Suzi McCoy Shriner, Brenda Lloyd, Mary Ellen McCarthy and Judy Peschio. PHOTO BY MARY SCHENKEL

Members and prospective members of Impact 100 of Indian River County gathered for an evening Kickoff Reception at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, celebrating the start of its 16th season of philanthropy.

To date, the women of Impact 100 have awarded $6.1 million to 96 local nonprofits. At the start of the reception, a milestone of 501 members had been reached, signifying that more than $500,000 could be awarded this year.

As the ladies mingled over wine, champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres, catered by Adrienne Drew, they were entertained by a string quartet from the Gifford Youth Orchestra, which was one of four $100,000 grant recipients in 2023.

“I don’t think I need to tell you all that we are a force to be reckoned with in Indian River County. We are a force of like-minded women who come together with a common purpose. We are a force of big-hearted women who make things happen in Indian River County,” said Suzi McCoy Shriner, current president.

Chris Hill, president of the Hill Group, the event’s presenting sponsor, spoke of how their firm experienced the tragic loss of five individuals over the past three years, including Toby Hill, his father and the company’s founder, but said they continue to persevere.

“The reason why is because of three P’s: purpose, positivity and perspective,” said Hill, likening their resolve to the clear and defined commitment of Impact 100 members to help others in the community.

Shriner announced that the grants committee is reviewing a record 26 grant applications, thanks in large part due to the visioning committee, which met with 71 nonprofits over the summer.

“They worked with them to brainstorm big ideas, to fine-tune their applications and to help work them through our very stringent process,” she explained.

After an extensive vetting process to ensure the projects are transformational and financially sustainable, finalists will be revealed in March. In April, members will vote at the annual meeting to determine who will become Impact’s newest Community Partners as recipients of $100,000 grants.

Sharing future plans, Shriner said, “We’ve embarked on an exciting journey outlining a strategic plan for our growth, complete with a new vision statement. Our vision is to be a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, not just exist, but to thrive.”

She added that while our county is the 10th richest county in Florida, the gap between the 1 percent who annually earn $2.9 million and the 99 percent who earn less than $44,000 is massive and, as a result, so are the needs.

The strategic plan, she said, will help Impact fuel and sustain its growth to better meet those needs, as will the additional funding they hope to raise through a new Thrive Together fund drive.

Shriner explained that this is now one of the largest Impact 100 chapters in the country, and that it has reached a point that new technology and possibly a part-time director are required to augment the volunteer-driven organization.

“Imagine the impact it could have on growing our organization and having a deeper commitment to our community. Whether it’s a small contribution or a large contribution, we would just like us all to come together to help us support our growing needs,” said Shriner.

“I want to thank you all for being a part of Impact 100. I have learned over the years that this really is where my heart is. It is where coming together with all of you smart, dedicated women has so enriched my life. And I ask you all to join us in this exciting journey, where we can thrive together.”

For more information, visitImpact100ir.com.

Photos by Mary Schenkel