Cristina Mariani -May with John and Pamela Mariani. [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Members of the John’s Island Foundation’s Leadership Circle enjoyed a delightful Wine Tasting Reception last Wednesday evening at the John’s Island Club.

The Italy Comes to Florida-themed reception featured exceptional wines from Castello Banfi, the Tuscan vineyard of John’s Island residents John and Pam Mariani, paired with exceptional Floridian-style dishes prepared by John’s Island chef John Farnsworth and his team.

“The John’s Island Foundation is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary providing capital grants to nonprofit agencies in Indian River County,” said Emily Sherwood, JIF board president. “We would not be here if it weren’t for our visionary founder, Ellie McCabe, who is here tonight with her husband Bob.”

Sherwood noted that in 1999, the founding board recognized a need for capital support to complement the operating and program support provided by the John’s Island Community Service League and the United Way.

Today, 20 years later, the foundation has donated more than $11 million to local charities to provide such capital needs as vans to take children to and from afterschool programs, housing units for the homeless, technology for afterschool enrichment, and fully-equipped vehicles to bring nutritious meals to homebound seniors.

“We simply could not do what we do without the generosity of all of you in this room,” said Sherwood. “Our Leadership Circle donations account for over 50 percent of total donations each year, so you can see how important you are to our success. You open up your hearts to those less fortunate, and we are blessed to count you among our most loyal supporters.”

Recognizing the three 20th anniversary co-chair couples – Ned and Sherry Ann Dayton, Ron and Nancy Rosner, and Warren and Virginia Schwerin – Sherwood said, “Each of you exhibits the selfless philanthropic spirit that we are so fortunate to have in John’s Island and we thank you for serving as our anniversary leaders.”

Sherwood also thanked sponsors John’s Island Real Estate and Northern Trust Bank, the Marianis for twice indulging them with an extravagant wine tasting, and Hutchinson Floral Artistry for donating beautiful Floridian-themed displays.

“A heartfelt thank you to our very own Chef Farnsworth, whose culinary concoctions never cease to amaze us, and our catering gurus Monica Gibbon and her new associate Ron Rogers, who have handled every detail of this party with utmost professionalism,” said Sherwood, before also thanking her ‘dream team’ board members.

Commenting that the nonprofit agencies they represent are the true heroes making a difference in the lives of struggling families, Sherwood introduced Gloria Luna Moorman, director of development at Redlands Christian Migrant Association, and her associate Clay Hollenkamp. RCMA was not only one of 26 agencies provided a grant this past spring; it was also one of the original grantees in the 1999-2000 season.

For more information, visit johnsislandfoundation.org.