The third annual Treasure Coast Craft Spirits Festival hosted by the Sunrise Rotary Club raised more than spirits as attendees gathered along the roadway leading to the airport. In addition to sampling small-batch libations from across the state, people became part of the true spirit of the event, funding the myriad local and international charitable projects spearheaded by the club.
With 20 spirit vendors participating, festival-goers could explore a variety of Florida’s boutique offerings, perfectly paired with food provided by Marsh Landing Restaurant.
“The primary purpose of it is to raise money for the Sunrise Rotary Club,” explained event chair Ray Hooker.
Noting that the economic landscape of local fundraising is shifting, he said legacy events, such as their long-running Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest, don’t always yield the same robust returns as a decade ago. Yet, the club’s commitment to the community hasn’t wavered.
“We don’t want to cut back on the things that we’re doing, so we need to raise more money,” he added.
The funds raised are poured directly into the Sunrise Rotary Foundation, which impacts a wide spectrum of needs, all while modeling the Rotary 4-Way Test. Through it, their actions are to be true, fair, build goodwill and benefit all concerned, which translates into community service. Its mission is firmly rooted in the belief of “service above self.”
Locally, Sunrise Rotary awards scholarships, supports youth groups and low-income senior citizens, champions literacy initiatives, combats food insecurity, and engages in environmental endeavors and water safety. The club works year-round to support, educate, and uplift the Vero Beach community and those in need worldwide.
Sunrise Rotary also supports the national organization’s endeavors, and devotes approximately 15 percent of its budget to international projects, providing vital support to a school for the blind in the Dominican Republic and girls’ schools in India and Panama.
Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach meets Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the Riverhouse. For more information, visit SunriseRotaryVeroBeach.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
