High rollers doubled down during a Viva Vero Beach Casino Night, held recently at the Intergenerational Center to support Indian River County 4-H Foundation programs. The evening was the 12th annual fundraiser hosted by the foundation, which was established in 2008, and has raised more than $100,000 to benefit local 4-H activities.
Using fun money, gamblers tried their luck at blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Later in the evening, anyone fortunate enough to have had Lady Luck on their side could “cash in” their chips for raffle tickets and take their chances at winning an impressive array of donated items.
Proceeds from the event will enable the foundation to offset expenses incurred by 4-H youth as they endeavor to complete a variety of hands-on projects. Working alongside the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Office, 4-H programs broaden youth development using a “learning by doing” approach.
Participants, ranging in ages from 8 to 18, take part in a variety of 4-H clubs, and attend camps and educational events at the local, state and national levels.
“We try to encourage them to participate in events that are going to help them better themselves and become better citizens,” said Jennifer Penn, current 4-H Foundation board president. “The organization focuses on citizenship and volunteering, as well as becoming a better person. We try to raise good kids, so they turn out to be awesome adults.”
Penn said her involvement with the 4-H began at age 8 and continued until she went off to college. Upon her return from school, she picked up the gauntlet as a volunteer.
Citing the 4-H motto “To make the best better,” Penn said that the wide variety of clubs, which range from leadership and public speaking to animal projects and nutrition, enables children to pursue their interests on many levels.
“4-H is about building friendships and relationships, teaching them the importance of giving back to their community and about being more responsible. It’s about teaching them good life lessons and building a better citizen,” Penn explained.
The financial support of the foundation, she added, allows the students to “spread their wings,” and that expanding their exposure to the world through events, clubs and activities encourages them to “do more and to get out and explore more opportunities through the 4-H.”
Penn shared that while the 4-H participation at the Firefighters Fair and horse shows are among its more well-known programs, members also participate in summer camps, leadership adventure weekends and civic education engagements.
Photos by Kaila Jones
