As published on TCpalm.com

Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) Treasure Coast Division recently received a unique and distinctive gift from Virginia Marion of Bristol, R.I., for the Youth Transition Center Capital Campaign.

 Marion and her late husband built a home in an upscale northeast Vero Beach community a few years ago, and when she decided to sell the home, her daughter, Meredith Hughes, contacted John M. Stewart, Esq., of the local law firm Stewart, Evans, Stewart and Emmons, to handle legal issues related to the sale and for information regarding local charities that might benefit from the proceeds. Stewart recommended CHS based upon the firm’s involvement with and commitment to CHS, which includes firm attorney, Rebecca Emmons, Esq.’s service on the Board of Directors.With the assistance of Matilde Sorensen of Dale Sorensen Real Estate, the law firm was able to arrange the sale of the property. Emmons and Sorensen increased the value of the $146,000-plus house donation by giving professional legal services and commissions on the sale.

 The Youth Transition Center Capital Campaign began in January 2008 and has the goal of raising $5 million. In 2009, CHS was awarded a Challenge Grant from The Kresge Foundation, which will endow CHS with the final $500,000, when $4.5 million is raised by CHS. The deadline for the Challenge Grant is June 30. To date, with the help of Marion and many other local donors, the Youth Transition Center Capital Campaign has raised almost $4.5 million. Last year, CHS of Florida helped to improve the lives of more than 9,000 children, youth and families in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties through prevention and intervention programs.

Attorney Jennifer D. Peshke, Esq. of the Law Firm of Stewart, Evans, Stewart & Emmons, P.A. has been appointed as counsel for The Indian River County Hospital District.  The District is responsible for overseeing indigent care services for the residents of Indian River County. Ms. Peshke earned her JD from The University of Toledo College of Law in 2005 while participating in one of the College of Law's Joint Degree programs enabling Ms. Peshke to receive a Master's in Public Health (MPH) in 2005 along with her law degree. 

Ms. Peshke concentrates her practice in the areas of health and hospital law, general civil litigation, condominium and homeowner's association law, estate planning, business, and real estate law including residential, commercial and condominium related sales, foreclosures, and claims.

Indian River County YLD photo (From left to right:)  Aaron Johnson, Indian River County YLD Co-Chair, and Jennifer Peshke, Indian River County YLD Co-Chair, are presented the grant award funds from John Stewart of the Florida Bar Board of Governors 19th Judicial Circuit, for their Division's Children's Home Society Project which received the Outstanding Public Service Award designation at the conference.

More from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Website

This awards program gives special recognition to individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to progressive law enforcement by supporting the Florida Sheriffs Association.  Certificates are given to those who have been Honorary Members for 25 years or more. 

A 30-year certificate was presented by Indian River County Sheriff Roy Raymond to Ralph L. Evans of Stewart, Evans, Stewart & Emmons, PA (pictured left).