News & Events | IRCF - Indian River Community Foundation

EPP Spotlight: Vero Beach Opera

December 27, 2021 Leave a Comment

Vero Beach Opera has a mission to enrich the cultural lives of our community through fully staged professional opera productions, concerts and international vocal competitions of the highest quality which promote an increased awareness and deeper appreciation of opera to expanding and diverse audiences of all ages. Originally called the Vero Beach Opera Guild, the organization was started in 1988 by a group of friends at the home of Eloise Rodger. In present day, VBO continues to uphold their mission through a number of programs such as the Community Outreach Program, the Homestay Program, and the Scholarship Program.

Check out the schedule below to see what Vero Beach Opera has in store for the 2022 season!

Vero Beach Opera is also a part of our Endowment Partners Program (EPP). The purpose of the EPP is to help local charities plan for their long-term sustainability by growing a permanent endowment fund. During a 12-month program, participants learn about endowments, planned giving, investment management and marketing solutions that inspire loyal donors to make planned gifts from their estates. The program is coordinated by IRCF team member Yamilet Cendejas.

To learn how to give outright contributions today or bequests and other planned gifts for future support, please see “Planned Giving: Leave a Legacy” under our “Giving” section or go to the Vero Beach Opera website.

EPP Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties

December 15, 2021 Leave a Comment

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Their Passport to Literacy Program uses the mentoring between adults volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 4 to 18 to increase literacy skills in children who may struggle to be proficient readers.

By the end of the 2019-2020 school year,

96% of of pre-school children met or exceeded expectations in language/vocabulary,
96% met or exceeded expectations in phonological awareness,
96% improved in social-emotional development,
95% improved in one or more areas of reading literacy as documented in the iReady Assessment,
95% were promoted to the next grade level,
96% of “littles” showed improved behavior both in and out of school.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties is also a part of our Endowment Partners Program (EPP). The purpose of the EPP is to help local charities plan for their long-term sustainability by growing a permanent endowment fund. During a 12-month program, participants learn about endowments, planned giving, investment management and marketing solutions that inspire loyal donors to make planned gifts from their estates. The program is coordinated by IRCF team member Yamilet Cendejas.

Weekly Insights: ORCA

December 15, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) endeavors to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action, and community education and outreach. ORCA is committed to returning the Indian River Lagoon to a vibrant, healthy estuary teaming with wildlife and free of pollution. The Citizen Science program supports ORCA’s efforts to provide the information decision makers need to ensure effective conservation actions are taken. Two main issues are addressed through the Citizen Science Program: 1) the lack of real-world science and leadership experiences available to local high school students, 2) the need for ongoing, reliable information upon which decision makers can implement and assess informed conservation actions to reverse the degradation of the IRL. In the 2020-2021 academic year, 12 students were trained in both field and laboratory activities while completing the year-long project.

Weekly Insights works in conjunction with Indian River Indicators. Indian River Indicators was launched in June 2021 and originated after the completion of the 2019 Indian River Community Needs Assessment. It provides key data and information about our community that is updated annually and can be used to support and sustain proven programs. It can also be used by community leaders to develop policy, promote promising practices and inspire innovation that can lead to solutions to persistent community challenges. Indian River Community Foundation holds monthly informational sessions to introduce the community to this new resource. The next session will be held on Tuesday, January 4th at 4pm via zoom. Please email Foundation Coordinator, Chiaka Nwosu, at chiaka@ircommunityfoundation.org to attend a session.

To learn more visit www.ircommunityfoundation.org and click “Indian River Indicators” or contact a member of the Community Foundation’s team at 772.492.1407.

EPP Spotlight: Vero Beach Rowing

December 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

Vero Beach Rowing has a mission of promoting and teaching the sport of rowing to the community in order to develop physical fitness, personal character, and an ethic of cooperation through competitive and recreational opportunities. Their Financial Aid Program provides scholarships to students of low income families who would otherwise be unable to experience the discipline, teamwork and leadership learned through the sport of rowing.

Vero Beach Rowing is also a part of our Endowment Partners Program (EPP). The purpose of the EPP is to help local charities plan for their long-term sustainability by growing a permanent endowment fund. During a 12-month program, participants learn about endowments, planned giving, investment management and marketing solutions that inspire loyal donors to make planned gifts from their estates. The program is coordinated by IRCF team member Yamilet Cendejas.