VERO BEACH — Supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters savored the chance to get a first taste from Vero’s latest restaurant at the highly anticipated Bonefish Grill grand opening Saturday evening.
When unforeseen circumstances forced the opening to be pushed back a week, restaurant management generously donated $5,000 to the nonprofit – in addition to treating close to 200 guests to a sumptuous offering of their savory seafood and welcoming hospitality.
Bonefish Grill traditionally hosts a Charity Night to mark each of their nationwide openings, and this time chose Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee.
Tickets had sold out quickly for the event, with locals all desirous of a sneak peek, and organizers offered to refund ticket costs after the delay.
“People were so generous,” said Judi Miller Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO.
“They said, please just keep it as a donation. We’re very, very grateful. They’ve been wonderful to work with. The response has been phenomenal. People are very excited about Bonefish coming to Vero Beach and have been extremely supportive of this benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
“We have 180 restaurants, and every one is unique,” said Jarrett Bass, Bonefish Grill managing partner, adding that a unique feature of this one is its expansive outdoor patio area.
“When you get to the heart of it, I’m just hoping to be everyone’s favorite place in Vero Beach to eat, stay a while with friends and relax.”
Opening night diners were treated to a “tour of the menu,” served family style.
“We’re bringing everything out, and people can take what they want,” said Bass.
“They’re not going to go home hungry. But we’re not giving everyone a taste of dessert. To raise more money, we’re going to auction off sampler platters which will have key lime pie, crème brûlée and Jenn’s coconut cream pie.”
Judging from the crowd’s reaction, the restaurant will be a surefire success with dinner guests taking advantage of great food in comfortable dining areas, and the late night crowd gathering at the spacious bar and patio.
Several guests had brought their “littles” along with them – the ultimate goal of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to match “littles,” with “bigs” in hopes of developing long-lasting mentoring relationships and providing children with stepping stones to success.
Big brothers and sisters work as role models to help unlock the potential in their “littles” through education and activities, and as caring confidants, encouraging children to believe in themselves.
Close to 500 children are enrolled in Indian River County programs, primarily assisting struggling students through one-on-one school-based mentoring.
Thanks to funding from Indian River Impact 100 through the Indian River Community Foundation, a new collaborative program with Youth Guidance will provide comprehensive mentor training, mentor roundtable facilitation, and will research best practices and mentor resources.
“That’s very exciting, because not only are we going to be able to provide the program to Big Brothers Big Sisters and Youth Guidance, but some of the other organizations with mentoring programs, such as Hibiscus and Gifford Youth Activity Center, are going to be able to use it as well,” said Miller.
Additional programs include T.E.A.M. (Tennis, Education and Mentoring), with Boys and Girls Clubs; AmeriCorps Indian River Reads, through Volunteer Florida; M.C.O.P. (Mentoring Children of Promise), for children with an incarcerated parent or parents; and a new Early Learning Coalition collaborative focused on pre-literacy and socialization skills for pre-K children.
