At an intimate gathering last Monday evening at the home of Children’s Home Society advocates Bob and Marta Schneider, representatives of Quail Valley Charities were presented with the 2016 R. David and I. Lorraine Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award, the organization’s highest honor.
The annual award is bestowed divisionally to an individual or group that contributes time, talent and energy; is known and respected in the local community as an advocate for children; and demonstrates a positive moral character. The tribute was established in 1982 by avid supporter Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, who had himself been adopted as a child.
“The ideal selection for child advocate is one who has an exceptional record of contribution to the well-being of children,” said CHS Executive Director Sabrina Sampson. “This year, the award was presented to Quail Valley Charities in honor of all the group has helped to accomplish.”
Since its inception 14 years ago, Quail Valley Charities has provided roughly $4.5 million in grants to numerous nonprofit organizations and programs with a focus on children and their education. More than $200,000 has been donated to CHS in support of its group home for girls in foster care, summer enrichment programs, Smart Horizons and online education programs. And for the past two years, QVC has funded the Teen Life Choices program, educating teenagers in Indian River County about healthy lifestyles.
“Community support is what helps us to serve kids that would otherwise be homeless, have nowhere to go or wouldn’t have opportunities. Quail Valley Charities has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our community’s teenagers and young adults,” shared Sampson.
“It makes you feel so good to know that all those children out there are better because of what we do,” said Quail Valley Charities Executive Director Martha Redner. “This means so much; it hits you right in the heart to know that what we do affects everyone.”
“This community brings together people who are a team. We become a team; we become more than we could be singly. We see the need; we work together. We are pleased to partner with Children’s Home Society because we know that through the years they will continue to be that consistent force that makes a difference with children,” agreed Quail Valley Charities Week event chair Wanda Lincoln.
Commenting on the work being done by CHS staff and supporters, Lincoln added, “We can raise the money, but the real work is done in the trenches by the people who are there on a day to day basis that really make the difference. It’s your board, and it’s the people who are there day to day. They’re the ones who save the children. We can give resources, but we can’t be there to save those people.”
Children’s Home Society currently has 15 divisions and assists nearly 100,000 children and families in Florida; placing 72 children in permanent homes since July 2016 alone. They serve roughly 10,000 children across the Treasure Coast.
“We couldn’t do that without the support of organizations like Quail Valley Charities, John’s Island and United Way. Funders in this community have been very supportive of us and our programs. This is why we are able to continue serving all the children that we do,” said Sampson.
Upcoming CHS fundraisers include the Jan. 23 Play Bridge for the Children event at the Vero BeachCountry Club, and the Feb. 25 Reach for the Stars Dinner Party at the Corporate Air hangar at Vero Beach Airport.
