Success Stories

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation MIA MARTINELLI

In its Teens Listen program, the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation trains high school students to interview local residents and collect their oral histories.

In 2020, in the wake of the sudden death of beloved Sebastian River High School administrator Billy Wilson, SRHS senior and Navy Junior ROTC cadet Mia Martinelli approached LRJF members with an idea. After observing the profound grief among SRHS students, faculty and staff, Mia asked if LRJF could shift the focus of that year’s Teens Listen project and collect remembrances of Mr. Wilson from the community instead.

Mia recruited student interviewers and set up interviews with teachers, administrators, friends and others to collect their stories and memories of Mr. Wilson. LRJF trained the students and then helped bring the memories together in a beautiful book, which was presented to the School Board of Indian River County in a brief ceremony.

Mia, who is off to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, credits LRJF with helping her develop as a writer and learn to engage with the world in powerful ways.

Gifford Youth Orchestra

772-778-5118 gyotigers.org

MISSION: To prepare at-risk children ages 3–18 for better tomorrows by giving them music education and performance training, which includes teaching them to play the violin, viola, cello, and piano along with vocal and dramatic arts

MAIN EVENT: Annual concert, Nov. 6, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Serve as teacher’s aide, student chaperone, violin tutor or receptionist; interior decorating; instrument supply monitor

Founded: 2003

LAURA (RIDING) JACKSON FOUNDATION

772-569-6718 lauraridingjackson.org

MISSION: To preserve the author’s home and nurture writers through a series of literary offerings including writers groups, summer camps, workshops and poetry festivals

MAIN EVENT: Annual Poetry BBQ

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Work as docent at historic house, assist with workshops or in the office, help with fundraising

Founded: 1993

RIVERSIDE THEATRE

772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

MISSION: To provide a total theater arts experience that entertains, challenges and educates both adults and children by producing quality works from Broadway, offBroadway and regional theaters

MAIN EVENT: Premiere Benefit Gala, March 15, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Front of house, usher, costume shop, administrative office and other

Founded: 1973

TREASURE COAST CHORALE

772-231-3498 treasurecoastchorale.org

MISSION: To share the love and enjoyment of choral music with the community

MAIN EVENT: Various concerts

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: All-volunteer chorus seeks experienced singers, fundraisers and concert support

Founded: 2001

VERO BEACH ART CLUB

772-231-0303 verobeachartclub.org

MISSION: To foster appreciation of art and artistic growth in the community at large through exhibitions in various public venues and to provide educational opportunities by providing financial support to local art programs and offering scholarships to students who wish to study art in college

MAIN EVENT: Under the Oaks Fine Arts & Crafts Show, March 11–13, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Event volunteers, administrative support, art show management, advertising and marketing, grant writing and fundraising

Founded: 1936

VERO BEACH CHORAL SOCIETY verobeachchoralsociety.org

MISSION: To enrich the community through the performance of choral music and to provide music education opportunities to local students through a scholarship program and collaboration with student arts organizations

MAIN EVENT: Two annual concerts

Founded: 1984

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

MISSION: To provide cultural leadership and enrichment for the public through a wide variety of educational, studio art and humanities programs; a diversity of quality exhibitions; and the collection, preservation, and presentation of important American and international works of art

MAIN EVENT: Annual Gala, Jan. 28, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Administrative and marketing helpers

Founded: 1981

VERO BEACH OPERA INC.

772-569-6993, Box Office: 772-564-5537 verobeachopera.org

MISSION: To enrich the cultural life of our community through fully staged professional opera productions, concerts and international vocal competitions of the highest quality, which promote an increased awareness and deeper appreciation of opera to expanding and diverse audiences of all ages

MAIN EVENT: La Boheme, Jan. 9, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Various opportunities through the Amici Society

Founded: 1988

VERO BEACH THEATRE GUILD

772-562-8300 verobeachtheatreguild.com

MISSION: Live community theater

MAIN EVENT: Dinner Dance Auction, January 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Acting, set building, lighting, ushering, or assisting backstage, in the box office, or with props, costumes, sound or concessions

Founded: 1958