INDIAN RIVER COUNTY —The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), the Indian River Charter High School, the Florida Institute of Technology Scott Center for Autism Treatment, and the Shining Light Garden Foundation are all $100,000 richer, thanks to the 433 philanthropic members of Indian River County Impact 100.
With smiles and excitement, the ladies gathered at the Oak Harbor Clubhouse Thursday afternoon, eager to cast their votes and determine which four of the seven nonprofit finalists would each be receiving a $100,000 transformational grant.
The remaining three finalists, the Sebastian Charter Junior High School, Old Vero Ice Age Sites Committee and Pelican Island Audubon Society didn’t leave empty handed either – each was awarded an $11,000 grant.
Impact 100 members like to mix it up – retirees and working women, snowbirds and permanent residents, Vero old-guard and the next generation of movers and shakers – their chief commonality is compassion and a $1,000 contribution.
With this year’s allotment, Impact 100 will have distributed a milestone $2 million to Indian River County nonprofits – the power of women at its very best.
Before the finalists made their presentations, Board President Linda Knoll recognized Wilmington Trust for sponsoring Impact 100 events since its 2008 inception, and thanked the numerous Impact 100 members who volunteer their time serving on the board and various committees.
“We have so much to be proud of. The local nonprofits tell us that they consider the Impact 100 grant the ‘Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval’,” said Knoll.
“And it’s not just the money that they receive for these high impact transformational projects. It’s also the exposure to our members and the partnership that we form with these organizations that lead them to better practices and greater accomplishments. As I look back, over the year, I am just filled with gratitude. I have given a lot of time and effort to Impact 100, but I must say that Impact 100 has given me so much more.”
An extensive vetting process began long before this Annual Meeting, with a grants committee chaired by Suzanne Bertman reviewing applications and interviewing candidates to ensure the finalists’ programs would be transformational and sustainable.
