Maureen Nicolace, Luminaries | Treasure Coast Newspapers
“Because childhood’s not just cute. It’s powerful, it’s priceless, and it’s often over much too soon.” So says Amanda Morgan, early childhood expert and creator of Not Just Cute, a whole child development resource for teachers and parents.
Morgan will be the featured speaker at Childcare Resources of Indian River’s annual two-day Starfest event featuring a dinner that will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 and a luncheon that will be held at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 8. Both events will be held at Quail Valley River Club, 2345 Highway A1A, Vero Beach.
For the dinner, Morgan will be joined by Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County, and Jeff Pickering, CEO of Indian River Community Foundation, for an intimate and robust panel conversation about both the progress to date in providing high-quality early education in our community, and what the next steps are or should be.
During the luncheon, Morgan will focus on exploring what we as a community can do to help children reach their full potential, including highlights of Childcare Resources’ accomplishments.
“Starfest went virtual last year due to the pandemic, with great support from the community,” explained Shannon McGuire Bowman, Childcare Resources executive director.
“This year, we wanted to enhance the conversation around early childhood education in Indian River County by providing more opportunities for community participation.”
Since 1994, Childcare Resources has provided access to high-quality childcare for working families in Indian River County. The nonprofit continues to serve children ages six weeks to five years at their school and contracting centers, impacting approximately 3,000 more through educator outreach programs.
New this year is the inaugural Childcare Resources Founders Award, which will be presented during the luncheon. This special award was created to recognize a dedicated volunteer for their outstanding service, commitment and dedication to the mission of Childcare Resources and to early childhood education. Also at the luncheon will be the return of the highly-coveted raffle drawings: a $1,000 gift certificate to Leigh Jewelers; a $1,000 gift certificate to White Orchid Spa; and a case of wine donated by Matilde and Dale Sorensen, valued at $500. Raffle tickets are $25 each or three for $50, which may be purchased online, and you need not to be present to win.
The event would not be made possible without the support of its sponsors, including Galaxy Sponsors — Maureen and John Hendricks, Susan Hunter and Douglas Watson, and Karla and John Spooner, and Constellation Sponsors — Susie and Sam Bell, Carol and Tim Buhl, Elke and George Fetterolf, Barbie and Albert Horton, Cindy and Timothy Hultquist, Kacy and Guy Mitchell, Judy and Stephan Newhouse, Mary and Randy Rogers, Carolyn and Jack Veeneman, and Wilmington Trust. Tickets for the dinner are $350 per person and are $200 per person for the luncheon.
Proceeds from Starfest will enable Childcare Resources to continue elevating and promoting high quality childcare in Indian River County. To learn more about Childcare Resources or to purchase Starfest tickets, visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org or call 772-567-3202.
