Impact100 Martin Announces 7 Finalists for 2024 Impact Grants
Seven finalists have been chosen for this year’s Impact100 Martin 2024 Impact Grants, with four $100,000 grants to be awarded at the annual awards ceremony on April 18 at Temple Beit HaYam in Stuart.
Each of the seven nonprofit organizations is proposing an innovative project that meets community needs. Impact100 Martin’s 422 members have an opportunity to review the proposals in advance and hear presentations in person on the 18th. Each member casts a vote for the 4 projects that she believes best meet the criteria for impact, effectiveness and sustainability.
“We’re especially excited this year,” said Impact100 Martin’s President Maureen Cotter, “because of the quality of the proposed projects and also because we can award four grants in one year for the first time in our history. We met and then exceeded our membership goals for 2024. With 422 members, we have the funds to give out four $100,000 awards and distribute another $22,000 to the other finalists.”
Impact 100 Martin Members Sue Whittington, Wendy Steele, Tiann Berhoff
The finalists are: The ARC of the Treasure Coast with Caring Café: Food from the Heart; Council on Aging of Martin County with Elder Care Mobile Outreach Program; Historical Society of Martin County with The Martin Encounter – A Multi-sensory Mural and Living History Exhibit at the Elliott Museum; Ocean Research & Conservation Association with One Health Fish Monitoring Citizen Science Program; Senior Resource Association with Same-Day Transportation Service; Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital with Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Animal Enclosures; and Tykes & Teens with Walk In Assessment Center.
The Impact100 model is a unique and effective way to leverage women’s philanthropy, according to Cotter. Each woman contributes $1,000. Each member then has a vote to choose outstanding projects in the fields of Arts & Culture; Education; Family; Health & Wellness; and Environment, Preservation & Recreation. Each grant is for $100,000, an amount sufficient to make a real impact in the community.
Now in its seventh year, Impact100 Martin has awarded a total of $1.8 million in grants to local nonprofits since 2017. All of the projects that received awards in past years are described on the Impact100 Martin website, www.impact100martin.org.
Only members can vote, but the public is invited to attend the awards ceremony and listen to the grant finalists. Registration and more information are available at www.impact100martin.org.
ABOUT:
Impact100 Martin is a nonprofit organization with a mission of creating positive, lasting change in the community through collective giving. Founded in 2017, it is a chapter of the national Impact100 Movement founded by philanthropist Wendy Steele to transform communities through the power of women’s philanthropy. It is a member-driven organization that awards grants in $100,000 increments each year to local nonprofits in the areas of Arts & Culture; Education; Family; Health & Wellness; and Environment, Preservation & Recreation. Detailed information about membership, grants, and community impact is available at the website www.impact100martin.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Impact100MartinFL.
Available For Adoption
Caspian is a real charmer and has never met a person he didn’t immediately love. This 1-year-old fellow came to us as a stray and is truly ready for a forever home with a family who wants a playful, talkative, affiliative, and affectionate addition. Caspian has made friends with the other cats in his environment if he has time to get acquainted slowly. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, and has tested negative for FIV/FeLV. Run, don’t walk, to meet this treasure!
Caring Fields is a no-kill, nonprofit feline rescue and adoption organization located in Palm City. Adoption hours are from 11am to 3pm daily (closed on Sun) and is located at 6807 SW Wedelia Terrace. 772.463.7386
www.cffelines.org
Spotlight on Bacharach, Sondheim, and Webber
The final concert of the 2023-2024 season by the Treasure Coast Community Singers, May 18-19, 2024, will highlight the music of three of the most accomplished composers/songwriters of the 20th century and continuing into the 21st century. Burt Bacharach, Stephen Sondheim, and Andrew Lloyd Webber are acclaimed for their songs, their musicals, and their influence on contemporary, popular music. Including “I Say a Little Prayer For You,” “The Look of Love,” and “What the World Needs Now” by Bacharach; “Send In the Clowns,” “Being Alive,” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” by Sondheim; “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina,” “Memory,” and “Already Home” by Webber; this Spotlight concert will feature many of the best and most beloved songs from the 1950s through the present day. Dr. Douglas Jewett, founder/CEO of the organization and recipient of the 2023 Council on Aging Sage Award, will direct the TCCS ensemble, and pianist Carol Paul will accompany. The Youth Chorus (grades K-4) and Middle School Chorus (grades 5-8) will also sing favorites by these composers, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” by Bacharach, “Not While I’m Around” by Sondheim, and “Love Changes Everything” by Webber. Highlight your calendar now for “Spotlight on Bacharach, Sondheim, and Webber.”
On May 18th, “Spotlight on Bacharach, Sondheim, and Webber” will be presented at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2221 NE Savannah Road, Jensen Beach; the May 19th concert will be held at Ross Hall, Pittenger Center, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 701 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart. Both concerts begin at 3:00 p.m. To purchase tickets for all concerts, visit www.tccsingers.org.
TCCS is sponsored by The Arts Council of Martin County, Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, Women Supporting the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. TCCS is Gold Guide Star rated. The organization is a 501(c)3, non-profit group.
FORMER HIBISCUS CHILDREN’S CENTER RESIDENT
SHARES HIS STORY AT SPECIAL RECEPTION
Martin County, FL – During Child Abuse Prevention Month, Hibiscus Children's Center hosted a special reception at Sailfish Point Country Club on April 2nd. It was an honor to have former Hibiscus resident Dave Miller share his story. Dave lived at Hibiscus Children’s Center 35 years ago and spoke passionately about the impact Hibiscus had on his life as a child.
Dave came to Hibiscus Shelter in 1990 at the age of four. He and his two younger siblings were found abandoned at a local motel in Okeechobee. Although Dave was young, he has vivid memories of his time at the Shelter. “I have fond memories of Hibiscus. I particularly remember getting the things that I didn’t get at home like feeling safe, enough food and being clean. It was late at night when we arrived at the Shelter and we were hungry. Staff offered us as many donuts as we wanted. This was the first time I ever experienced having excess food. The staff were wonderful, they comforted me when I was sad and hugged me which meant the world to a scared child.”
Board Chair Scott Roads, Dave Miller, and CEO Matt Markley.
To Dave’s surprise, Hibiscus staff celebrated his birthday during his stay. He recalled feeling valued and important when he was allowed to choose pumpkin pie because he didn’t like cake. “I was always worried about being just a number, I didn’t feel like I mattered to anyone. As a child I didn’t understand that the kindness and love shown to me during my stay at Hibiscus was intentional. I realize now that these were deliberate acts aimed at making me and the other children feel cared for and significant.”
Today, Dave is an advocate for facilities like Hibiscus because of how they made him and his siblings feel. He has a family of his own and is a successful businessperson in Chicago. Dave used his challenges and difficulties to build a solid foundation in life. He has owned and operated several catering and food related businesses and currently owns a bagel shop with plans to expand in the future.
Dave acknowledges the role of his past struggles in shaping his resilience and determination to succeed but attributes some of his success to the support and care he received at Hibiscus. He is grateful for the impact Hibiscus had on his life and for the services Hibiscus continues to provide children who need a safe haven.
CEO Matt Markley said, “Hibiscus was privileged to have Dave share his inspiring story. His words underscore the vital work being done by Hibiscus as well as the impact on children. Through his perseverance, Dave overcame tremendous adversity and built a successful future and loving home for his children. Hibiscus helps kids imagine what a better life can be. Dave is the perfect example of this.”
Guild member Debbie Owens, Dave Miller and Senator Gayle Harrell
Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham
Please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org for more information about Hibiscus programs and how you can get involved to help children
Martin County Top Chef Cooks Up Success for House of Hope
STUART, Fla. – Over blazing stoves, with a roomful of people watching their every move, five Martin County residents turned into professional chefs for an evening to compete in House of Hope’s Top Chef competition for 2024.
Jennifer Atkisson-Lovett, Sonita Farr, Wendy Kohler, Niki Norton, and Katy O'Neil all donned their aprons and created original dishes at District Table and Bar in Stuart.
This annual event is always a sell-out. This year, the 200 attendees and the Top Chef contestants raised over $80,000 for the essential programs and transformative services for Martin County residents facing food insecurity and financial hardships.
Jennifer Atkisson-Lovett, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX of Stuart, won the overall Top Chef title with her tuna tartare, voted “Top Dish,” and her energetic fundraising. “I was honored and shocked to win Top Chef!” Jennifer said. “I had such a blast participating in the fundraising aspect leading up to the event. Of course, meeting the other contestants and cooking with them on night of the event was just amazing! House of Hope does so much in our community and it truly was my honor to help raise awareness of their efforts.”
Ed Ciampi, Wendy Kohler, Jenifer Atikisson-Lovett, Sonita Farr, Niki Norton, Katy O'Neil, and Rob Ranier
Sonita Farr was honored as Top Fundraiser. Ed Ciampi, Martin County Commissioner, once again served as emcee. The judges were Taylor Mohlmann, Chef District Table & Bar; Carra Crehan, Owner/Operator of Chefs Table & Fruits and Roots; and Jessica Bohner, 2023 Top Chef & Top Dish Winner.
“The competition was really fierce this year,” House of Hope Rob Ranieri said. “We’re grateful to everyone who competed and contributed to make this a fun evening. Their efforts will have a huge impact on House of Hope and the thousands of Martin County residents that we assist throughout the year.”
House of Hope extended a special thanks to Jason Stocks, Chef and Owner of District Table and Bar and Colab Kitchen FL. He hosts this annual event year after year, closing his own operations for the evening to support House of Hope.
Sponsors for the event include District Table and Bar, Stifel Investment Services, RE/MAX of Stuart, The Hawkins Family, Treasure Coast Legal, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Molly K. O'Neil Esq., n2 Architecture + Design, Russell & Dianne Weller, Century 21 Move with Us, Crabby's Port Salerno, Deborah Lovequist, Girls Scout Troop 71734, Jim & Elaine Matts, Johnson Honda of Stuart, Justice for Kaitlyn Kohler, Manchester Insurance, Mann's Education Consulting, Stuart Financial, Treasure Coast Accounting Inc., and the Wong Family Foundation. These local restaurants provided delicious bits for the attendees: Chef's Table, Colab Kitchen, District Table & Bar, Fruits & Roots, Guanabanas, Salerno Pizza, Sunset Sliders, The Grove, Tide House, and Unique Sweets Supply.
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 8,000 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, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart, in Jensen Beach, and now at KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown 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, Instagram, and X.
Hop to it! Join the Fluffy Fun at Southeast Bunfest
STUART, Fla. — The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is inviting the public to come out for some fluffy fun at its annual Southeast Bunfest event. Slated for Saturday, April 27, the event will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Flagler Center of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave.
– Karen Trapani getting into the spirit of Bunfest as a volunteer
The cost to attend is $5 per person and kids under 10 years old are free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at https://hstc1.org/southeastbunfest or at the door on the day of the event.
Bunfest is the largest event entirely dedicated to critters in the Southeast United States and many people travel from outside of Florida to attend and participate. Special features of this one-day educational, family-fun event include glamour photos by Critter Pics, a kid zone, a Hop ‘n’ Flop Shop along with a variety of vendors, educational seminars, food trucks, face painting and raffles.
Claudia & John Morgenthaler with their pet bunny, Daisy
Bunfest also is an opportunity for guests to bring their own rabbit or guinea pig to the event. All critters must be in a pet stroller, carrier or transported in a proper harness at all times. Owners are responsible for the comfort, safety, and care of their animals. A humane society technician will check rabbits for fur lice, mites and ear mites before entering.
“Bunfest is such a special event, as there is something for everyone, including adoptable critters,” said Communications Manager Sarah Fisher. “Even if you don’t have a rabbit or guinea pig, there’s plenty to see and do.”
To participate as a vendor, contact Events Coordinator Alyssa Bean at 772-600-3215 or Events@hstc1.org. To sponsor Bunfest, contact Development Manager Ashton Standish at 772-600-3216 or AStandish@hstc1.org.
Bunfest is generously sponsored by Apex Pavers & Pools, Monterey Animal Clinic, TCPalm, Supreme Petfoods and Oxbow Animal Health.
About the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast – The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, FL. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
2024 – 2025 enrollment
The Banner Lake Club Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that houses Banner Lake Academy. The Academy educates 55 local children Kindergarten through 3rd grade and is specifically designed to nurture children in an optimal learning environment.
New Year 3
Banner Lake Academy offers small classes, low student to teacher ratios, and a rich curriculum with specials that include STEM lab, Art, Soccer, and P.E. Our staff are trained in Conscious Discipline which is a brain based social emotional learning program. This program makes students more resilient and better able to reach their full potential. Our students score within the national average in reading and math assessments.
New Year 4
Our first and third graders scored above national average in reading, and Kindergarten, second, and third graders score above average in math. We employ a dedicated, educated, and well-trained staff. Our staff receives ongoing training throughout the year. We have several staff members with Child Development Associates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, Florida Certifications in Elementary Teaching, Director Credentials, and even master’s degrees.
All uniforms, meals, and classroom supplies are provided by Banner Lake Academy to every student. All of this is provided at absolutely no cost to the families that we serve. We are currently enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteering, or a high-quality education for you child please call our office at 772-545-0953.
Council on Aging Honors 7 Martin County Seniors with Sage Awards
Seven outstanding Martin County seniors are the honored recipients of this year’s Council on Aging Sage Awards.
Each of them is a remarkable example of leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep compassion for others, representing a broad spectrum of life experiences and fields of influence.
“Our honorees are truly impressive,” said Council on Aging CEO Karen Ripper. “All of them have used the wisdom, talents and treasures they’ve cultivated over a lifetime to enrich the world around them. They are tremendous examples of the fact that age is not an indicator of how much a person can contribute to his or her community.”
This year’s Chairman’s Award was presented to Eileen Morris, a tireless and successful fundraiser for area nonprofits for several decades. The Charlie Kane Award went to Joseph Flanagan, a local advocate for education and children’s causes. Also honored were Jane Lawton Baldridge, a renowned artist and ocean advocate; Dr. Philip Schein, a noted oncologist and international authority on the development of anticancer therapies turned artist; David Mayo, a volunteer for organizations that support veterans and their families; Lloyd Jones, a founder of Martin County’s Black Heritage Initiatives; and Vicki Jenkins, honored posthumously, an extraordinary and beloved special education teacher.
A special Lotus Society recognition was given to Wes and Linda George and Peter and Gayle Grimm for their outstanding philanthropic commitment to the Council on Aging. Their generosity and that of countless other members of the community help to support the broad range of programs that the Council on Aging offers in the areas of Health & Wellness, Social Connections, Meals & Nutrition, and Memory & Care Giving.
The 2024 Council on Aging Sage Award honorees: Seated: Jane Lawton Baldridge and Dr. Philip Schein; Standing: Lloyd Jones, Joseph Flanagan, Eileen Morris, David Mayo.
For 50 years the Council on Aging has served the residents of Martin County as the hub for senior resources. “As we applaud the 2024 Sage honorees,” Ripper said, “we also pledge to continue to ensure that our seniors are able to maintain vibrant and purposeful lives, aging with dignity and a sense of belonging.”
The Presenting Sponsor for the Sage Awards was Dr. Reza Khatib, with additional sponsorship from The Community Foundation Martin - St. Lucie, Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management, Price Wealth Management, Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation, Brain Matters Research, Freedom Support Solutions LLC, HBK CPAs & Consultants, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Betsy Herold, Nancy Goethel CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC® - Vice President of Investments at Raymond James, N. Schoonover & Associates Inc., Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Seacoast Bank, The Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Team of Raymond James, Sailfish Wealth Management Group/Michael Dadko, South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Management, Edward J. Yen CIMA® CPWA® Senior Vice President/Investments, and Stifel/Palm Beach Wealth Advisory Group. Council on Aging also recognizes Supporters of Sage: Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank and
The Feiertag Financial Group of Stuart, with special thanks to Bob Weissman, Judie Price, and Michael & Penny Carr.
About the Council on Aging of Martin County
The Council on Aging of Martin County is the community’s hub for senior resources and the county’s Lead Agency on Aging. Founded in 1974, the organization offers expertise, programming and support for older adults and their families to help seniors maintain lives of quality and purpose. Services include: Day Primary Care Center, Memory Enhancement Center, Adult Day Club, Meals on Wheels, care management, caregiver support, and a robust offering of educational, cultural, fitness and wellness programs.
The Kane Center located at 900 SE Salerno Road in Stuart is the Council on Aging of Martin County’s headquarters and is also an event venue available to the public. It serves as a special needs hurricane shelter when necessary. Council on Aging of Martin County also operates senior outreach facilities in Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, East Stuart and Indiantown. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging receives funding from state and federal agencies and relies on philanthropic support from the community, including other agencies, private foundations and individual donors. For more information, visit www.coamartin.org.
United Way of Martin County Celebrates Leadership Transition and Office Renovations
United Way of Martin County is proud to announce notable changes within its organization, including the retirement of Theresa Schineis, Vice President of Finance, and the appointment of Dr. David Lovett, PhD, as her successor.
Carol Houwaart-Diez, United Way of Martin County President & CEO; Theresa Schineis, United Way of Martin County Vice President of Finance; Tracy Hernandez, Suncoast Mental Health Center Director of Development.
After 25 years of dedicated service to both United Way and the community it serves, Theresa Schineis will be retiring on Friday, May 31, 2024. Throughout her tenure, Theresa has been instrumental in driving financial initiatives and supporting countless individuals and families in need. Her leadership, dedication and passion for community service have left an indelible mark on United Way of Martin County.
Dr, David Lovett, PhD, United Way of Martin County Director of Finance & Administration; and Ellen East, United Way of Martin County Finance Assistant.
Filling Theresa's esteemed role is Dr. David Lovett, PhD, a military veteran and former CEO/CFO with over 30 years of experience in the field. Dr. Lovett brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position, poised to continue United Way's mission of improving lives and strengthening the community. During the transition period, Dr. Lovett will be working closely with Theresa until her official end date.
Don Donaldson, Martin County Administrator; and Carol Houwaart-Diez, United Way of Martin County President & CEO
In addition to these changes in leadership, United Way's workspace has recently undergone significant renovations. The once 4,400 square foot office has been downsized to accommodate a small but mighty staff size and to optimize operational efficiency, thereby reducing overhead expenses. The office transformation includes a fresh paint job, new carpeting and about half the operating space that once existed.
Dr, David Lovett, PhD
To celebrate these momentous occasions, United Way of Martin County hosted an open house on April 12. The event served as an opportunity to welcome Dr. David Lovett into his new role and showcase the organization's revitalized workspace with internal partners and stakeholders.
As we bid farewell to Theresa and warmly welcome Dr. Lovett into his new role, United Way of Martin County is not only transitioning leadership but also transforming its workspace to better serve our community. The recent renovations symbolize our commitment to efficiency and sustainability, ensuring that every resource is directed towards our mission of improving lives and strengthening our community. We invite all members of the community to join us in this exciting journey towards a brighter future for Martin County.
About United Way of Martin County
United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. United Way continues to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to: enhance healthy living, improve education, and support financial stability. For more information about United Way of Martin County or its Foundation, please visit: unitedwaymartin.org
