Supporters of the Indian River County 4-H Foundation donned their boots and big hats and kicked up their heels at the ninth annual Cocktail Party & Auction, a Boot Scootin’ Derby affair last Thursday night at the Courthouse Executive Center.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they perused silent-auction tables laden with gift baskets and restaurant certificates, jewelry and artwork. There were even some 4-H-centric items thrown into the mix, such as canine and feline pet-care packages, plants, equine teeth floating and tack. Adding to the fun, longtime 4-H supporter and auctioneer Wesley Davis corralled guests and upped the ante during a live auction.
Fostering the mission of the foundation to promote, support and fund the 4-H community, event proceeds will help offset the expenses of Indian River County 4-H youth. Foundation President Katie Profeta said they expected the event would raise $10,000, adding to the $45,000 the foundation has raised since 2009.
“Last year the Indian River County 4-H Foundation was able to assist over 75 4-H youth to go to Camp Cloverleaf, attend regional events and to compete nationally,” shared Profeta.
4-H is a youth development program in which adult volunteers strive “to make the best better” through hands-on educational opportunities. Indian River County has possessed a thriving 4-H community since 1902, offering a variety of clubs ranging from citrus and rabbit to line dancing and photography.
The nonprofit focuses on participants’ development, leading them to obtain “head to clearer thinking, heart to greater loyalty, hands for larger service and health to better living.”
“We have two awards to present tonight. The first is the Friend of 4-H,” announced Profeta. “This award is presented to an individual that continuously supports 4-H but may not be directly involved. They have the best interest of the program at heart and are interested in watching our 4-H youth succeed. This year we recognize Charles Garris from the Archie S. Wingfield Jr. Charitable Trust.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Christine DeBraal, who became involved with 4-H when her daughter Katie discovered a love of horses. Even now that their daughter is attending college, DeBraal and husband Bill are still involved with 4-H.
“We recognize an individual that has been a strong advocate for the 4-H program throughout our county. She has a genuine love for 4-H that can be seen through everything she does,” said Profeta.
“In addition to all the interesting things the kids learn about through 4-H, public speaking is a big part of what they do,” shared DeBraal. “Katie gave the welcoming speech for over 1,000 people at 4-H University. It was amazing.”
“I didn’t even know the parts of the horse when I first started and now I’ve actually helped deliver foals,” laughed Katie DeBraal as she thought back to her early 4-H days. She is now a sophomore at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in animal science specializing in equine.
“4-H helped guide my career path and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.”