Local letter carriers collect more than 68,000 pounds of food to Stamp Out Hunger

US Postal Service workers usually drop off items, but on Saturday, May 13, they picked up items — more than 68,000 pounds of non-perishable items — from mailboxes throughout Martin County.

Stamp Out Hunger is an annual tradition across the country. It was started in 1993 by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and has helped feed millions of American over three decades.

Each May, local letter carriers willingly pick up the bags of items that residents leave by their mailboxes and transport them back to their post office branch. From there, dozens of House of Hope volunteers helped unload the bags and put the items in bins. Additional volunteers pick up the bins in trucks and transport them back to House of Hope’s main office.

“We can’t say enough good things about our local letter carriers,” said House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “In addition to their real jobs of delivering the mail, on Stamp Out Hunger Saturday, they also gather, lift, and transport cans and boxes of food to help their friends and neighbors in need. We’re grateful to them and to every resident who donated.

House of Hope continues to see more and more families and individuals who need food assistance. “Between the after-effects of the pandemic and the rise in the cost of basic items like food,” Ranieri said, “our services are more in demand than ever.

The food collected during the Stamp Out Hunger drive will be used at the House of Hope service centers in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound and Indiantown and will be shared with House of Hope food bank partners.

About House of Hope

Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future. The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, and Thrift Shops in South Stuart, Hobe Sound and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Enrichment Centers in Stuart and Jensen Beach offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being. House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Hohmartin, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/houseofhopemc/, and Twitter https://twitter.com/hohmartin.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jun. 1, 2023|

Sunrise Rotary provides award for Literacy Services of IRC’s Student of the Year

Literacy Services’ Student of the Year is awarded to an individual for their incredible progress towards their literacy and language related goals. Tutors submit nominations that highlight students’ progress, goals completed, barriers they have overcome, and success stories. The Student of the Year is then selected and announced. They receive a plaque and an award which is graciously supplied by Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach

This year, Literacy Services announced the Student of the Year, Daniel Betancourt, at their Love of Literacy Luncheon on Friday, March 17, 2023. Following that fundraising event, their Student Celebration was held on April 29, 2023, where they again celebrated Daniel, along with all of the students’ accomplishments over the past year.

In addition to sponsoring an award for the student of the year, Sunrise Rotary also supported Literacy Services’ mission and vision through the purchase of two different sets of highly requested curriculum. These materials allow the volunteer tutors to meet their students where they are and build their basic literacy and language skills, free of charge to the students

About Literacy Services of IRC

At Literacy Services of IRC, we teach Indian River County adults English language and literacy skills that empower them to thrive in our community. We do this through free, confidential one-to-one and small group literacy and language tutoring. A United Way supported agency, Literacy Services of IRC relies on over 150 volunteer tutors who provide free, confidential, and one-to-one tutoring to Indian River County residents aged 16 and older. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive and innovative learning opportunities to local adults seeking English language and literacy skills to achieve their goals. Our vision is that all adults are empowered with the literacy skills they need to thrive in our community. For more information about Literacy Services of IRC and our programs, please visit www.literacyservicesirc.org or call 772-778-2223.

Jun. 1, 2023|

Student of the Year and award-winning author celebrated at Literacy Services of Indian River County’s 2023 Love of Literacy Luncheon

Recently, literacy lovers came together to celebrate the life-changing work of Literacy Services of Indian River County. The 2023 Love of Literacy Luncheon, held at the Quail Valley River Club, was filled to capacity while participants honored the Student of the Year and enjoyed the engaging conversation of an award-winning author.

Long-time tutor, Dom Restuccia, and community engagement coordinator, Elida Gomez, announced the Student of Year, Daniel Betancourt, who gave a heart-warming speech that wowed the crowd with laughter and tears. He thanked Dom, his fabulous volunteer tutor, for being so helpful and supportive. He thanked his family for believing in him. He thanked the donors for making the free tutoring services possible. And lastly, he thanked himself for being so determined and disciplined.

Next, author Elizabeth Winthrop Alsop took the stage for an engaging conversation with board member and long-time friend, Lorna Stengel. Elizabeth also read from her recent memoir, Daughter of Spies: Family Secrets and Wartime Lies, and answered questions from the audience.

"We are thrilled with the positive feedback from our 2023 Love of Literacy Luncheon, so proud of our Student of the Year and the goals he has now made for the future, grateful for our volunteer tutors, appreciative of our sponsors, and excited to have such an accomplished author as our keynote speaker," said Shannon Maitland, executive director.

The event was made possible by the generous support of many sponsors, some of which include: Barbara and Richard Detwiler, Proctor Construction, Art Ryan, Dingwall Architecture, Florida Power & Light, George and Marlen Higgs, George E. Warren LLC, IRSC Law Enforcement Recruit Class # 172, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Lieberman, SouthState Bank, The Family of Donald Mann, and Wanda Lincoln. The Sunrise Rotary of Vero Beach supported the Student of the Year awards. The contributions of the generous sponsors will support the organization’s free adult literacy tutoring. Literacy Services would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all who attended and supported the Love of Literacy Luncheon. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of those seeking to improve their literacy and language skills. Together we can build a stronger, more informed and engaged community

About Literacy Services of IRC:

Literacy Services of Indian River County is a non-profit organization that provides quality tutoring, free of charge, to adults seeking help in reading or learning English. Our trained volunteers help adult students improve their literacy and language skills, enabling them to become more informed, engaged, and financially stable members of our community. A United Way supported agency, Literacy Services relies on over 150 volunteer tutors who provide free, confidential, and one-to-one tutoring to Indian River County residents aged 16 and older. Literacy Services also offers group classes, virtual tutoring, and workplace tutoring at the request of local employers. There are currently 36 students on the waitlist for tutoring. New tutors are always needed. Volunteers do not need prior teaching experience; they receive training and resources from Literacy Services

For more information about Literacy Services and our programs, please visit www.literacyservicesirc.org or call 772-778-2223.

May. 4, 2023|

Family Promise Hosts Food for Thought friend-raiser

Christine Milt, Cher Fisher, Joan DeSantis and Cathleen Owen enjoy Family Promise's Food for Thought breakfast friend-raiser.

Born during the early days of the pandemic, Family Promise of Martin County has thrived and positively impacted the lives of countless families in the community.

The mission of the non-profit, interfaith hospitality network is to provide temporary shelter, housing, caring support, meals and a host of social services for working families with children experiencing homelessness.

On March 23, committee co-chairs and hosts Marjie Jordan and Judie Price presented a “Food for Thought” Friend-Raiser Breakfast to share information and raise awareness about the nonprofit.

Some 120 attendees filled the Pittenger Center at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and sipped Mimosas, enjoyed a delicious repast from Chef’s Table with coffee from Gilbert’s Coffee Bar and listened to Father Christian Anderson of St. Mary’s, Pastor Chad Fair of Immanuel Palm City, Family Promise Executive Director Madeleine Bozone Greenwood and Family Promise Guest Jessica discuss the positive ways lives are changed by the program.

To learn more about Family Promise of Martin County and its services and outreach, visit www.mcfamilypromise.org or call 772-266-9327.

Mar. 30, 2023|

Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation holds 5th annual On the Water Poker Run

Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation holds 5^th annual
On the Water Poker Run

The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation, the charitable arm of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, invites you to participate in their annual charity On the Water Poker Run, Saturday, April 1^st from 12 noon to 4 pm. From 4pm to 8 pm, participants will meet at the Fort Pierce Yacht club to enjoy live music by Florida Ridge and BBQ with sides by Pit Master Mathieu Herbeline of Pirate Gypsy Adventures.

The Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation is a 501c3 and raises money to support the stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon, operate activities and programs which support the understanding and knowledge of boating and water safety, and supports the FPYC community mission. With the proceeds from last year’s On the Water Poker Run, the FPYC Foundation provided a scholarship to a college junior at Indian River State College for a summer internship at FAU Harbor Branch to do marine research. In addition, scholarships were provided for Wesley Eco Camp, an “immersive learning program that engages youth in environmental studies, restoration and stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon.”

The charity On the Water Poker Run puts power boats (jet skis too) and paddle boats (kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boarders) out on the water to have fun, fellowship, and to raise money. Docks are organized along the Indian River Lagoon for distribution of cards to players. When all stops are completed for each participant, they return to the Fort Pierce Yacht Club for scoring and results, food, beverages, and music. If you do not have a boat, but want to play, you can register for a "Land Yacht " registration. Poker hands will be scored using standard poker hand rankings. Pursuit Boats is sponsoring a $500 cash best hand.

Go to www.fortpierceyachtclub.com/poker-run NOW to sign up. Registration fees are as follows:

$50 power boat captain (includes t-shirt)
$20 poker hand for crew member
$50 jet ski with 2 people
$35 jet ski with 1 person
$25 kayak, canoe and paddle board
$30 land vessel (come into the Club and play a hand on land if you don't have a boat)

Optional Add-ons:

$15 buffet dinner
$18-$20 t-shirts (adult S-XXXL) - Please pre-order on website

There are opportunities for Business/Corporate Sponsorships as well as individual participation and this year’s co-chairs of the charity On the Water Poker Run are Vice Commodore of Fleet, Victoria Westphal and Past Commodore and current Vice Commodore of Building and Grounds, Suzi Boardman.

To register or for more information on the charity On the Water Poker Run please go to: https://www.fortpierceyachtclub.com/poker-run or email: [email protected].

Sponsors Include (as of March 13, 2023*):

Pursuit Boats
Causeway Cove Marina & RV Park
Pierce 1 Marina
The UPS Store (St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie)
Southern Castles Property Management & Real Estate

*Updates on sponsors can be found on www.fortpierceyachtclub.com/poker-run

About FPYC Foundation: Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax deductible. Founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, it has raised money by hosting various events including a community participation On the Water Poker Run. Funds raised have been given as scholarships for college juniors majoring in marine studies. The selected students have worked for 16 weeks each summer with researchers at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. We have proudly put four students through this summer program, and each have gone on to a career in marine biology and most in research.

Mar. 15, 2023|

J. McLaughlin shopping event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in Indian River County

CEO Debbie Hawley and J. McLaughlin Assistant Store Manager Wanda Welch. Photo courtesy of Jayne Platts

J. McLaughlin hosted a fundraiser benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties at the Village Shops location in Vero Beach on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023.

Shoppers were invited to sip and shop from noon to 5 p.m., with 15% of sales benefiting BBBS programs in Indian River County. The event included light eats, Perrier and chilled Rosé. Assistant Store Manager Wanda Welch and her stylish, outgoing team entertained shoppers with BBBS CEO Debbie Hawley. Friends and couples from Houston and Ann Arbor to the Hamptons and Vero Beach attended in support of BBBS.

Brothers and co-owners Jay and Kevin McLaughlin set out to create a company culture of being good neighbors by partnering with trusted nonprofits. This fundraiser is one example of 700 events hosted at J. McLaughlin stores every year.

The successful afternoon of shopping raised $1,200 for the children BBBS serves in Indian River County. BBBS programs are free for all participants. Events such as the sip and shop fund these programs so youth can continue to achieve their full potential.

“We had such a delightful afternoon with the fabulous team at J. McLaughlin! We are so grateful for their financial support of our Big Brothers Big Sisters agency, but also for the opportunity to share our mission with their many customers,” Hawley said. “Our deepest thanks to Wanda and her team for making us part of the J. McLaughlin family.”

Visit bbbsbigs.org or call 772-466-8535for more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties. “Like” BBBS on Facebook and follow on Instagram @bbbsbigs.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties strives to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Debbie Hawley is the CEO. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters please visit bbbsbigs.org or call 772-466-8535. “Like” BBBS on Facebook and follow on Instagram @bbbsbigs.

Mar. 9, 2023|

Two final performances for Vero Beach International Music Fest

Two final performances for Spring 2023 Vero Beach International Music Fest

The Vero Beach International Music Festival will present two final performances this season, before returning mid-July:

March 26th - 7:30p: Block/Bacon/Ligia Trio

Mike Block (cello/vocals) teams up with Christylez Bacon (beatbox/rhymes/guitar) and Patricia Ligia (electric bass guitar/vocals) to form a dynamic trio, blending original music with world fusion influences to form a fresh sound that highlights their improvisational spontaneity and high energy stage presentation.

April 1st - 7:30p: Hanneke Cassel Trio

Led by the championship Scottish fiddler Hanneke Cassel, who has been performing in Vero Beach since 2010 as regular Faculty Artist of Mike Block String Camp. She is accompanied by Yann Falquet (Guitar), & Mike Block (Cello).

All tickets are $20, and can be purchased ahead of time here.

All performances at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach - Sanctuary (520 Royal Palm Blvd)

Donations will also be accepted for the Mike Block String Camp Scholarship Fund, benefiting local and international students for the annual music workshop, happening July 10-15, 2023.

Mar. 9, 2023|

PSL Business Women “Puttin’ on the Glitz” with 31st Annual fashion show fundraiser

PSL Business Women "Puttin' on the Glitz" with 31st Annual fashion show fundraiser

Port St. Lucie Business Women's Fashion Show committee members – Back row: Dorothy Kamm, Christina Lofthus, Carissa Vega, Diane Gallagher; Front row: Danielle Wymer, Kathy Post, Donna DeMarchi, Sue-Ellen Sanders; not pictured, Michele Backus, Mandy Sauter, Stephanie Morgan, Patricia Christensen, Madelyn Katz

Decked in fringe and all aglitter, swing into the Port St. Lucie Business Women’s 31^st Annual Fashion Show to be held on Saturday, April 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, 12600 NW Harbour Ridge Blvd., Palm City. They’ll be “Puttin’ On The Glitz” for guests, Flapper-style, who will enjoy an elegant lunch and a pageant of the jazziest fashions.

Luxury couture fashions by local designers Kallee Jackson (kalleejackson.com) and VIVRE Couture (vivrecouture.com), in addition to Port St. Lucie-based I’ll Have What She’s Wearing (sheswearing.commentsold.com), Chico’s Off the Rack, and Cardita Formal Wear will be featured.

A wide array of items in the silent auction will beckon you to come home with additional souvenirs and treasures.

As an adjunct to their Fashion Show, the Port St. Lucie Business Women is offering opportunities to win one of two fabulous prizes. A “Speakeasy” Liquor Package contains favorite spirits and mixes donated by members, valued at $1,000. Or choose to take a chance on a 3-piece Michael Kors purse set consisting of a large tote that has an exterior pocket for a laptop, a wrist clutch, and a smaller clutch. The set is valued at $678 and was donated by Brenda Gallagher, owner of Federal Title Insurance Agency of Rockledge.

Every year G. Alan’s Fine Jewelry & Coin in Fort Pierce unveils a custom piece of jewelry designed according to the theme of the Fashion Show and will be offered separately.

Tickets cost $70 per person and may be purchased online at pslbw.com or by mailing a check to 5475 NW St. James Drive, #233, Port St. Lucie 34982. Checks must be received no later than March 31.

For information, email [email protected].

This major fundraiser helps support the organization's Community Action Grants, which go to local non-profit agencies that work with women and children and provides scholarships for women who have chosen to pursue their education at Indian River State College. To date, more than $330,000 has been awarded. For information, email [email protected].

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. The Port St. Lucie Business Women Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization for developing the potential of businesswomen through scholarships and for the awarding of community action grants. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.

Mar. 2, 2023|

Council on Aging announces honorees of the 7th annual Sage Awards

Council on Aging announces honorees of the 7^th annual Sage Awards

Presenting the 2023 Sage Award Honorees. From left: Ret. Lieutenant General Frank Libutti, Francis J. Kleeman, MD, Judie Price, Dr. Douglas P. Jewett, Alfred Miller Not Pictured: Alice Luckhardt and Jo Covelli. Photo courtesy of MaryAnn Ketcham

The Council on Aging of Martin County at the Kane Center is proud to announce the honorees for the seventh annual Sage Awards, a singular event on the Treasure Coast that honors the vast contributions seniors make every day in their communities. With honorary chair Ann Day, the Council on Aging will recognize these outstanding individuals at the 2023 awards ceremony.

Douglas P. Jewett will be honored in the Arts and Culture category.
Francis J. Kleeman, MD will be honored in the Health Science & Medicine category.
Lieutenant General Frank Libutti will be honored in the Military & Veterans Support category.
The late, beloved Alice Luckhardt will be honored posthumously in the Education category.
Alfred Miller will be honored in the Community Service category.

This year’s Charlie Kane Award honoree is the Albert M. Covelli Foundation. Judie Price will be honored with the Chairman’s Award.

The awards ceremony and dinner will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club in Palm City. Cocktails begin at 5:30 followed by the awards ceremony and dinner. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online at www.kanecenter.org or by calling the Kane Center at 772-223-7803. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

“Our goal each year with the Sage Awards is to shine a spotlight on the great contributions made by people ages 60 and better,” said Karen Ripper, President and CEO of the Council on Aging. “We want to showcase how seniors are using this stage of their lives as an opportunity to use the wisdom, talents, or treasure they’ve cultivated over a lifetime to enrich the world around them.”

All proceeds from the Sage Awards support comprehensive support and programs for seniors provided by the Council on Aging of Martin County. These safety-net services include Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Club, comprehensive case management, crisis support, caregiver counseling and education, memory enhancement, and more.

Mar. 2, 2023|

Just a few spots left for Save the Chimps Member Day April 1st

Go behind the scenes to learn more about our 200+ chimpanzee residents and how we care for them.Tour our beautiful 150-acre sanctuary by foot or tram to observe the chimps as they roam their islands, swing from climbing structures, run, play, vocalize, bask in the sun, or curl up in the shade.

Walking tours cover 1.25 miles - if you need to tour by tram, be sure to choose a tram tour.

Spots are limited so sign-up today! Save the Chimps is closed to the public aside from occasional seasonal events like this. For the best experience, bring binoculars, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Water will be provided along the tour, and brand new chimp merchandise will be on sale.

Save the Chimps is located at 16891 Carole Noon Lane Fort Pierce, FL 34945

Tickets are $30 - $60. To save your spot, click here.

Feb. 23, 2023|

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