.”
Foundation President Joan Cook took a diplomatic approach, wearing a dress with the blue and red colors of both teams, saying with a smile, “I’m Switzerland in this game. This should be so exciting.”
Another who was looking forward to the experience was German-born Kate Hoffman, who had read up on information about the teams and the marching bands before attending. “I’m at my first football game in my life,” she said. “I’m excited; it’s such a big thing in this town.”
In the end Vero Beach emerged victorious, besting Sebastian by a score of 28-6, with fans already looking forward to the matchup again next year.
