AFP Indian River Celebrates National Philanthropy Day with “The Show Must Go On”
VERO BEACH, FL – Monday, December 12, 2022 – The Indian River County Association of Fundraising Professionals’ annual National Philanthropy Day celebration, “The Show Must Go On,” was a monumental success. The event held at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild on November 15th was a theatrical tip of the hat to Indian River County’s philanthropists who contribute their time, talent and treasure to make our community a better place for all.
As the lights faded, one shined brightly on Jane Sneed, United Against Poverty’s Development Director, as she recited a heartfelt poem she penned for the event. The poem, a reflection of Snead’s personal challenges and triumphs, paid homage to the many organizations that lifted Snead and her family up as a young, at times homeless, mother in a new town.
The Show Must Go On, chaired by Marty Mercado and Taylor Farnsworth, had a red-carpet awards show flare to it as Jeff Pickering, President and CEO of the Indian River Community Foundation and Meredith Egan, CEO of the United Way of Indian River County, emcees for the event, announced honorees by deed first and by name second.
The 2022 National Philanthropy Day honored leaders are:
- Dr. Nancy Baker nominated by We Care Foundation of Indian River County
- Kerry Bartlett nominated by Indian River County Healthy Start
- Robert Bauchman nominated by the Boys & Girls Club of Indian River County
- Sam Block nominated by Gifford Youth Achievement Center
- Bill and Jean Borduin nominated by The Buggy Bunch
- Richard Bradley nominated by Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
- Dr. William P. Cooney nominated by Hope for Families Center
- Don Drinkard nominated by United Against Poverty
- Pat Harris nominated by Youth Sailing Foundation
- Judi Miller nominated by Treasure Coast Community Health
- Susan Oglesby nominated by Senior Resource Association
- Deanna Pucciarelli nominated by Substance Awareness Center
- Thomas Segura, nominated by United Way of Indian River County
Family of the late Tom Segura were present to accept the award in his honor.
Halfway through the event, Taylor Farnsworth, Ben Earman and Dr. Jacob Craig surprised guests with a musical number. The two performed the song “Beautiful” from the Broadway musical “Ordinary Days.”
Inviting the two singers to the stage, Pickering noted, “Sometimes the work we do to ensure our community is supported may feel ordinary, but when we all come together and make that connection, we are able to see the full picture, true beauty.” “As we celebrate National Philanthropy Day, we recognize that for beautiful to happen, the beautiful has to be seen.”
The event ended with a moving story of impact which highlighted the importance of philanthropy and how it can change a person, a generation, or the entire world for the better. Sharing Jane Snead’s story, Mercado read, “After moving to Indian River County in 2004, she faced obstacles like health issues and homelessness.” In 2015, Snead was referred to United Against Poverty where she successfully graduated from the Success Training Employment Program. After working at the Children’s Home Society for two years, Snead felt a calling to return to United Against Poverty. Serving the organization in several roles, Snead is now the Development and has become a well-known community leader and advocate. “She respects everyone equally and believes in the true value of each person.”
The National Philanthropy Day celebration was made possible by the following major sponsors: Carter, Indian River Community Foundation, the Robert F. and Eleonora W. McCabe Fund, PNC Private Bank, Vero Beach Magazine, Block & Scarpa Attorney at Law and Minuteman Press.
