“Quail Valley Charities has a new look and feel this year,” said Kathy Mulvey, CEO/owner of Quail Valley Golf Club, last Monday evening, at the first of a series of Wine Dinners to benefit the nonprofit, which raises funds to support local children’s charities.
Although events had expanded over the past 19 years from a two-day golf tournament to a multi-week affair, everything needed to be modified a bit this year because of COVID, but the enthusiasm for the cause was not the least bit diminished.
“One of the things that makes Quail Valley Charities unique is that we can only give our charities what we raise by our events, donors and sponsors,” said Wanda Lincoln, event chair. “The challenge was, how are we going to raise as much money as we need with fewer events? The need did not go away, but our ability to raise the money has been more difficult.”
Since its inception, $8.2 million has been distributed to the programs of local nonprofit organizations which have a focus on children and education, and to staff scholarships.
“We are fortunate to have a very generous membership and we all have the same common goal and that is to fund the 37 children’s charities that benefit their education and wellbeing in Indian River County,” said Mulvey. She also expressed appreciation that all through the pandemic, the Quail Valley team and its members have stepped up to do all they can to keep everyone safe. “We can’t thank them enough.”
A week’s worth of themed Chef Wine dinners, at the River Club and at the Pointe, featured a Mediterranean Night with Guest Chef Brian Jones, French Bistro with Sous Chef Rodney Smith, a New Orleans style meal with Sous Chef Ted Faulkner, and a Night in Portugal with Executive Chef Joe Faria.
Adhering to pandemic precautions, guests were asked to wear facemasks except while amongst their own small groups, and tables had been well distanced to accommodate seatings of 42 diners or fewer.
The two-day golf tournament went ahead as planned, albeit with staggered tee times to preclude having too many people in the clubhouse at any given time.
Among other modifications, for the annual 5K Kickoff, participants were encouraged to run or walk a 5K at the course of their own choosing, and bridge was held virtually, with three options to entice players. And because the tennis tournaments are always such a big draw, they have been postponed until March 17-20.
“We have had to think outside of the box; we had to be creative,” said Trudie Rainone, who oversaw donations for an online auction of 31 “over-the-top” items valued at $1,000 or more to replace the typical in-person auctions.
“We are truly blessed that our members have been so very receptive, kind and generous,” added Rainone. “We must remember that our 37 charities that we donate to are more in need this year than ever before.”
As there could be no large gathering for a celebratory gala this year, winners were chosen Saturday evening at the newly opened Martha’s Market for 50/50 and raffle drawings.
Martha Redner, executive director of Quail Valley Charities, said they were fortunate to have a beautiful 2021 Toyota Venza generously donated by Quail Valley members Bob and Joanne Quaile of Toyota of Vero Beach.
“We’re excited because this is the first year we’ve ever had a car donated. We’ve sold 650 tickets, so that’s $65,000 going to the charities,” said Redner.
“As we wind down this exceptional year, all of us are looking forward to next year, when we can return to our normal format of events and the pleasure we get from raising the money, attending the events and seeing everyone again,” said Lincoln.
Photos by Kaila Jones and provided
