Meredith Egan, Alma Lee Loy, Major Eric Flowers. [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Vero’s illustrious ‘First Lady’ Alma Lee Loy has a lifetime of Vero Beach memories and was asked to share a few of them at the United Way of Indian River County Community Leaders Breakfast last Thursday morning, where business, community and nonprofit leaders packed the Quail Valley River Club.

“During this year’s campaign, we want you to imagine with us the amazing things that we can all accomplish when we work together for the greater good of Indian River County,” said Michael Kint, UWIRC CEO in his welcome address. “Imagine the impact when all of us, all the leaders in this room, support one another. That is what the mission of United Way is.”

Over the last year, Kint said the United Way has invested $4.2 million back into the community, in three focus areas: education, financial stability and health.

Meredith Egan, COO, led the discussion with Loy, a founding member and former president of the UWIRC. Loy has dedicated her life to the enrichment of the town where she was born, earning tributes for a lifetime of achievements, including the remarkable ability to remember the names of each and every person she meets.

When asked to share some of her earliest memories of Vero Beach, Loy said with her trademark wit, “I’d be happy to; I still have some.”

Loy expounded on the history of the local United Way, founded in 1961, noting that the first campaign received $44,000 and provided grants to four organizations.

“We must have done something right, as we’re still going strong some 48 years later,” said Loy. She added she wished there was a way to tabulate the numerous hours given by all the dedicated volunteers, before thanking everyone for their past and present contributions to United Way.

Asked by Egan what advice she had for the next generation, Loy replied, “I’m not a great one to give advice,” but said they should respect the decisions their forefathers put into place, as those are what have made this community so unique.

“It’s going to be up to the younger generation to carry that on; it’s now their responsibility,” said Loy, adding, “I have a lot of faith in them.”

“You certainly are a living legend and an inspiration to us all,” said Jeff Schlitt, UWIRC Campaign co-chair, who with board member Amber Batchelor presided over the awards presentations.

Chad Morrison of Florida Floor Fashions was honored with UWIRC’s most prestigious recognition, the Ralph T. King Award, for his extraordinary commitment to the United Way. A loyal contributor and de Tocqueville member, Schlitt said Morrison has served in almost every volunteer capacity the United Way has, including as board chair and as a highly successful campaign co-chair.

“I’ve had more fun than you can imagine and have made some of the most incredible and important relationships of my career,” said Morrison. “Thanks for the opportunity.”

The Richardson Spirit of Indian River County Awards in the small, medium and large business categories were presented to Northern Trust Bank, Rehmann and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, respectively.

Schlitt presented the Agency Excellence Award and a check for $2,500 to Crossover Mission, for making a “significant impact on some of the hardest to reach youth in our community.”

A second Agency Excellence Award was given to 211 of Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast for providing 24/7 telephone support through its community and crisis hotlines.

For more information, visit unitedwayirc.org.