Page 1 - Martin Downs Bulletin - June '22

VOL. 24 NO. 6 www.seabreezepublications.com JUNE 2022

2022 Award Winners Announced During Celebration

Of Environmental Stewardship In Martin County

More than 40 nominees efforts in community beautification and revitalization, including an array of
including youth groups, litter and marine debris removal, recycling and other nature-themed paintings
individuals, businesses, environmental initiatives. Serving as the organization’s from local artists and a
government agencies and key fundraiser, the event raised more than $40,000 to signed Guy Harvey print.
nonprofit organizations, support its mission to improve and enhance the quality Fifteen aw ards
were honored at the of life in Martin County. were presented during
2022 Keep Martin “Each year we continue to be impressed by the creative the event. Highlights
Beautiful Environmental and impactful ways our nominees show their commitment included the Youth
Stewardship Awards to and stewardship of our natural environment,” said Craig Group Champion award,
ceremony on April 28 at Ahal, president of Keep Martin Beautiful. “Their projects which was presented to
the beautiful oceanfront Zoe Glover and Asher Glover and initiatives give us great hope for the future of Martin the River Kidz. Created Faye Flack and Georgia Fowler
clubhouse at Sailfish representing River Kidz County and our planet.” in 2011 by two 10-year- representing the Jensen Beach
Point Country Club. An Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour and passed hors olds, today this group is Garden Club
enthusiastic and diverse crowd of more than 200 guests d’oeuvres while engaging in a friendly bidding competition
attended the event to recognize the nominees’ outstanding for silent auction items focused on the environment, 2022 Award Winners on page 3

Humane Society’s Mutt March And Bunfest Help Shelter Animals

Both the 19th annual Mutt March Festival and Bunfest
– two events organized and hosted by the Humane Society
of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) – returned this spring as live,
in-person events after a two-year run as online events due
to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mutt March kicked off with 113 racers participating in
the 5K and 10K runs. Roger Travis of Fort Pierce and Cindy
Webster from North Carolina placed first for the men’s and
women’s divisions in the 5K. Joe Brown and Kay Trager
of Port St. Lucie placed first for the men’s and women’s
divisions for the 10K. A 5K and 10K run kicked off the Mutt March event.
Matthew Spangler with
Ham & Cheese and Reyna
Ava with her bunny, Cadillac, Spangler with Peanut Butter
and Jaime Longmaid & Jelly

The Mutt March’s festival portion, emceed by radio
personality Jennifer Ross of Sunny 107.9, began with a
blessing by Rev. Jude Denning of Unity of Stuart. A walk
with the dogs around Memorial Park followed. Attendees
also shopped the flea-“less” market, had their picture
taken with their furry friends in a special photo booth
and dogs had their day in the sun by chasing an obstacle The Mutt March Festival began with a walk around
in a lure course. Memorial Park.
Rev. Jude Denning prepares to do a blessing of the animals In the ever-competitive canine costume contest, Nicole
before the walk began. Rathnaw, principal at J.D. Parker Elementary; Amy Mutt March And Bunfest on page 5
Two Nonprofits Are Derby Winners

Nearly 200 people attending a Kentucky Derby party to the proceeds of the event, as did raffles and a silent auction.
benefit two local nonprofits witnessed a thrilling come-from- Partygoers enjoyed mint juleps, tasty appetizers, and
behind victory for Rich Strike, a horse that had 80 to 1 odds. posed for photos with horses rescued by ERAF. They
While Rich Strike was far from a sure bet, the two nonprofits watched the historic race live on a huge screen inside the
– Caring Children Clothing Children (4Cs) and Equine Rescue beautiful Rockin H Ranch facility.
and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) – were sure winners. This was the fourth year the two nonprofits joined to raise
“It was such a fun event,” said Gigi Suntum, executive money with a Derby party, and
director of 4Cs. “We were raising money to support our plans are already underway
programs and having a great time doing it.” Held at the for next year. The mission
Rockin H Ranch in Palm City, guests attending the party of Caring Children Clothing
were outfitted in traditional Derby attire, with many women Children is to collect and Carol Kucharski and Tom Wendy Dewitt and Cathleen
sporting fancy flowered hats. A Derby hat contest added to distribute gently used clothing, Koelher Owen

as well as new underwear, socks and shoes to underprivileged
children in Martin County. In addition, volunteer tutors help
children with reading and math at five local elementary
schools. The mission of ERAF is to care for at-risk horses with
rehabilitation and retraining. ERAF has rescued hundreds of
horses and completed nearly 300 adoptions.
For more information, go to www.4Cmartin.org.

ERAF Derby horse Two Nonprofits Are Derby Winners on page 3