John’s Island Community Service League members had a lot to celebrate at their Closing Luncheon at the John’s Island Club, most particularly the distribution of a whopping $2.18 million in grants and scholarships during its 2024-25 season.
Distributions included $1.655 million in annual grants, $113,500 in strategic grants, $59,500 in prior year commitments, $250,000 to the United Way of Indian River County Hurricane Relief Fund and $102,000 in scholarships.
“Thank you for coming, and thank you for supporting the Service League as we celebrate the close of our 45th anniversary as an organization,” said Ellen Kendall, outgoing JICSL board president, before also recognizing the nonprofit representatives in attendance.
“You and your organizations are leaders in making an impact. We are so honored to work with you and support all of your efforts in the community. We know the need has grown as this community has grown. And hopefully we will continue to grow right along with you,” said Kendall.
Two grant recipients spoke, including Vicki Soulé, Treasure Coast Community Health CEO, who spoke of grants they have received to fund mammograms and testing for cervical cancer for women who could not otherwise afford it and assist patients after diagnosis. TCCH also received funding to look into building a 20,000-square-foot Pediatric Center adjacent to their Family Practice facility in the Oslo area.
Wes Samons, Mental Health Collaborative executive director, spoke about the Clinical Development Cohort, which the JICSL is funding through its Strategic Grants initiative. The goal is to increase the retention and recruitment of licensed therapists through peer support, social interaction and continuing education, and to expand the program by establishing pipelines into grad schools.
As funds are being raised, primarily through events, membership dues, donations and the Tambourine Resale Shop, the grants committee thoroughly investigates each application and presents their findings to the board to make final decisions for distributions in April.
Kendall recognized the contributions of donors, event participants, volunteers and sponsors for making it all possible, particularly thanking legacy partner Bob Gibb and the John’s Island Real Estate Company for their continued generosity and commitment.
“I understand the John’s Island Real Estate Company wants to give us even more money. So I’m ready to take it,” Kendall said with a smile, before Gibb and daughter Rennie Gibb presented a check for $48,940, which included profits from their annual Rabbit Run 5K.
“I’m thrilled to report that we have had one of the most successful years ever by any metric this year,” said Kendall.
Among their many accomplishments, she said fundraising increased by 35 percent, profits from the Spring Benefit set a new high, the amount distributed into the community increased by about 24 percent, and they improved their visibility within the community.
“We held our first joint effort with the John’s Island Foundation this year,” said Kendall, explaining that the JICSL funds programs and operational costs, and the JIF funds capital expenses.
“It was a wonderful and collaborative event between these two important organizations,” said Kendall, congratulating them on their record-breaking distribution of nearly $2.5 million.
“So with these two organizations, John’s Island Foundation and John’s Island Community Service League, we will donate close to $4.7 million into the nonprofit organizations of Indian River County. That’s a pretty big number,” said Kendall.
“And last but not least, we continue to improve the brand and culture of the John’s Island Community Service League as a smart, generous organization that does a good job raising money and then putting it out into the community in the places where it is most needed,” she said, before recognizing the outgoing board members and welcoming the new ones.
Michelle Julian, who previously served as treasurer, was welcomed as the new board president and paid tribute to Kendall.
“Her leadership, vision and dedication has helped guide us through two extraordinary years of growth and impact. And to all of you, our members, our partners, and our friends, thank you. Thank you for your commitment, your trust and your generosity. We’ve had an exceptional year, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”
For more information, visit JICSL.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
