Vicki Soule, Debbie Hawley and Judi Miller. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the nonprofit at the recent Chocolate, Champagne and Chefs fundraiser at the Quail Valley River Club.

This year’s honoree was former BBBS CEO Judi Miller, whom event emcee Anna Valencia Tillery said had served the nonprofit with “passion and perseverance for more than 27 years.”

“What we do keeps us motivated, and having you all come and share this evening with us tonight just furthers our resolve to keep doing what’s right for the children in our communities,” said Debbie Hawley, current BBBS CEO.

According to Tillery, BBBS has more than doubled its capacity since opening in 1984. They currently serve nearly 1,000 kids annually with proven, positive reinforcements, which has resulted in improved testing scores, overall grades, attendance and conduct.

As Hawley began to pay tribute to Miller, nobody was surprised when Miller turned things around and gave credit back to all the caring and dedicated individuals who support the organization, from staff members and donors to the board members and volunteers.

“Given the last few weeks and what’s happened here in our community, it’s a huge testament to your commitment to our organization that you’re here this evening,” said Miller, referencing the destruction and flooding caused by the recent hurricane and tornadoes.

“I shouldn’t be up here,” Miller said humbly. She referenced all the many people in the room who have enabled BBBS to continue with its mission to ignite the power and promise of youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships.

“It’s a mission of the heart,” she added. “It takes a village to make a child grow.”

Miller, who has a heart for giving, is renowned throughout the community for her “failed” retirement, as she continues to help others through her volunteer efforts with several local nonprofits. In addition to serving as a BBBS mentor, Miller is also very active with the Learning Alliance and Treasure Coast Community Health.

“She always takes care of everybody around her,” said Hawley.
“The thing about Big Brothers Big Sisters is that it’s all about mentoring. And I want to take a moment to say that one of the greatest mentors in my life has been and will continue to be Judi Miller. She’s taught me so much about being in service for children,” Hawley added.

After a gourmet dinner, local chefs presented assorted chocolate creations that were almost too beautiful to eat.

This year’s chefs were Tim Blouin, Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club; Brandy Buckner, Sweet Desires Espresso Bar & Bakery and Dessert Lounge & Bar; Delitra Harrigan, D’s Gourmet Sweet Potato Pies; Matthew Piscitelli, The Flavored Fork; and Paty Prato, Quail Valley River Club.

The decadent desserts were works of art, from bite-size nibbles to chocolate sculptures, including a magnum of chocolate to celebrate the 40th anniversary and variations on the BBBS logo.

The sweets included white chocolate key lime tarts, chocolates masquerading as shrimp, passion fruit shooters, drizzled chocolate sweet potato tarts, and an edible cup filled with Amarena cherry compote and coffee truffle filling. The most challenging decision of the evening was which delicacy to devour first.

After indulging in that chocolate overload, guests were distracted with raffle drawings and a live auction led by auctioneer extraordinaire John Moore.

For more information, visit BBBSBigs.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis