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

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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!

A Hot Time on a Cool Evening For Vero Venture Networkers!

As the temperature dropped and the wind picked up last evening, it was  warm inside at Ti Amo Sempre for the wonderful people who attended the 2nd Monthly Networking Ad-Venture.

Happy hour specials, especially that luscious Ti Amo 'tini, and a brilliant variety of bruscetta kept the networkers happy.  Ti Amo Sempre has a lovely and cozy lounge area that was perfect for last evening's event.  Oh, and did I mention...The staff is extraordinary!
Many thanks to to the entire Perucchini family, especially Kevin, whom I call the "face" of Ti Amo Sempre.  There are very few like him.  His approach to exceptional customer service lights up the room and keep the many happy diners that frequent the restaurant coming back again and again.  That same attitude shines in their staff.  Special kudos to our wonderful bartender, David, and our servers, Cassandra and Douglas...we appreciate you very much!
Vero Venture Network is the easy, fun way to connect with other business people in Vero Beach.  There is never a membership dues, fee or cover charge.  It is casual and conversational.  People are just drawn to each other and take the time to get to know each other, what they are doing, what they need next and how they can help.  There is definitely a spirit of camaraderie and cooperation.
We get to hear a little more about each other as a group by announcing door prizes.  The only time that I call for the groups attention is when I am giving away the door prizes furnished be the attendees.  It's like Christmas!  Some of the lucky winners were both Deby and Robert Winter of Green Team Cleaning and Carpet and Tile Warehouse, Kim George of IRCulture.com, Abby Bartlett of Table Talk for U, Baji Malici of BajiArt, Jacqueline Hickey of New leaf Design Solutions and Lara Fiorelli of Lara's Theme - Wedding and Event Planning.  The 50-50 pot was won by Deb Daige.

Eureka!  I found a few picture from Thursday night before the camera died.  Bought extra batteries today so that doesn't happen again.  Note to self:  Carry extra batteries!

This is Kevin P. ( The "Face")  mixing my very first Ti Amo-Tini.  Yes, I went back for seconds... it was that good!  The cutie in the yellow was our server Cassandra. 

Kim George (left), owner of IRCuture.com and my very good friend.  IRCulture.com is a great way to get noticed and get referrals to your business.  It boast a lot of free resources and very, very, very cost effective adverting rates.  Abby Bartlett (right) is a new friend, new to Vero Beach and Vero Venture Network.  She and her family have a Table-top advertising business.  Your ad is laminated (I think that's right) on to the top of an oak table-top and placed an local restauarnts.  Great idea.  I think they would look great with a "Chick" on it!

Steve Schwartz, is our PDgo! to Guy!  For efficient and well designed web-site and hosting services Steve is definitely the one to call.  I know many people around town who are haappy with their sites thanks to Steve.  Eric Schwarz (right) just happened in at the right time to join us for a little while.  He met Steve (how about that, huh?...Schwartz and Schwarz), they made a connection and Eric has already given Steve a referral.  I love it when it works!

I am sure you have seen this lovely lady around town!  This is Susan Viviano, VB City council candidate and owner of SL Consulting and Design..."Cabinetry Design You Can Rely On."  And she looks absolutely gorgeous in that shade of blue!

Thank you to all who participated.  It will just keep getting bigger and better as we grow and let each other know that this is Vero Beach's new way to network.

Every month we will visit another of Vero's finest "watering holes", giving that restaurant an opportunity to shine and build there client list of new happy customers.

Next month's location is most likely going to be Riverside Cafe.  I am hoping that Greenhouse Cafe will be host to us in January.  I have already set it up with Bob Moulder to host our Valentine's Day Bash at the New Citrus Grill, scheduled to open in January 2010.

Mark your calendars for December 10 for the next networking Ad-Venture.
All of you who attended the last two events will receive email notification.  Watch your inbox for a special Thank You from Ti Amo Sempre, Too!

Until next time..
See you around town!


PS.  Hey all you Networkers!  Keep me up to date with your events so I can post them, let everyone else know and come to support you myself!  Just email me at veroventurenetwork@gmail.com.

PPS. Another good way to get noticed and promote your business is on IRCulture.com.  You can post FREE business directory and events listings and for less than the cost of dinner for four at one of our fine VB restaurants, you can get a Premium listing that will really get you noticed.  It only takes a few moments to log-in and sign up...So, what are you waiting for?

This Chick's New Hangout: The Greenhouse Cafe, Simply Fabulous!

Standing Room Only does not begin to describe the scene last evening at the Greenhouse Cafe!  Looked like the entire population of Vero's beautiful people were there.
Of course I saw many people that I know and also met a few new friends.  One of the things that I love most about being a social networking social butterfly is meeting the people I have connected with on facebook, IRCulture.com  and the blogs that I follow.  It was a thrill to meet Miss Vero of Miss Vero's Beyond the Beach House blog (your identity is safe with me, Miss Vero!)
Even though restaurant reviews is not what I do, I will give you my impressions of this new edition to the VB Dining scene.
I believe we have a winner here!  What is most important to me when dining out is that all of the senses are stimulated.  It is definitely the case here.  The courtyard garden is absolutely beautiful.  I love to be surrounded by nature and they have done it well.  There is a fountain in the courtyard that provides the peaceful sounds of a babbling brook (although you couldn't here it last night!).
The wait staff and hostesses were absolutely the most sweet and gorgeous young people, no doubt hand picked for those very qualities.
Wine purveyors were on hand to share samplings of wine that will be served.  Generous appetizers were passed amongst the crowd.
So, yes, I like... It's a perfect place for Chicks and a great place for our Vero Venture Network.  What do you think networkers?  December in the garden?

Here's a few pics of some of the beautiful people:

This lovely gentleman is John Treadwell, new VB resident from Key West, FL.  He is the "Fabulous Face" behind Clinical Advantage skin care. 
http://clinicaladvantageskincare.com
john@clinicaladvantageskincare.com

This beautiful couple is Robert and Deby Winter.  They are the owners of Carpet and Tile Warehouse and Green Team Cleaning.  This is one of the friends I was telling you about that I first met on facebook.

Newton and Karen Vance moved to Vero 2 months ago from Key West.  Welcome you two!  They moved here to take care of Newton's mother.  Karen may be one of the Chicks after next Tuesday's Chick Gathering!

Ellen and David of Riverside Cafe can always be counted on to Do Good in this Community.  They go right along with Chicks philosophy to Do Good and Have Fun!

Connie Hunter of Southern Wines and Spirits, one of the proud owners of Greenhouse Cafe, Olske Forbes and Bogna of Bogna Designs.

Kris Altman, a Chick with a cause.  Kris connects the community with American Cancer Society events.

Mary and Bob Roth of Roth Interiors.  Bob is also one of the hosts of WWCI TV10's Seller to Cellar.

Bob Roth and Bob Stanley, hosts of WWCI TV 10's Seller to Cellar.

Steve Hanson AKA Captain Relay, American Cancer Society's goodwill ambassador for this county's Relays for Life.  Debbie Campa can help you be healthier than ever by drinking the "right water".

Lisa and Leo Desmond, hosts of Lisa and Leo Live heard weeknight's 5 to 6 PM on WAXE 1370 AM.  Check out the show site: http://lisaandleo.com

Spenser Solis is a Public Relations Coordinator at the Alexis Agency.  Joya and Mae are the bright, beautiful faces you will see when you first enter the Greenhouse Cafe.

Many thanks to Bob, Billy, Olske and the staff of Greenhouse Cafe.  

 See you tomorrow...I'l have a bunch of new pictures from tonight's Vero Venture Network at Ti Amo Sempre.  I hope I see you there!