19th Annual Walk to Remember Draws Largest Crowd Ever

19^th Annual Walk to Remember Draws Largest Crowd Ever

The 19th Annual Walk To Remember was held on Nov. 12 to benefit the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County. Boasting one of the largest crowds ever with nearly 450 walkers, the Walk allowed participants to meander through Riverside Park, and to stroll through Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary, as well.

Pre-walk festivities included honoring our Veterans, with Moreen Burkhart singing the National Anthem while the Sebastian River High School NJROTC color guard presented the flag, followed by an energizing warm-up led by personal trainer John Sammartano.

Founded in 1982, the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association offers 40 programs to those with memory and movement disorders, and their families, all free of charge. It is not affiliated with any national organization, relying on the generosity of the philanthropic community, grants, and fundraisers. The annual Walk To Remember is the nonprofit’s signature fundraising event, and donations for the Walk are still being accepted

Thank you to these major sponsors of this year’s Walk, whose financial support laid the foundation for this year’s success. Presenting Sponsors were: Walter Borisenok Family Foundation, Este and Charles Brashears, and Coastal Concierge Services. Platinum Sponsors were George E. Warren LLC and Christine Lipski.

The mission of the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association is “to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Indian River County who are affected by memory and movement disorders, through support, education and connection.” To learn more about the organization, call 772-563-0505 or visit www.AlzPark.org.

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]

Dec. 29, 2022|

POINSETTIA POWER! fundraiser for Meals on Wheels set for Dec. 7

Poinsettia Power! fundraiser for Meals on Wheels

The date is set for the Council on Aging of Martin County’s annual fundraiser for Meals on Wheels. Poinsettia Power! Holiday Shopping Bazaar, Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held at the Kane Center on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Poinsettia Power is donning a tropical holiday theme this year, featuring pink poinsettias and bright colors. Guests are encouraged to attend in pink and green or tropical prints. Doors open for shopping at 10 a.m. The Holiday Bazaar is a great place to discover unique items that will wow even the hardest people to shop for on your list. Find anything from fine jewelry and fashion to home décor and gourmet foods. Plus, shopping helps benefit Meals on Wheels!

In addition to visiting the vendors, guests will have opportunities to participate in a prize drawing and a silent auction. This year’s prizes include staycation packages, a day with the interior designer Francesca Morgan, a box full of premium liquors, and a dine-around package, to name a few.

The luncheon will begin at noon led by guest emcee Ashley Glass, correspondent with Scripps National News. Following the luncheon will be the holiday fashion show produced by Rose Meyerowich. The Holiday Hat Parade and Contest will return as well. Guests are encouraged to attend the event in their most fabulous headpieces and then strut the runway for a chance to win a prize…and bragging rights.

Poinsettia Power was founded 17 years ago to ensure low-income, homebound seniors on the government waiting list for Meals on Wheels did not have to wait hungry. Last year, thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, underwriters and guests, Poinsettia Power raised a groundbreaking $100,000 for Meals on Wheels and supportive case management services. This year, the Council on Aging hopes to match the monumental success, which will help fight senior hunger and isolation in Martin County. The need continues to be great. Each weekday, at least 500 meals are prepared fresh by the Kane Center’s culinary team and hand-delivered to homes throughout Martin County.

“There is an unending need for the Meals on Wheels safety net,” said Karen Ripper, President and CEO of the Council on Aging. “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to identify many seniors who had never needed or wanted to ask for help. Though the demand has leveled off, we are still delivering well over 100 more meals each day compared to pre-COVID times.”

Tickets are $100 per guest. Table sponsorships are also available for groups of eight or 10. Purchase online at www.kanecenter.org/foundation/poinsettia-power or call (772) 223-7827. The Kane Center is located at 900 SE Salerno Road in Stuart.

Poinsettia Power is sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities, the Law Offices of John Mangan, P.A., Francesca Morgan Interiors, Martin Funeral Home & Crematory, N. Schoonover & Associates, Rehmann Financial Services, and Seacoast Bank.

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]

Nov. 14, 2022|

Dancing with the Martin Stars takes stage in support of Healthy Start Coalition

The Martin Stars 2022: Front Row: Toni Ryll, Jessica Alvarez, Samantha Suffich, Tanya Chaves, Jane Hallick, Kasia D’Auria, Daisy Krakowiak; Back Row (left to right): Tyler Raynes, Donna Demarchi, Michael Chaves, Bob Murray, Jang Don.

The curtain goes up on the 2022 edition of Martin County’s Dancing with the Martin Stars at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart. Tangos, tap dances, sambas, and waltzes will take center stage in support of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its mission to ensure that every baby in our community is born healthy and every mother receives support. The premise of Dancing with the Martin Stars is simple but challenging: local volunteers learn dance steps from area professionals, raise funds from friends and neighbors, and then vie for the judges’ votes to claim bragging rights.

“Dancing with the Martin Stars is always a fun event,” says Healthy Start CEO Samantha Suffich. “The purpose, though, is very serious. The funds our volunteers raise help us with our many programs that provide prenatal care to expectant mothers and then follow through to be sure that babies are born healthy and receive the services the family needs for a successful future.”

This year’s contestants include: Kasia D’Auria, Realtor with Re/Max of Stuart, paired with professional dancer Jang Don; Donna DeMarchi, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney with the Eberst Law Firm, with Bob Murray; Jane Hallick, President of Jane’s Dane Boutique, with Craig Galvin; Jessica Alvarez, Founder of Velo Med Spa, with Michael Chaves; Natalie Desmangles, Assistant Branch Manager with SouthState Bank, with Brian Spector; Rio Ratermanis, Clinical Educator with HCA Center for Clinical Advancement St. Lucie Hospital, with Marianella Tobar; Dr. Noor

Yono, Premier Neurology, with Leah Landau; Tyler Rayes, SLC Commercial Real Estate, with Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; and Dr. Rabih Kashouty, Neurostrive, with Tanya Chaves. The dancers are actively raising funds in advance of the event. Community members can support a favorite dancer through the Healthy Start website, www.mchealthystart.com. Tickets to the event are available through the Lyric Theatre box office, www.lyrictheatre.com.

A Sponsors Only cocktail party will be held before the dance competition begins. The Eberst Law Firm is the evening’s title sponsor and encourages individuals and organizations to join them at sponsorship levels ranging from $500 to $10,000.

For more information, visit www.mchealthystart.org or call 772-463-2888.

About Martin County Healthy Start

Martin County Healthy Start is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Father and Child Resource Center, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

Jul. 26, 2022|

Sawbones vs. Jawbones softball tournament raises funds for United Way

From Left to Right: Jawbones (red) - Robert Nall, Michael Zito, Dane Ullian, James Harpring, Jason Odom, Barry Segal, Eva Lauer, Jesse Larsen, Andrew Metcalf, Justin Barenborg, Raul Perez. Sawbones (blue) - Miguel Rivera MD, Marc McCain MD, Jason Stack MD, Alan Friedenstab MD, Geoff Wolf MD, Amber Dunn MD, Brett Haake MD, Clay Greeson MD, Jeff Livingston MD, Tom Baudo MD, Santos Ruiz Cordero MD, Pamela Kirwin MD, Sri Yerneni MD

Local professionals give back to their community at the annual Sawbones VS. Jawbones softball tournament presented by Cleveland Clinic Indian River. The doctors vs. lawyers rivalry continued for the 11th year at the newly renovated Holman Stadium at Jackie Robinson Training Complex, raising nearly $8,000.

“It's a tremendous contribution to United Way and our community that all the physicians and attorneys do this each year,” said Meredith Egan.

Despite the game ending a few innings short due to rain, the lawyers on Team Jawbones took home the win.

Special thanks to the generous sponsors and supporters:

Home Run Sponsors: Gould Cooksey Fennell, Mazzola Mediation, and Vero ENT Associates

Double Sponsors: Kimberle Beckett, Florida Eye Institute, Grove Place Surgery Center, Legler Orthodontics, MN Worldwide, and Zayas & Ruiz Immigration Attorneys

Single Sponsors: Dill Evans Rhodebeck, Barry Segal, P.A., Vero Beach Neurology

Thank you to the lawyers on Team Jawbones: Justin Barenborg, James Harpring, Jesse Larsen, Eva Lauer, Andrew Metcalf, Bob Nall, Ashley Novander, Jason Odom, Raul Perez, Barry Segal, Dane Ullian, Rebecca White, and Michael Zito. Additionally, thank you to the doctors on Team Sawbones: Tom Baudo, Amber Dunn, Alan Friedenstab, Clay Greeson, Brett Haake, Pamela Kilwin, Jeff Livingston, Michael Mazziota, Marc McCain, Miguel Rivera, Santos Ruiz, Jason Stack, Luis Velazco, Geoff Wolf, and Sri Yerneni.

Little League took the field for the first annual Vero Beach Little League United Way Cup game following the softball tournament. All proceeds from the game benefit the United Way and support the significant work of advancing the common good in the impact areas of Health, Education, and Financial Stability.

For more information about getting involved in next year’s tournament, please get in touch with Meredith Egan at [email protected] or (772) 567-8900.

United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.

Jul. 26, 2022|

St. Lucie’s Evening for Education raises a record amount for the Education Foundation

Michelle Miller, Jane Rawley and Thom Jones during the auction.
Credit: Education Foundation of St. Lucie
FORT PIERCE – The Education Foundation, St. Lucie’s Evening for Education was a huge success raising 60% more money than the previous year. The annual dinner, ‘Hooray for Hollywood’ was held at the Harbour Ridge Club […]

Dec. 3, 2018|

St. Lucie Battery & Tire Supports BGC

St. Lucie County — St. Lucie Battery & Tire, a strategic partner with the Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County, supported the Clubs recent Seafood Festival as the T-shirt sponsor. Thousands of local people attended the Festival, held at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs is a […]

May. 21, 2018|

Local doctor and wife host event to raise funds for House of Hope

Custom cake crafted by “The Cake Lady” honoring House of Hope’s nutrition initiatives

STUART — More than 150 guests attended a private fundraiser thrown by Dr. Daniel and Marlena Husted in support of House of Hope’s nutrition garden programs at their grand waterfront home on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018. A clarinet foursome musically set the […]

Mar. 7, 2018|

Grand Harbor gala raises record funds

Some 120 people attended the annual Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program Gala Dinner and Auction.

VERO BEACH — Some 120 Grand Harbor residents and club members attended the sold-out 6th annual Grand Harbor Community Outreach Program Gala Dinner and Auction on Feb. 7 to generate additional funding to support homeless families, veterans in need, and […]

Feb. 19, 2018|

Golf event to raise funds for mammograms

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Premier Wellness Centers will host the Inaugural Premier Wellness Centers Golf Classic on Saturday, Sept. 10 at St. Lucie Trail Golf Course. The event is open to the public and will benefit Windsor Community Angels. Windsor Community Angels provides free mammograms to women in St. Lucie County who have no […]

Aug. 28, 2016|