“This is the best day of the year!” said a jubilant Wanda Lincoln, chair of the Quail Valley Charity Cup Executive Committee. She and everyone else involved in the Quail Valley Charities organization were all smiles last Monday morning as representatives from 33 local children’s charities gathered at the Quail Valley River Club to receive grant checks from monies raised through the 14th annual Charity Cup Week.
“On behalf of (Quail Valley CEO)Steve Mulvey and myself and the entire Quail Valley organization, we thank you for all you do throughout the community. It’s nice to host representatives from the many wonderful organizations here in Indian River County,” said Quail Valley partner and general manager Kevin Given. “It’s a place where we live, work and play and it wouldn’t be what it is today without you people, who are dedicated to doing what you’re doing on a daily basis.”
He noted that Quail Valley Charities started in 2001 with the purpose of distributing funds to programs to enhance the lives of children and further educational opportunities. Given credited the organization’s success to the generosity of their members and hard work on the part of the committee and team members, adding that some of their staff actually benefit from various programs and scholarships they help to fund.
“A lot of them have gone on to do great things. It’s wonderful to see so many of them come back to some of these events and thank us for contributing positively to their life,” added Given.
Bringing Lincoln and Quail Valley Charities executive director Martha Redner to the podium for the check presentation, Given added,
“Once we give out these checks, as of today we will have given out $4.5 million. We’re going to break a record this year by issuing out $511,000.”
“There isn’t a doubt in my mind that this is a good day,” said Lincoln.
“There isn’t a set amount that we have to raise. We just work really, really hard to raise as much as we possibly can.”
She reiterated thanks to everyone who made the funding possible and offered appreciation to everyone affiliated with the nonprofits. “You’re the ones who are in the trenches. You’re the ones that show up and make the difference for children. We’re here to help you, but I want you to know that we recognize what you do, we appreciate what you do and we are absolutely thrilled to be your partners.”
This year’s recipients were: Atlantic Children’s Chorale, Ballet Vero Beach, Big Brothers Big Sisters of IRC, Boys and Girls Clubs of IRC, CASTLE, Childcare Resources of IR, Children’s Home Society, Crossover Mission, Education Foundation, Environmental Learning Center, Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, Hibiscus Children’s Center, IRC Healthy Start Coalition, IR Sheriff’s Explorers, Laura Riding Jackson Foundation, Life Builders of TC, McKee Botanical Garden, Mental Health Association of IRC, Quail Valley Golf & River Club, Scholarship Foundation of IRC, RCMA (Redlands Christian Migrant Association), Special Equestrians of TC, Substance Awareness Center of IRC, Suncoast Mental Health Center, Salvation Army, The Learning Alliance, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Vero Beach Museum of Art, Victory Kids, VNA & Hospice, Women’s Care Center, and Youth Guidance Mentoring & Activities Program.