Education Foundation of IRC Receives Donation from Chicks with Checks at February’s Party with a Purpose.

(Vero Beach, FL) The Education Foundation of IRC was the recipient of a donation raised through the membership of Chicks with Checks Vero Beach.  Cynthia Falardeau, Executive Director received a check for $625 at Bank United Ryanwood Square, 2134 58^th Ave. Vero Beach, where the ‘Party with a Purpose’ was hosted on February 12.

The Education Foundation of IRC aims to enrich and enhance the lives of all students and teachers in our community through educational opportunities, effective fundraising and efficient allocation of resources.   Chicks with Checks Vero Beach chose to support the ‘Sneaker Exchange Program’.  The donations raised through Chicks membership and Party attendees will help kids at “one and a half schools” receive new shoes. 

“The greatest benefit to us was the opportunity to collaborate with the members of Chicks with Checks Vero Beach and create a new partnership with BankUnited”, explains Cynthia.  “For each person who showed up, that’s one more child we can help through this program.”

For Marilyn LaVecchia, Branch Manager of BankUnited Ryanwood Square and her staff, it was an opportunity to support the wonderful work of the Education Foundation and the kids served by the Sneaker Exchange Program.  BankUnited is very community-spirited and enjoys supporting worthwhile local causes.  The February Party was just what the Chicks love – really fun and uplifting.  “Marilyn and her staff went all out to welcome us by creating a Valentine’s theme for the Party.  It was nicely decorated and the Chicks were treated to pomegranate martinis and a chocolate fondue fountain”, shares Donna Vernon Chicks with Checks VB Chapter Director.

Chicks with Checks raises funds and awareness for our local non-profits at a monthly ‘Party with a Purpose’.  The Parties are casual and conversational.  Women are making real connections with other women; becoming friends, collaborators and colleagues.  The monthly beneficiary really gets a chance to tell the members and Party attendees what they are doing to uplift the community, what they need next and how we can help.

For more information about joining Chicks with Checks or becoming a beneficiary, visit http://chickswithchecks.org or contact donna@chickswithchecks.org

'Growing Healthy Kids' Receives Donation from a Party with a Purpose

(Vero Beach, FL) “Growing Healthy Kids” was the first recipient of a donation raised through the membership of Chicks with Checks Vero Beach.   Nancy Heinrich, Executive Director, received the check for $850 at Blue Ribbon Boarding and Grooming, 1525 10^th Ave. Vero Beach, where the Party with a Purpose was hosted in January.

Growing Healthy Kids is a local 501(c)(3)organization that is committed to the prevention of childhood obesity and the diseases that accompany it, by planting raised bed gardens, holding kids cooking classes, outdoor activities and parenting workshops.  Volunteers, mentors and additional funding are needed to help this organization achieve it full impact.

Martin Lavander, owner of Blue Ribbon Boarding and Grooming, is a community-spirited leader, who recently and successfully brought the challenges of our county’s K-9 units to light with Yappy Hour2.  Martin liked the idea of raising funds for Growing Healthy Kids and offered his facility for the Party.

Chicks with Checks raises funds and awareness for our local non-profits at a monthly Party with a Purpose.  The Parties are casual and conversational and women are making real connections with other women; becoming friends, collaborators and colleagues.  The monthly beneficiary really gets a chance to tell the members and Party attendees what they are doing to uplift the community, what they need next and how we can help.

For more information about joining Chicks with Checks or becoming a beneficiary, visit http://chickswithchecks.org or contact donna@chickswithchecks.org

Come Join the Party with a Purpose!

You are invited to Chicks with Checks Vero Beach chapter's first Party with a Purpose.

At Chicks with Checks' parties, you can network socially and give locally.  The Parties are casual, conversational gatherings where you can really get to know other stellar women in our community.  Women like you; women who are our most valuable customers and referral sources as well as being honest-to-goodness givers.  Women you want to get to know, to do business with and create enduring relationships with.

Join us for an uplifting evening in a beautiful garden setting, for light snacks, meaningful connections and the opportunity to give...in a big way, a little at a time!

This first Party will honor beneficary, Growing Healthy Kids.  You will get to know Nancy Henrich and the amazing work she is doing to reach out to the kids to teach them how to eat better, and live better.

Click on the link below to register or RSVP.

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2nsx18fbb943971

Yes, the Party with a Purpose is about making extraordinary connections... 

However there is the  additional benefit, that makes it different from any other networking function.  The difference is, we support the non-profits that serve our community by helping them to get the word out about what they do and who they serve AND raise the funds they need to put the words into action. 

The Giver becomes the Receiver becomes the Giver becomes the Receiver...that is truly the way it works.  Think about how good you feel when you have had an opportunity to give.  Now,imagine how good we will feel collectively when we are a part of that energy...ALL THE TIME!

The beneficiaries are supported by our membership. 

$35 a month is all that it takes to help a child, a women, a community to feel as uplifted as you will by becoming a part of Chicks with Checks!

Please join me and STEP UP! to serve this community by forwarding this email to 5 women you know who would truly benefit from these connections and from being of service to our community. 

If each of us invites 5 of our amazing Chick-friends and then asks them to invite 5 of theirs, we will increase our membership and positive impact for the community and our businesses...PLUS we will have so much fun doing it!

Yours in Gratitude and Giving,

Donna Vernon

Chicks with Checks Vero Beach

donna@chickswithchecks.org

772-569-2390

Many are Blessed at The River Fund's Feed Everyone Christmas Celebration

The River Fund is an organization that brings comfort and companionship to people infected by HIV/AIDS, low-income elders and those living with poverty and homelessness.  Feed everyone is the River Funds's local grassroots program in Gifford, FL.  As the name states, it serves everyone, particualrly those in what may be seen as hopeless situations.  These are the people who need our help and compassion most.  They stand up to the challenges each day to feed and protect their families and children, often with out adequate assistance from social seervices.
Each month, in partnership with Kingdom church, the River Fund's Feed Everyone program serves over 600 lunches and provides groceries for needy families.  Today was especially wonderful....It was a Christmas Celebration!

Since the beginning of this holiday season, I had decided that I was going to walk my "Chick" talk and get out to serve the community.  Everything feels different to me this year.  It's not about me, the things I can buy, the parties I can go to...it's about who I can serve; the least of them, although I certainly don't see them that way at all.  Today was really my first opportunity to do that "from the trenches".  All I can say is, it was a wonderful day that completely uplifted everyone involved.

Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, affectionately known as Ma, founder of the Kashi spiritual community and it's many programs dedicated to compassionate solutions, arrives at the Kingdom Church with her entourage.  A prominent member of the group, folksinger Arlo Guthrie, has been involved with the community for many years.

Arlo and Santa.  I was delighted when I introduced myself to Arlo and told him I was Vero's Chief Chick of Chicks with Checks; he said that he had heard of us and liked what we are doing!  I wonder if he would like to participate in next year's Gala!

Grateful participants were served a wonderful chicken lunch with vegetable, side dish, drinks and dessert.  After receiving food, everyone lined up to go in the church and receive gifts from Santa.

I loved the job I was given to do, because I got to meet everyone.  I was in charge of making sure everyone had a name tag.  What fun!

Al Lehman, my "wing chick" Deby's dad, handing out hunny buns with his new friend Eva.

As you can see it was a perfectly beautiful sunny and somewhat crisp day, which made it very pleasant to mill around and meet the wonderful volunteers and all of the people served by this organization.  

It felt as good as I knew it would.  Everyone that I spoke to was totally blessed by the experience.  It proves that spirit of Christmas is awake and alive...even though it feels different this year, in many ways it's better for me.  I believe everyone felt like they belonged.  As we served them, they served us so well by showing us their hearts.  

Yes! this is where I belong; in service to others.

What are you doing to be of service this holiday season?

Namaste and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Donna

Chicks with Checks: Alchemy of Adversity

Chicks with Checks: Alchemy of Adversity

Posted using ShareThis

Chicks in the Garden: New Members, Beneficiaries and Leadership Team.

The Green House Cfe was the scene for our second Chicks gathering.

The Greenhouse Cafe is Down Town Vero's newest restaurant.  It is an absolutely wonderful place for meetings or just to enjoy an lovely breakfast, lunch or dinner amongst the flowers.

Beautiful, isn't it?

 The wait staff is exceptional, too.








That is why I have chosen this place for the Chicks to meet.
After we had all had a chance to order breakfast, we made introductions and got to know a little bit about each other, what we were working on and what skills and talents we bring to the group.  Here's a picture and intro for each Chick in attendance:

Kim George is the owner if IRCulture.com.  It's a great way to get your business listed and to also list events.  The site is very friendly to authors, artists and non-profits and allows free listings.  Premium listings and display ads are so cost effective.  You can get a Premium Listing for 1 year for less than the cost of a dinner for 4 at Greenhouse Cafe.

Stacee Graves is a Mom, Wife and an RN.  She is currently working with VNA Hospice.  Stace found out about Chicks from the article in the Press-Journal.

Nancy Heinrich is the CEO of Economic Wellness Works and the founder of Growing Healthy Kids; a non-profit dedicated to ending childhood obesity one garden at a time.  Growing Healthy Kids will be the beneficiary at our first Party with a Purpose in January.

Judy Anderson is looking for what is hers to do next.  She was drawn to this meeting because of the opportunities to help others.  Her skill sets include writing and public relations so she will make a great addition to the Communications team.

Kelly Nosler is a single mom, who found out, after her divorce what it was like to be in debt.  Needless to say she didn't like that, got herself out of debt and teaches other people how to do the same thing.  She can be reached at kelly@readytogetoutofdebt.com.  Seems to me that is a valuable service for these tricky times!

Deby Winter, with her husband Robert, is the owner of Carpet and Tile Warehouse and Green Team Cleaning.  Deby is also an Independent Distributor for WowGreen.  She is also one of our newest members.  Deby said that in the 13 years that she and her husband had been in business they had not really participated in giving back to the community.  Through Chicks with Checks, Deby will get to do that in a big way.  She will be helping out on any committee where she is most needed.

Kadi Kay is part of the Management Team for the Isles of Vero Beach.  She came to Vero Beach from Hawaii.  Kadi loves giving and serving the community, so Chicks is a perfect fit for her too.  She, too is one of our new members and will be heading up our Membership Team.

Janie Graves-Hoover is an account exec. for Comcast Spotlight.  She is also involved in Main Street Vero Beach, an organization dedicated to the preservation and growth of the downtown area.  Main Street Vero Beach will be one of next year's beneficiaries.

This dynamic Diva is Pamela Bennett. Pamela is a very success-driven woman who is passionate about helping other women find self-esteem.  She helps them to look good which helps them to feel good, which ultimately leads to success.  You can be a Sene-Chick, too.  Pamela is now a member and will be heading up our Event Planning Team.  I can hardly wait to see what she comes up with!

Lanie Frame is a free-lance public relations specialist.  Lanie will be a wonderful edition.  I sure can use the help keeping on top of media relations as we grow! 

Darlene Forage is the Exec. Director of Plumbago Volunteer Services, an organization that brings volunteers together with opportunities to serve the many local non-profits.  Darlene is coming on board as our Beneficiary Coordinator.  I think she is probably the best person in Vero Beach for that duty!  There are a lot of ways the Chicks and Plumbago can help each other.

It was a wonderful morning of synergy and connection.  I've said it before and I will say it again - probably a lot - Vero Beach is the best place for a Chicks chapter to start.  These women are remarkable and so willing to give of themselves to help uplift this community.  Thank you Chicks for Showing Up and for your commitments to help us grow!

The next opportunity to meet the chicks and to find out more about what we do and how we help each other is Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 AM.  Back in the Garden.  Please RSVP to donna@chickswithcheck.org if you would like to come.

Tune in Friday.  I will tell you about my adventure with the Chimps! hmmm...Chicks for Chimps!  Whadaya Think?

Treasure Coast Musicians, Fans and Friends say Goodbye to Brian Coke...

This post is important to me because this is also my tribute to Brian.  Brian and I were a couple a few years back.  It was the best of times and oh yes, the very worst of times.  It was drama that could rival any soap opera.  That is what you get when you are coupled with an extremely talented and troubled artist.  I can hardly remember a time when I had so much fun with someone.  Brian liked to live fully.  Everything he did, he did with gusto.  I loved being a groupie and being on hand at all the gigs that Hwy 41  played.
Then it got real.  I knew Brian had problems and health concerns.  However, I was one of those women who thought I was in that relationship to fix this almost broken man.  Wrong answer.  So, close the book on another romantic relationship.
After we split I did not see him for a long time.  He was in and out of trying to get himself clean and sober and create some appearance of a normal life.  We connected again briefly a couple of years later.  But "The Thrill Was Gone!"
Anyway enough about that.  Brian, I know you will be missed for a very long time by so many.  You will always be in my heart.  And Brian, Scarlett says Goodbye, too!

Last evening's Farewell party at Riverside Cafe was a wonderful tribute to the life of this enigmatic man.  Riverside Cafe was alive with the best music...it was absolutely priceless.  I did get some video of the Hwy 41 band members joined by Stoney of Stoney and the House Rockers.  I will post that video on my facebook profile.
Enough of me...here are some pictures.

Jeannie Blatus and Leo Burke are the popular duo, Sleepin' Dogz.  Jeannie is now painting pet portraits, too.

Marla Antonino is all about beauty!  She is a master stylist at Synergy Salon on 14th Ave. in Downtown Vero.  She is also a Sene-Chick!  Stop by Synergy if you want to know what that is.  You will be more than pleasantly surprised.

Photo Tribute to Brian Coke, The man, the musician, and good friend to many.  Certainly the love of Miss Patti's life. 
Last night's tribute really showed how much Brian will be missed.

Ian Greenwood (right), Owner of The French Quarter restaurant on 14th Ave. Downtown, pictured here with pals George and Pete.  Hwy 41 would play frequently at Cafe Caribe, then owned by Ian.  That was where I first met Brian, while I was enjoying an evening out and dancing with my friend Helen Murray.

...And the Bands played on...

 

 

The purpose for this party was to help to raise funds to help Brian's fiance, Patti Leatherwood with final expenses.  If you would like to help, contact Riverside Cafe at 234-5550 and ask for Jimmy Hayes.

Thank you to all who participated from me.  I am so grateful to live in a city where everyone helps everyone...just because they can!