Quail Valley Charities stretched its 23rd annual fundraiser into a full month this year, beginning Saturday Jan. 4, with its annual 5K Walk/Run, and ending with a new Healthy, Wealthy and Wines Dinner on Friday, Jan. 31.

From its initial two-day golf tournament in 2002, Quail Valley Charities has added events, participants and nonprofits each year, cumulatively distributing more than $12 million in grants and scholarships to improve the lives of children in Indian River County.

“We’re just so proud to be able to reach out into the community and support children and their education and well-being,” said Martha Redner, QV Charities executive director.

Redner had high praise for Wanda Lincoln and Trudie Rainone, QV Charities chair and vice chair, who have led the efforts since 2002, and their great committees. She also offered special thanks to the department heads and team members who all contributed to the success of the events.

“It’s been spectacular. We’ve had such great member and community involvement. We will 100 percent exceed our goal which was at least $800,000 to the nonprofits that we’ve chosen, which is just absolutely wonderful,” Redner added, noting that 43 charities will receive grants this year.

“Every year is such a pleasure, because we see where our money goes,” said Lincoln in agreement. “We see where our efforts go in the community. I couldn’t be more proud of our committee, and I couldn’t be more proud of our membership.”

Events kicked off with a record-breaking crowd of nearly 900 people who showed up at the River Club to start the year off right by “Making Strides for Children” in the 1-Mile Fun Run & 5K Walk/Run. Sizable teams from each of the nonprofit beneficiaries participated alongside club members and friends, with youngsters happily gathering afterwards in the fun zone.

The next week guests were given passports to embark on a culinary adventure, dining around the world at the “Inspiring Children” International Cultural Festival at the River Club. Quail’s talented culinary team proudly shared cherished traditions and cultural pride, creating dishes and drinks from their native countries, all complemented by a selection of wines from around the world.

The Quail Valley Golf Club was a hub of activity at the end of that week, with golfers heading to the links for two days of “Golfing Fore Children” tournaments. The next day, some two dozen shooters made their way to the Blackwater Creek Ranch for a “Wilderness Fun for Children” Pheasant Tower Shoot.

And youngsters got into the swing of things later in the month with a Junior Golf Tournament on the Covey Course in partnership with the Indian River Golf Foundation, one of the QVC beneficiaries.

Tiles and cards drew players indoors for “Heavenly Hands for Children” Mah Jongg and “Four Hearts for Children” bridge competitions at the Riverhouse, and fitness buffs attended a new “Fitness for Children” Barre and Bubbly event at the Boathouse.

Although it was a bit too chilly to actually have Dinner Under the Stars at the Pointe, guests enjoyed outstanding cuisine and wines by Knudsen Vineyards, dining indoors at long tables lit from overhead by twinkling ‘starlight.’

“For the Love of Children” tennis tournaments took place over four days, breaking another record with players braving the elements to support the cause, and a “Cheers to Children” Sunday Brunch drew supporters who enjoyed an afternoon of wonderful music, great food and plenty of friendship.

The Healthy, Wealthy & Wines dinner at the River Club closed out the month, with Drs. Seth Baker and Harold Cordner assisting with the culinary fare and Jim Davis and Russ O’Brien selecting the wines.

For more information, visit QuailValleyGolfClub.com/charities.

Photos by Stephanie LaBaff, Joshua Kodis, and Mary Schenkel