Luminaries, where the stars come out every Monday, the Treasure Coast’s only weekly magazine covering the social and non-profit scene in Vero Beach to Hobe Sound, including Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, and surrounding communities.

(Seated) Kerry Bartlett, co-chair, Pam King, Lenora Ritchie, (standing) Ginny Blossom, chair, Maureen Nicolace, Kathy Savage and Jo Benton are several members of the 2007 National Philanthropy Day committee.

National Philanthropy Day is a time to recognize and pay tribute to the contributions that philanthropists and volunteers have made throughout the world. Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indian River Chapter, the Nov. 8 event will honor 17 of the county’s most notable philanthropists and volunteers.

The award recipients include Melvin R. and Nancy Goodes as Outstanding Individual Philanthropist; Wachovia Bank as Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist; Fraulein Jaffe as Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year; Tom and Rhonda Lowe as Unsung Hero. The late Elliot Baines and Janet Baines will also be honored with a Lifetime Philanthropic Leadership award. Additional honorees include: Jim Baird, Dr. Ferdinand Becker, Harry Largey, Hal Oberkotter, Patsy and Don Riefler, Cindy Scherpf, Karla Spooner and Bonnie Steene. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 27,000 fundraisers in more than 180 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. The AFP Indian River Chapter was formed in March of 2006 and currently represents over 40 members, fostering the development and growth of fundraising professionals and promoting high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. Indian River Chapter president is Kerry Bartlett, president of The Bartlett Group. President-elect is Lenora Ritchie, executive director of the McCabe Foundation. National Philanthropy Day chairperson is Ginny Blossom, manager/marketing & development for Indian River Medical Center Foundation. Other committee members include: Jo Benton, director of development for the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County; Steve Higgins, vice president of Ketchum; Mary Hynes, director of development for the Senior Resource Center; Mary Jayne Kelly, executive director of the Cultural Council of Indian River County; Pam King, executive director of Childcare Resources of Indian River; Maureen Nicolace, president of Nicolace Marketing; and Kathy Savage, director of Institutional Advancement for St. Edward’s School. Presenting sponsor is John’s Island Real Estate. Event sponsors include: Ketchum, Publix Super Market Charities, Seacoast National Bank, The Hill Group, U.S. Trust. Media sponsors are Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, Vero Beach Magazine and 97.1 Ocean FM.

The awards presentation will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts in Vero Beach. It will be followed by light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information call (772) 492-2359. All proceeds from the event will support the Indian River AFP Chapter in its effort to foster professional development and growth of local fundraising professionals and promote high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.

St. Lucie County

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the Wyland Foundation present Wyland at Harbor Branch

Team Wyland at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, comprised of Dr. Dennis Hanisak, Dr. Jim Masterson, Nancy Hatch, Jill Sunderland, Deirdre Colby, Steve McCulloch, Carol Harwood, Patti Gibbons and Jane Morrell, are preparing for the special fundraising event set for Oct. 30, at Harbor Branch.

The Purpose:
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution is dedicated to exploring the world’s oceans, integrating the science and technology of the sea with the needs of humankind. The staff of more than 250 includes scientists, engineers, mariners and support personnel who are involved in research and education in the marine sciences; biological, chemical, and environmental sciences; marine biomedical sciences; marine mammal conservation; aquaculture; and ocean engineering.
The Wyland Foundation was founded in 1993 by environmental marine life artist Wyland and is dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, life-size public arts projects and community events.

The People:

Harbor Branch presents marine life artist Wyland, who has earned the distinction as one of America’s most unique creative influences, and a leading advocate for marine resource conservation. An accomplished painter, sculptor, photographer, writer, and SCUBA diver, he has traveled the farthest reaches of the globe for more than 25 years, capturing the beauty of the undersea universe. Hailed a “Marine Michaelangelo” by USA Today, Wyland’s work is sought by millions of collectors and his galleries throughout the United States are considered a must-see on the itineraries of travelers everywhere. His equally successful Wyland Foundation, in partnership with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is actively engaged in teaching millions of students about our oceans, rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands. Team Wyland, Harbor Branch employees and volunteers who are working on this event, include Dr. Dennis Hanisak, Dr. Jim Masterson, Nancy Hatch, Jill Sunderland, Deirdre Colby, Steve McCulloch, Carol Harwood, Patti Gibbons and Jane Morrell.

The Party:

It will be an evening of ocean discovery from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce. Enjoy an exciting live art auction, the premiere of Wyland’s newly re-edited film narrated by the late Lloyd Bridges, meet the artist, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $100 for reserved seating; $75 for general seating and may be purchased by calling (772) 465-2400 ext. 500.

Martin County

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) Presents

The joyful, joyous Mutt March

Reveling in the success of their fundraising “pack”, Shih Tzu Happens, Pat Lichtenberger and Bill Lichtenberger (holding Stuart Little), Bill Crandall, Suzanne Kissling, Audrey Crandall (holding Baxter) and Chad Schmidt (holding Brewster). They challenge other “packs” to meet or beat their success in raising money.

The Purpose

This event is all about dogs and the people who love them. All proceeds of this family -friendly, fun event go to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coasts’s animal care and community outreach programs. The mission of the HSTC is to assure a better life for companion animals by providing shelter, finding loving homes and promoting respect for their place in our lives.

The People
The HSTC relies on the generosity and creativity of various area businesses to produce an event that “goes to the dogs”. Pelican Café will be hosting the pre-registration party while Chantal’s Par Avion will provide breakfast for the marchers. As always, Eventmakers will provide the tents, tables, stages and other equipment necessary for the event. D. Tech Networking Services and Hill’s Science Diet are also supporting this event. People from across the country are logging on to www.firstgiving/hstc to donate what they can for the walk for the animals. WRMF Radio (97.9 FM) will provide the tunes, while morning personality Jennifer Ross will act as emcee. The American Red Cross will also be there to teach, support and provide some fun. Savanna Animal Hospital in Jensen Beach will oversee the Doggie Spa, and All the Wheel Toys has donated a Baccio scooter to be raffled off at the event. Add the support and hard work of the HSTC staff, volunteers and the board of directors and you have a community event to remember.

The Party

Dog lovers and their dogs are invited to a “dog-gone great” event, hosted by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast on Oct. 27. It takes place at Halpatiokee Park (near I-95 and Kanner Highway) in Stuart. Registration for the fund-raising walk begins at 8 a.m., with the walk, itself , beginning at 9 a.m. Afterwards, enjoy the outrageous canine costume contest, the “Flea-Less Market”, face painting, the “Doggie Spa”, food, music, dog obedience and agility demonstrations, games, prizes, and so much more! For more information, or to become a vendor or sponsor of Mutt March, call Amy Christensen at (772) 600-3216 or visit www.humanesociety-tc.org