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.

Business, government, non-profit and community leaders gather en mass every year to recognize contributions made on behalf of United Way agencies, and this year’s capacity crowd proved no exception.  The 17th Annual United Way Community Leaders Breakfast, held at Oak Harbor and sponsored by Seacoast National Bank, honors local companies, volunteers and United Way agencies with the Spirit of Indian River County, Richardson and Agency Excellence Awards.

Following opening remarks by retired Seacoast executive Bill Curtis and United Way CEO Michael Kint, the current United Way board chair Michael Kmetz, senior director at O’Haire, Kmetz, Nuttall, Elwell & Co., introduced the audience to Pat O’Connor, the event’s keynote speaker.  Mr. O’Connor, president and CEO of Minor League Baseball, spoke of the MiLB plans to keep baseball in Vero Beach while continuing to honor and preserve the legacy of Historic Dodgertown.  

The keynote address was followed by the Spirit of Indian River County Awards program.  Mr. Kmetz was joined by  Jim Davis, vice president and general manager, Vero Beach Broadcasters, LLC in presenting the awards.

2009 Award Winners:

Richardson “Espirit de Vie” Award, for excellence in volunteerism – BNY Mellon Wealth Management Group

Richardson Essence Award, for excellence in community contributions – Harris, Cotherman, Jones, Price & Associates

Richardson Enterprise Award, for excellence in a companywide United Way employee campaign – Construction Data Company

Special Recognition Award – Stewart Evans Stewart & Emmons

2009 United Way Community Leaders Breakfast

By Mary Schenkel Veronews.com

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).