PSL Business Women 31st Annual Fashion Show a roaring success

Michelle Glass, at left, Michelle Backus, John Gallagher, and Donna DeMarchi.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women and their guests dressed the part for a Flapper-style 1920’s-themed Fashion Show held on April 22 at Harbour Ridge & Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. More than $24,400 was raised for their Community Action Grants which are awarded to local nonprofit agencies that benefit women and children, and provide scholarships for women who have chosen to continue their education at Indian River State College. Awards and scholarships will be presented later this year.

“The Fashion Show was a huge success,” says co-chair Kathy Post. “It was nice to see so many familiar faces. The guests were having a great time enjoying the wonderful food, the fun photo booth and the silent auction. Our range of fashions appealed to all; there was something for everyone. We truly appreciate all the support in helping to make our event a success and furthering our mission to help the women and children in St. Lucie County.”

Six high school boys outfitted in tuxedos by Cardita Formal Wear escorted guests who sported jeweled and fringed dresses accessorized with long strands of pearls and sparkling feathered headbands, to their seats, adding a touch of elegance to this glamourous event.

Luxury couture fashions by local designers Kallee Jackson (kalleejackson.com), hand-painted clothing and accessories by VIVRE Couture (vivrecouture.com), brightly colored clothing with a tropical flair from Port St. Lucie-based I’ll Have What She’s Wearing (sheswearing.commentsold.com), White House Black Market in Palm Beach Gardens (whitehouseblackmarket.com), Cato’s in St. Lucie West and Cardita Formal Wear in Jensen Beach (carditaformalwear.com).

The 110 silent auction items, including themed gift baskets, gift certificates and memberships generated high-stakes competitiveness. Top takers included four tickets to a Marlins game, including field passes for batting practice, a weekend stay in a 2-bedroom cottage at River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp in Jensen Beach, and a plethora of gift cards presented in a framed collage.

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. This year’s necklace featured a starburst of diamonds with a total of one karat weight surrounding an 8mm freshwater pearl on an 18-inch 14-karat white gold chain. The necklace was valued at $2,200 and generated much enthusiasm. Bernadette Wilkinson was the ultimate winner, immediately donning her prize.

Former PSL Business Women member and past president Michelle MacNichol won the “Speakeasy” Liquor package. Rochelle Finch will always carry herself in style as the winner of the 3-piece Michael Kors purse set donated by Brenda Gallagher, owner of Federal Title Insurance Agency of Rockledge.

Donna Camtbello was ecstatic when her number was called as the winner of 50/50, a prize of $1,025!

The Port St. Lucie Business Women thank those who attended their affair and the following businesses for their support: Greg Childress, owner of G. Alan’s Fine Jewelry & Coin in Fort Pierce; Roaring 20s Sponsor Donna DeMarchi with The Eberst Law Firm; Great Gatsby Sponsors WPSL/WSTU/WJNX and WQCS; SpeakEasy Sponsors Children’s Services Council and iTHINK Financial; Jazz Sponsors Seacoast Bank, Post Insurance and Financial, Watercrest Senior Living – St. Lucie West, Truly Title, Aapex Electric Services, Dwyer Environmental Services, Florida Power & Light, Vineyard Institute of Plastic Surgery, and White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery; and Flapper Sponsor Christina Lofthus/Mary Kay. Thanks also go to media sponsors WPSL/WSTU/WJNX and WQCS.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women also thank Fashion Show emcee Lynette Lockwood and DJ Tony Solomon of Fullhouse Entertainment for providing the music.

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 $200,000 in Community Action Grants has been awarded to local nonprofit agencies benefitting women and children, and $130,500 in scholarships have been given to women who have chosen to continue their education at Indian River State College.

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.

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]

May. 18, 2023|

House of Hope and Children’s Services Council launch Family-Centered Coaching

House of Hope and the Martin County Children’s Services Council are partnering in an initiative called Family-Centered Coaching to help House of Hope clients become stronger, more independent, and better advocates for themselves and their families.

“This approach has the potential to be transformative for our organization and for the whole community,” explained House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “It puts the participants in the driver’s seat and helps them learn how to make the best choices for themselves.”

The Children’s Services Council has been looking for a program like this, according to CSC Executive Director David Heaton. House of Hope, with its mission of empowering its clients, seemed like a natural match to pioneer the program locally.

“We see this as a paradigm shift in how we approach the process of helping and empowering people,” Heaton said. “It assumes they are creative, capable, and resourceful. It positions staff as ‘coaches’ instead of ‘fixers.’ That difference in language and approach between saying ‘This is what we offer’ to ‘What do you need?’ creates an environment that makes change possible.”

More than 120 organizations in 32 states have already adopted the approach of Family-Centered Coaching, a program of The Prosperity Agenda. Amber Wilson, a regional Partnership Manager, described the empowering effects that other organizations have witnessed. “When people recognize that they have strengths and expertise of their own, they become problem solvers on their own behalf. They become better able to care for themselves and their families, and ultimately better able to be productive members of the community.”

House of Hope staff will spend the next year learning how to incorporate the spirit and language of Family-Centered Counseling into every aspect of their work, from feeding the hungry and growing fresh produce to offering clothing and rental assistance, counseling, classes, and internships.

The program launch is set for the end of May. “We consider this CSC program award a true gift to our organization,” Ranieri said. “It will be a lot of work, but it’s a great opportunity for our staff, our clients, and the entire community.”

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.

May. 18, 2023|

FAU Harbor Branch Boat Tours returning May 26

FAU Harbor Branch public boat tours are back and excited to invite explorers of all ages to join us for a fun and educational 1.5-hour excursion on the Indian River Lagoon! During this experience, an expert guide will discuss the wildlife encountered as well as the research that the Institute conducts to better understand and protect this important ecosystem. Participants will have the unique opportunity to experience the lagoon like never before — as a marine scientist aboard a floating laboratory with state-of-the-art-tools. Activities include interpreting real-time water quality data from the Indian River Lagoon Observatory Network, surveying underwater habitats with a Remotely Operated Vehicle, and identifying wildlife of all sizes, from microscopic plankton to sharks, rays, manatees, and dolphins. Tours run every Friday and Saturday, more information can be found at www.fau.edu/hboi/bookatour or by calling 772-242-2293.

May. 18, 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|

House of Hope and Inner Truth build client skills through P.I.E. Lab Project

P.I.E., which stands for Positive Integrated Experiences, is a collaboration between House of Hope and The Inner Truth Project to help women build self-esteem and acquire marketable skills. And it results in good pies.

Clients from The Inner Truth Project, the Treasure Coast’s leader in providing therapeutic services to survivors of sexual trauma, have been working and learning in the kitchen at House of Hope’s Elizabeth Lahti Nutrition Center for several weeks under the direction of House of Hope’s Food Distribution Supervisor Andrew Funcke. Along with learning to make pies, they learned business management, customer service and marketing skills to prepare them for employment, and they graduated from the program with certification in Food Safety.

During the project, House of Hope clients were offered the day’s pies for dessert, but the ultimate goal is to turn pie-making skills into a self-sustaining business that can generate funds for the organizations and the pie-makers themselves.

“We’re so proud of these women,” said Mindi Fetterman, executive director of Inner Truth. “They accepted this challenge to find out how very capable they really are, and they succeeded. The benefits of this program go far beyond what can be measured in the pies they’ve learned to make.”

One of the pie-makers, Summer, talks about the new confidence she’s gained from the program after a very troubled time in her life. “I never made a pie or worked in a group, and I thought I couldn’t do it, but I did. It’s changed my life.”

The culinary class is free to Inner Truth clients thanks to grants awarded House of Hope and The Inner Truth Project, including support from private funders through The Community Foundation of Martin - St. Lucie.

“This project has all of the ingredients for a successful program. As an example of social entrepreneurship, it’s a perfect match with our mission to empower the people we serve to build better futures for themselves and their families,” according to House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “We’ve developed great facilities for food preparation over the years, thanks to generous community donors, and we’re glad to share them with Inner Truth. Plus we all love the pies!”

Future classes will include a broader base of clients from both Inner Truth and House of Hope. Pie sales will eventually help generate revenue to sustain the program and provide a great gift to the community — delicious pies, baked with love.

About House of Hope

May. 4, 2023|

The Source forms a members-only advisory council<

The Source forms a members-only advisory council

While The Source for the poor and the homeless in Vero Beach have been setting their bar higher and higher with the standard and number of much needed programs and services for their members, the staff has decided to take a bit of a back seat by taking some advice from those that have the most in the say… that is, their homeless members.

Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, in tandem with Operations Director, Jade Alexander, have selected several members of the organization to form an Advisory Council. Their job hits close to home. Their seat on the council allows them to express ideas and address challenges they and other members may encounter at The Source, while working together as a team to come up with possible solutions.

The Advisory Council members include Karen McDonough (Shower Attendant), Russell Walker (Dining With Dignity Student and current Dignity Food Truck Operator), Tammy Atkins (Cleans Bus and makes beds through Dignity Jobs Program) and Pablo Acevedo (Volunteering on Bus and helps with laundry on weekends).

The topics they have initially been discussing includes adding a special needs diet on the menu for diabetics, implementing an after-hours neighborhood watch outside the campus, looking at additional ventilation and air purifiers for the Dignity Bus, and adding more sobriety meetings to the existing program schedule, among others.

“This is a win-win” comments Zorbaugh. “It helps the staff understand our members needs more and increases the probability of forming even stronger relationships with them.”

Alexander agrees. “This is one more step in allowing them to be confident with their feelings and expressing what’s on their mind. They will also be represented on monthly zoom calls with the Board of Directors of The Source, bringing them up-to-date on what the Advisory Council is accomplishing. Each step will make them become more dignified, which is our ultimate goal.”

For more information on The Source and its Members Advisory Council, visit www.iamthesource.org, or call Anthony Zorbaugh or Jade Alexander directly at 772-564-0202.

Apr. 20, 2023|

Career-boosting PR tips presented at Port St. Lucie Business Women meeting

Leigh Woisard and Port St. Lucie Business Women president Devon Dwyer

No matter how successful they are in their chosen professions, members of the Port St. Lucie Business Women were eager to hear Leigh Woisard present PR Tips For Boosting Your Career at their April meeting held at Tutto Fresco in St. Lucie West.

Woisard says she has a passion for helping women who struggle with confidence and an aversion to self-promotion. “Don’t be like Marie Antoinette!” she says. “When Marie Antoinette, a queen of France known for her luxurious lifestyle, was told by court advisers that her subjects were starving, the response attributed to her was, ‘Let them eat cake,’ a declaration that resulted in a disdain for her.” But, says Woisard, it is now generally believed that the queen never actually said that. “What if Marie Antoinette had taken charge of her career image?”

Woisard emphasizes the importance of managing your career narrative. By taking control of your story, you let people know your value. As a result, there is no confusion about you. To accomplish this requires a degree of self-promotion, which women tend to shy away from. “Women often limit their success by letting their work speak for itself, but then will feel stuck and passed over when they don’t receive a promotion or project assignment,” says Woisard. “You are handicapping your career when you don’t think strategically.”

She asks, “What do you want to be known for? What is the one thing you do better or different from every other person doing a similar job?” Are you a strategy expert, a creative idea generator, a motivational leader, or a relationship builder? Maybe it’s your style and how you approach projects that are differentiating.

Once you identify your professional asset, build your career narrative around it. “Focus on repeatedly telling and selling your one thing,” advises Woisard, because consistency and repetition are key. “Every decision you make at work is an opportunity to showcase your one thing.”

By following her advice, you will help your co-workers and bosses have a clear impression of you. “You want others to think of you when a promotion or project arises. It's a game of association.”

There are numerous ways to promote your one thing, such as social media posts and sharing your expertise as part of a presentation at staff meetings. “Take every opportunity to associate yourself with your one thing so that when others think of you, they automatically think of your one thing quality.”

Generate buzz about yourself. “There is only one thing worse than being talked about . . . and that’s not being talked about,” she points out. Build authentic relationships through networking. Woisard suggests seeking sponsors who are people of influence who share a common interest in your one thing and will say good things about you and your talent. In turn, do something beneficial for these people, such as sharing research, articles or advice related to your one thing.

“Take control of your career narrative, engaging in purposeful self-promotion to build your visibility and tell the story you want to tell,” says Woisard. “Don’t be like Marie Antoinette!”

Woisard has a 30-year career in communications, consulting and public speaking. Most recently she served as senior vice president of corporate public affairs for Cox Communications, the largest privately held cable/broadband company in the United States, prior to moving to the Treasure Coast in December 2022. You can reach her at 404-822-7398.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.

Apr. 14, 2023|

Thanking Air Show volunteers at a perfect picnic

Linda Elie and Jodie Potter celebrate at Stuart Air Show volunteer picnic.

It takes planes and pilots to put on a successful air show, but it also takes volunteers – lots of volunteers. The Board of Directors of the Stuart Air Show thanked theirs the best way they could: at a glorious party held at the Flagler Center in downtown Stuart on March 5.

More than 150 people attended, reuniting with new and old air show friends and the show’s extended family. For some, the first year they volunteered was in 2022, but for others - like Chuck Cleaver, the longest serving volunteer – it’s been decades. As a matter of fact, Cleaver has been at it for 30-plus years.

Lots of the reminiscing revolved around the uncertainty and delays that Hurricane Nicole brought to Air Show weekend.

"Every year has its set of surprises and challenges," says Inez van Ravenzwaaij, Stuart Air Show Executive Director. "But this year was extraordinary because we were staring-down a category one hurricane just days before the show. Without our dedicated cadre of volunteers and the support of the community we wouldn’t have been able to have the show as we did. I’m incredibly proud to work shoulder to shoulder with all our volunteers. They’re simply the best!"

It's become a family and intergenerational experience to volunteer at the show. "I love to see our roster grow every year," says Leslie Judd, Volunteer Key Leader and Principal of Clark Advanced Learning Center. "Not just by individuals, but by teams and entire families. It’s a testament to the type of event the Stuart Air Show is and the caring community it calls home."

Code Red Roofers, TD Bank and JJ Taylor sponsored the event, donating exciting prizes and giveaways. Jimmy Smiths BBQ was caterer and received rave reviews.

The Stuart Air Show takes lots of pre-planning and Individual volunteer registration for 2023 is now open. Those signing up before May 31 will be entered into a random drawing for airshow prizes

Registration for companies, teams, schools, church groups, clubs, youth groups, etc. is open as well.

The Stuart Air Show is expanding its Key Leader team for those with air show experience who want to stretch their wings and fly on a committee or in a leadership position.

Tickets go on sale in early May. Visit www.stuartairshow.com to sign up as a volunteer or for email updates on the air show and promotions.

Mar. 30, 2023|

Fore Sistas golf fundraiser a hit

When Stanley Campbell, owner of Martin Downs Golf Club, welcomed approximately 80 golfers and 20 plus volunteers to the 2^ndAnnual Fore Sistas Golf Tournament, he complimented the board members for going from staging last year’s introductory event to quickly becoming its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit this year.

The golf match was preceded by a Woman’s Health Symposium that featured speakers Dr. De Anne Collier, Dr. Jeaudine Hill, Dr. Juliette Lomax-Homier, Dr. Bebe Pajo. Madetric Woods, NP, Mallory Gillespie, DPT and Julyne Viau, MS[LS1] .

The Martin Downs Country Club in Palm City hosted both of the weekend’s programs.

This year the golf tournament included flights for women, mixed teams and women. The tournament winners were awarded trophies and other gifts.

Fore Sistas is a volunteer service organization of women committed to the expansion and inclusion of talented women in the sport and business of golf through linked friendship, mentorship, financial support, equity and inclusion.

Most of the net proceeds from the tournament will be given as a scholarship to an African American female golfer who aspires to play golf professionally or enter the golf business.

Members of the event committee were Phyllis M. Gillespie, Martha Clark, Stanley Campbell, Jr., G. Sean Schley, Earnie Ellison, Jean Laws Scott, Claire Nash, Synthia Snow, Tishunda Tullis, Michelle Jerger, Lynn Solomon, Debra Williams and Raelyn Holmes.

As she gave her opening remarks, Gillespie said the vision of Fore Sistas is all about helping people while having a good time.

For information on Fore Sistas Golf, contact Phyllis Gillespie, Esq. at [email protected]

Mar. 23, 2023|

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

PSL Business Women 31st Annual Fashion Show a roaring success

House of Hope and Children’s Services Council launch Family-Centered Coaching

FAU Harbor Branch Boat Tours returning May 26

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

House of Hope and Inner Truth build client skills through P.I.E. Lab Project

Bridges for a Brighter Future

The Source forms a members-only advisory council

Career-boosting PR tips presented at Port St. Lucie Business Women meeting

Thanking Air Show volunteers at a perfect picnic

Fore Sistas golf fundraiser a hit