Head, Heart & Hands of Indian River Club celebrated a decade of giving during a 10th Anniversary Grant Ceremony, held poolside at the community clubhouse.

“Our purpose here today is to introduce 25 outstanding nonprofit organizations and to learn a bit about the programs and projects that are receiving funding through the generosity of the residents, members and friends of Indian River Club,” said Steve Corrick, HHH board president.

“Because this is the 10th anniversary of HHH’s grant-making, we should pause and reflect on that and on what this community has been able to accomplish. Twenty founders of HHH had insight into the heart of this community and foresight to imagine what could be accomplished.”

Founded in 2013, a trio of Head, Heart & Hands principles has guided their endeavors in support of countless local nonprofits focused on improving the quality of life in areas of health, education, youth activities, homelessness, environmental change, cultural programs and scientific research.

Head signifies their commitment to educational outreach initiatives and empowering individuals through knowledge and skills, cultivating a brighter future for generations by fostering a community that values learning and innovation.

Heart represents the financial support they provide to enable organizations to pursue their missions and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. Often a lifeline for nonprofits, it allows them to expand their reach and impact within the community.

Hands symbolize their spirit of volunteerism, with members actively engaging in volunteer efforts, lending their time, skills, and compassion to various causes.

This year, HHH of Indian River Club bestowed $174,000 in grants upon 25 nonprofits to benefit IRC residents. Since its inception, Head, Heart & Hands has contributed over $1.2 million to local charities, a testament to their enduring impact on the community.

Marybeth Cunningham, a founder and the first HHH president, was invited to share her thoughts about a “little acorn of an idea that has grown to be an oak.”

“That first year, 20 people and couples stood up and said, ‘We believe in the vision, what it is that you want to do, and what this community wants to do,’” Cunningham recalled.

“This is a small community here in the Indian River Club. We’re not a John’s Island, we’re not a Grand Harbor. We don’t have all of those doors. But this is a very giving community, a very involved community, and one that we love very much.”

Grants this year were provided to: Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bike Walk Indian River County, Childcare Resources, Crossover Mission, Dogs for Life, Feed the Lambs, Food Pantry of Indian River County, Gifford Youth Orchestra, Helping Hands Program, Hibiscus Children’s Center, Hope for Families Center, Literacy Services, Miss Bee’s Learning Bees, Pelican Island Audubon Society, RCMA, SafeSpace, Senior Resource Association, Special Equestrians, Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic, The Learning Alliance, The Source, Treasure Coast Girls Coalition, Veterans Council of Indian River County, and Youth Guidance.

“Thank you to all the grant recipients today for their continued outstanding work. They are the ones that are doing the real work in the community to help. We’re just trying to help them along,” said Corrick, as everyone raised a glass in celebration.

Photos by Joshua Kodis