Community Support: The Children's Home Society

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.