Compassion Vero, a community-wide initiative of business, governmental, religious educational and non-profit leaders, invites the public to attend a gathering focused on how citizens can work together to improve every aspect of our shared living here in Vero Beach and Indian River County. The gathering will be held at 12:00 on Friday, August 12, at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave in Vero Beach. A light luncheon with refreshments will be served at no charge.

The program will share the group’s mission and invite people to participate in one of two groups. The Positive Action Group will gather ideas to increase Compassion Vero’s visibility in the general community. The Idea Tool Box Group will discuss plans we are working on and solicit fresh ideas that can be added to the group’s “tool box.”

Compassion Vero formed in 2014 after an incident in a public meeting where an elected official showed disrespect for a citizen. That prompted a meeting of business, religious and community leaders that ultimately led to formation of Compassion Vero, an organization with the motto, “Respect for the Common Good.” Compassion Vero co-chair, Suzy Feeney, explains, “Compassion lies at the heart of all social, religious, ethical and moral traditions, calling on us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves.”

The organization’s goal is to elevate compassion to the center of our community life and show respect for the cultural and religious diversity of our great community. For more information about Compassion Vero, go to CompassionVero.org or check us out on FaceBook. To attend the August 12 event, please RSVP to CompassionVero@gmail.com or call 772-778-7880 so we can accommodate all for lunch. Thanks!