Vince DeTurris and Gavin Ruotolo. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Supporters of the Wheels and Keels Foundation cut a rug at the 14th annual Wheels and Keels fundraising weekend, kicking things off Friday evening with a Hot Rods & Rock ‘n’ Roll themed Live Auction Dinner at the Moorings Yacht and Country Club.

Prior to sitting down to a gourmet dinner, and later dancing to the band Street Talk, guests visited with representatives of the ever-growing number of charities supported by the foundation.

Grants are now provided to 13 local nonprofits: The Arc of Indian River County, Crossover Mission, Float Hope, Lines in the Lagoon, Music Angels Education Foundation, Navy SEAL Trident House, Sally Wilkey Foundation, Sebastian River Rowing, Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast, the Senior Resource Association’s Meals on Wheels program, United Against Poverty’s Crisis Stabilization program, Vero Beach Rowing and the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County.

“Your past support is greatly, greatly appreciated,” said Vince DeTurris, current W&K board president, in his welcome address.

He explained that the focus of the volunteer-driven foundation is providing grants to small and medium sized charities that cater to underserved children and adults throughout Indian River County.

“It’s a really major job to do,” said DeTurris, adding that board members and some 50 volunteers are the “engine behind the event.”

In addition to coordinating the massive two-day event, they carefully evaluate and select the beneficiary charities.

Last year, the foundation instituted a Founders Award in memory of Marcia Ruotolo, who had been a vital part of the nonprofit. Those grants are awarded to small nonprofits with specific youth-oriented programs.

This year’s beneficiaries were the VNA and Hospice Foundation’s Wish Project, the Vero Beach Choral Society Young Musician Scholarships, and the Hibiscus Children’s Center’s Career Pathways Program.

“The reality is that we could not have been this successful without your generosity and your support, and also, we have to give a shout-out to the Moorings Yacht and Country Club.

Craig Lopes and his staff have been with us on this journey for 14 years,” said DeTurris.

Wheels and Keels was conceived by Gavin Ruotolo, George O’Malley and DeTurris, all car and boat aficionados, as a way to support the then fledgling Youth Sailing Foundation, and fellow Moorings Club members quickly got on board. They have since donated more than $710,000 to local charities.

“We started in the parking lot, way back when,” said DeTurris. Whereas the first show, in 2009, featured just a few classic cars, four trailered boats and two in the marina, this year’s event drew more than 250 spectacular vehicles.

On Saturday, at the “Antique & Exotic Car & Boat Show,” a sparkling collection of classic, sport and exotic, antique and new automobiles were on display along the fairway of the club’s first hole, while a selection of ship-shape luxury boats bobbed gracefully in the marina.

Car and boat entries were judged in several categories by a panel of 10 Indian River AACA Club members, under the supervision of head judge John Stefanacci, looking for authenticity, cosmetics and condition.

For more information, visit WKVero.com.

Photos by Joshua Kodis