Indian River County veterans won big on the eve of the Kentucky Derby during a Night at the Races fundraiser at the Heritage Center, hosted by and to benefit the Veterans Council of Indian River County.
As they sipped on mint juleps, ladies sporting elaborate hats and dapper gentlemen all vied for top honors in the Derby Hat and Best Dressed competition. The ladies’ hats were a sight to behold, adorned with feathers, tulle, ribbons and other decorative features in a rainbow of colors, while the men strutted about in pastel linen suits, cutting quite the debonair figures.
A buffet catered by Wild Thyme fortified attendees as they cheered on their horses, took chances on raffle items, and tried their luck at a wine pull and bourbon wall, all to support the VCIRC’s mission to “support all Indian River County veterans and their families while raising awareness of veteran needs and their contributions to society.”
Ten “mystery” races featuring horses named by sponsors were projected onto the screen, and anticipation built as the horses rounded the track heading for the finish line. But no matter which horse folks bet on – with funny money, of course – local veterans will get the help they need through Veterans Council programs and services.
More than 15,000 veterans reside in Indian River County, and during the pandemic the Veterans Council saw substantial increases in need throughout the community.
Since March 2020, nearly $90,000 in direct aid was provided to 110 veterans and their families through the Upward American Veterans program, which provides emergency funds for utility bills, rent, medical expenses and groceries to honorably discharged U.S. military veterans and their families.
The Veterans Helping Veterans program, funded by an Impact 100 grant, enabled the VCIRC to allocate some $100,000 to roughly 70 veterans unable to pay for needed home repairs or improvements.
Other programs include transportation to the VA hospital in West Palm Beach and the local community-based outreach clinic, college scholarships for the children of veterans, and the Military Veteran Parking program, which offers reserved parking spaces at local businesses to honor our local veterans for their sacrifices.
“We have been serving veterans here in this county for over 34 years,” said Jim Romanek, VCIRC executive director. “We never ask for anything back. This is all given to the veteran for their service, help and dedication to the country.”
“This year is the 100th anniversary of the first ship that came back from World War I with our troops,” said Romanek. To mark its significance, this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary, 9 a.m. Monday, May 31, will feature keynote speaker and Gold Star Mother Michelle Dale, as well as a reading of the poem “Flanders Fields,” recited by a descendent of Alex MacWilliam Sr., a veteran, Vero Beach resident and member of the Florida Legislature, who led the creation of Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.
Romanek also said that the decision was made to have their annual Veterans and Family Picnic (canceled this February due to COVID) held in honor of Army Spc. Dale J. Kridlo, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010.
For more information, visit veteranscouncilirc.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
