041726 Wheels&Keels NorahKodis 002 — PHOTO BY NORAH KODIS

An enviable collection of automobiles glistened in the sunshine and dotted the fairway of the first hole at the Moorings Yacht and Country Club, while boats bobbed in the marina during Saturday portion of the 16th annual Wheels & Keels Charity Fundraising Weekend to benefit the Wheels & Keels Foundation.

Exhibitors and enthusiasts came from all over to get a look at the boats and the vehicles, which ranged from antiques and classics to sporty and modified varieties.

The event was conceptualized in 2009 by Gavin Ruotolo, Vince DeTurris and George O’Mally as a concours-style car display of just a few dozen cars and boats to benefit the Youth Sailing Foundation. It has grown considerably over the years in the number of cars on display as well as the number of charities supported.

Festivities kicked off with a Friday evening cocktail party, dinner and live auction at the Moorings Club, where guests learned more about the all-volunteer foundation, which has donated more than $800,000 to local charities since its inception.

The mission of the foundation, which is funded strictly through grants and donations, is to “provide funding to selected local charities whose activities strive to improve the lives of children in the Treasure Coast community, with special interest in organizations less able to secure funding from other sources.”

Also in attendance Friday evening were representatives from the foundation’s now 10 beneficiaries, who provided information about their programs.

The Arc of Indian River County has a new project that provides special needs individuals with employment, making cement patties, similar to oyster mats, to improve the health of the lagoon.

Crossover Mission supports at-risk youth by using basketball as a way to attract students and providing them with mentoring support to achieve academic success.

The TT Hardy Online News Corporation’s Young Journalist Program supports students by instilling a lifelong love of reading and writing and an understanding that journalism is an art form.

Lines in the Lagoon raises an awareness of issues affecting the health of the Indian River Lagoon through its annual youth-oriented fishing tournament and lagoon improvement projects.

The Music Angels Education Fund is “lifting children into the world of music” by providing private music lessons to children ages 4 to 17 who would otherwise not have access.

The Navy SEAL Trident house provides a temporary, peaceful refuge for Special Operations families, including those grieving the loss of those lost in training or combat.

Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast fosters personal achievement for individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities taught by PATH International certified instructors.

Sebastian River Rowing provides access and opportunities for students to learn, train and race, with rowers winning 10 Scholastic State championships.

Vero Beach Rowing provides summer rowing camp scholarships to disadvantaged youth, and access to others in need, such as veterans and cancer patients.

The Youth Sailing Foundation offers free sailing classes to children of all abilities, ages 8 to 18, including adaptive sailing and two 10-week long sailing programs.

For more information, please visit WKVero.com.