Success Stories

Indian River Land Trust

Garden Club Of Indian River County

772-567-4602 gardenclubofirc.org

MISSION: To further the education of our members and the public in gardening, horticulture, floral arrangement and landscape design; to beautify our county through various civic projects and to study and assist in the protection and conservation of native plants and natural resources

MAIN EVENT: Gardenfest!

Feb. 5–6, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Maintain the Garden Center and the beautiful garden located behind the building and assist in projects to improve our community

Founded: 1928

The Hoffmann property lies on the western edge of a serene part of the Indian River Lagoon known as the Narrows, just north of the Barber Bridge. Once slated for residential and commercial development, the 66acre tract has been purchased by the Indian River Land Trust, ensuring that it will remain natural and open.

The property adjoins another 240 acres the Land Trust has protected over the past decade, so it is a critical piece of the waterfront conservation puzzle. The resulting 2-mile stretch of green lagoon shoreline, a rare sight in Florida, is a respite for the wide diversity of fish, birds and other wildlife that call the Indian River Lagoon home, either on a year-round basis or as a resting place during long migrations.

This lasting conservation victory was funded through IRLT’s Campaign to Protect the Land That Protects the Lagoon, with support from the Indian River Community Foundation and many individuals.

Harbor Branch

OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

772-466-9876 hboifoundation.org

MISSION: To provide funding and support for research and education of marine sciences and ocean engineering

MAIN EVENT: Love Your Lagoon

Gala, February 2022

Founded: 1977

INDIAN RIVER LAND TRUST

772-794-0701 irlt.org

MISSION: To promote the preservation, conservation and improvement of natural resources and special places in Indian River County for the benefit of the general public and future generations

MAIN EVENT: Annual Benefit, Nov. 11, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Cleaning up trails, leading walking tours (which are free to the public) and helping at events

Founded: 1989

KEEP INDIAN RIVER BEAUTIFUL

772-226-7738 keepindianriverbeautiful.org

MISSION: To unite our community through environmental responsibility

MAIN EVENT: International Coastal Cleanup, September 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Beach, lagoon and neighborhood cleanups, planting projects, recycling/waste reduction initiatives

Founded: 1996

MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN

772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org

MISSION: To nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all

MAIN EVENT: Exhibition Dinosaur: Outdoor Adventure, Jan. 21–April 24, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Garden guide, grounds volunteer

Founded: 2003

OCEAN RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

772-467-1600 teamorca.org

MISSION: To protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action and community education and outreach

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: ORCA citizen scientist, volunteer@ teamorca.org

Founded: 2005

PELICAN ISLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY INC.

772-567-3520 pelicanislandaudubon.org

MISSION: Preserve and protect the animals, plants and natural communities, and the land and water on which they depend, in Indian River County through advocacy, education and public awareness

MAIN EVENT: Twice monthly public lectures and 42 free birding field trips each year

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Maintain lagoon-friendly gardens at Audubon House, care for native plants and tree nursery; volunteer in elementary schools where we have many squarefoot vegetable gardens cared for by students and teachers; work with fifth grade students in the Audubon Advocates lagoon science program; help raise funds to maintain programs; lead birding field trips; help with morning nature walks

Founded: 1964

Food & Nutrition

THE FOOD PANTRY OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

772-770-2068 foodpantryirc.org

MISSION: Providing 3–5 days of emergency food provisions to the underemployed, unemployed and otherwise disadvantaged residents of Indian River County

MAIN EVENT: Annual Fall Dinner Dance, November 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Sorting food donations, filling boxes of food for clients, unloading trucks, and providing secretarial, website and online profile assistance

Founded: 1987

OUR FATHER’S TABLE SOUP KITCHEN

772-562-6268

MISSION: To display the basic Christian principles by feeding the elderly and providing food and comfort to those in need

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Help serve meals, clean, cook, and drive the delivery van

Founded: 2013

SHINING LIGHT GARDEN FOUNDATION INC.

772-532-8777 shininglightgarden.com

MISSION: To grow fresh vegetables to feed the homeless, hungry and forgotten people in our community

MAIN EVENT: Annual Fundraising Open House, November 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Work in the garden

Founded: 2008

TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK

772-489-3034 stophunger.org

MISSION: To alleviate hunger by obtaining and distributing food and other essentials in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties

MAIN EVENT: Pack the House event, Oct. 29–30, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Food sorting, event and administrative assistance and food distribution

Founded: 1988

Health & Wellness

ALZHEIMER & PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

772-563-0505 alzpark.org

MISSION: We improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Indian River County who are affected by memory and movement disorders, through support, education, and connection

MAIN EVENT: Walk to Remember, Nov. 13, 2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Working on fundraising and awareness events; daily, weekly, or monthly commitments to assist with mailings, social respite programs, facilitation of support groups, assistance with the Virtual Dementia Tour and memory screenings and year-round Walk to Remember planning and team recruitment

Founded: 1982

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

800-227-2345 cancer.org

MISSION: Dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives and leading the fight for a world without cancer by providing breakthrough research, free rides to and lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Assist at various events including Road to Recovery, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Relay for Life and ACS CAN

Founded: 1913