March 23, 2023 — Vero Beach-based Wheels & Keels Foundation, Inc. selected VNA & Hospice Foundation to receive a donation in support of their charitable programs. VNA & Hospice Foundation was the recipient of a similar donation from Wheels & Keels in 2021.
Wheels & Keels Foundation CEO, Gavin Ruotolo, and President, Vincent DeTurris, presented the donation to Michelle Deschane, Director of Development, at The Moorings Yacht & Country Club in Vero Beach on March 22, 2023.
Wheels & Keels Foundation provides funding to local non-profit organizations whose activities strive to improve the lives of adults and children in the Treasure Coast community. Donations are targeted for programs directly supporting the clients of each charity.
In 2009, Wheels & Keels Foundation held its first fundraising event — a car and boat show with less than 50 classic cars, four trailered boats, and a few yachts moored at the docks. Each year the event expanded and attracted more participants enabling the Foundation to support additional charities.
In 2015, Wheels & Keels Foundation Inc. was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. The primary fundraiser became a two-day event with a sit-down dinner featuring silent and live auctions on Friday and a Concours-style antique and exotic car and boat show on Saturday. All events are held at The Moorings Yacht & Country Club.
The net proceeds from the annual fundraiser, enhanced with donations received throughout the year from other sources, generate the revenue that enables financial support for the local charities. The Foundation also accepts donations of cars and boats in good condition. Donors receive an appraisal that can be used for claiming a tax deduction. The items are sold and the proceeds are added to the funds available for distribution.
Since its inception, Wheels & Keels Foundation has donated over $600,000 to Treasure Coast charities. Donation recipients included Youth Sailing Foundation, The Arc Oyster Reef Restoration Project, Vero Beach Rowing, Navy SEAL Trident House Charities, Crossover Mission, Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast, and Lines in the Lagoon.
The 12th annual Wheels & Keels Foundation fundraiser weekend is scheduled for April 14 and 15, 2023. Representatives from selected charities will be available on both days to share information about their programs and highlight some of their accomplishments.
For more information about Wheels & Keels Foundation and the charity fundraiser events, visit: https://www.wkvero.com/
About the VNA
The VNA of the Treasure Coast provides home healthcare services—including Medicare-reimbursed and private-duty nursing; home health aides; physical, speech, and occupational therapy; in-home companions; and personal transportation—throughout Indian River County. The agency is also the only licensed hospice provider in Indian River County, offering end-of-life care in patients’ homes, local hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and the VNA Hospice House. The non-profit organization also provides community health services such as flu vaccinations, no-cost blood pressure/blood glucose screenings, and education on health-related topics in various settings.