Leaders in business, government and nonprofit agencies gathered at the Oak Harbor Club last Tuesday morning to recognize a continued legacy of volunteerism and philanthropy at the annual United Way of Indian River County Community Leaders Breakfast.

John’s Island resident Fritz Blaicher was honored with the organization’s most prestigious presentation, the Ralph T. King Award, for his extraordinary service and commitment to the United Way for more than 25 years. Blaicher has served on the board and has taken leadership roles in the John’s Island Neighborhood Campaign, the Alexis de Tocqueville Society and the United Way Foundation Board.

Prior to that presentation, Pam Rauche, vice president of External Affairs and Economic Development at Florida Power & Light, which sponsored the event, told the crowd “it really always takes partnership and working together to make things happen, and we are so grateful to have such great representatives in the community representing our business interests.”

“We’re changing lives in Indian River County through our Community Impact work,” said Michael Kint, UWIRC CEO. “Our three specific focus areas continue to be in education, financial stability and in health. And they are intrinsically linked to our ability to grow and prosper as a community.”

He noted that when any part of the community is struggling in any of those areas, it affects the prosperity of us all. “And that’s what Living United is all about,” said Kint. “A community of connected individuals united in working together for the benefit of all is what’s at the heart of what United Way represents.”

This year’s guest speaker was Tony Carvajal, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber Foundation, who spoke about committing to future generations by focusing on the long term. He particularly stressed the importance of early learning opportunities to secure the success of subsequent generations.

As a reference point, he noted that roughly 3,000 days elapsed from the time President Kennedy declared his intent to put a man on the moon and its successful completion.

“Three thousand days is about eight years,” said Carvajal, equating that to the time it takes for a child to get into third grade or for a fourth-grader to graduate from high school.

“The roots of success, or failure for that matter, start with success in the first 3,000 days of a child’s life; eight years, third grade,” said Carvajal, stressing that critical time in their education and development can ultimately lead to that child’s own economic prosperity and that of the community.

Kint presented a special award on behalf of Tallahassee-based Ted Granger, United Way of Florida CEO – unable to attend due to Hurricane Michael – to Rep. Erin Grall in recognition of her efforts as a “champion for children in the state,” particularly in the area of early childhood development.

Jeff Smith, UWIRC board chair, and Jeff Schlitt, chair-elect, alternated in the presentation of the Richardson Spirit of IRC Awards to businesses with 25 or fewer employees, 26 to 100 employees, and 100+ employees. This year’s winners were National Bank of Commerce, IRC Clerk of the Court and Publix, respectively.

They also presented the Agency Excellence Award and a check for $2,500 to the Economic Opportunities Council of IRC for its efforts to transition at-risk families from poverty to self-sufficiency. A second Agency Excellence Award and a $1,000 honorarium were presented to the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council for its coordinated efforts during the hurricanes and its continual work with the area’s most at-risk population.

For more information, visit unitedwayirc.org.