Mary Schenkel

Despite a location change, more than 2,000 runners turned out to help better the lives of others during the 17th Annual Trot Against Poverty, presented this year by Gould Cooksey Fennell, to benefit United Against Poverty.

Donors to the John's Island Foundation, which provides grants for capital repairs and improvements, were welcomed to a Donor Reception, where board president Don Steiner announced their commitment to provide $413,203 in grants to three nonprofits to address capital repairs related to the recent tornadoes and hurricane.

When Rusty Young, founder of MusicWorks and LIVE! From Vero Beach, passed away in February, audiences wondered whether that would be the end of the concert series. But Stacey Young says she feels that the greatest way to honor her husband is by continuing to bring great music to Vero Beach.

Twinkling lights dotted the picturesque pathways of Rock City Gardens, where guests enjoyed another lovely evening to benefit the Indian River Land Trust. More than 400 supporters were on hand to celebrate the efforts of the Land Trust to preserve, conserve and improve our environs, particularly along the Indian River Lagoon.

The Indian River Symphonic Association is offering up another remarkable season of national and international orchestras, each featuring incomparable soloists.

Following a monthlong delay caused by the recent tornadoes' devastation, it was a particularly jubilant crowd that gathered at a beautifully restored Quail Valley River Club for the 47th annual Tropical Night Luau to benefit the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy.

Rod Bigelow, executive director of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, was the keynote speaker at the annual Director's Society and Chairman's Club Dinner of the Vero Beach Museum of Art, an invitational event for individuals who support the museum at the highest levels.

Magic was in the air at this year's Friends Fall Luncheon to benefit Riverside Theatre, which featured a mind-blowing show by renowned magician Michael Ammar, and outstanding performances by students starring in Riverside's educational and outreach programs, followed by a delicious lunch at tables set up in the Orchid Lobby and Waxlax Theatre.

McKee Botanical Garden is able to keep its impressive gates open thanks to the generosity of its members, particularly its top-level Gatekeepers of the Garden, who were feted at an invitational cocktail reception to recognize their vital support over the years.

Vero Beach audiences can look forward to another season of outstanding chamber music with the return of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The three-concert series will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church beginning Jan. 30. Founded in 1969 and renowned for its performance, education and broadcast accomplishments, the CMS has been led by co-artistic directors David Finckel, cellist, and Wu Han, pianist, since 2004.