arts & entertainment

Youth Guidance’s sold-out 48th Annual Tropical Night Luau on November 10th at Quail Valley River Club brought together 220 supporters and raised over $200,000, the most successful Luau in our history. Guests enjoyed island-inspired cuisine, Polynesian dance, and meaningful connections with staff and students.

Upon arrival, Youth Guidance students greeted guests with warm “aloha” smiles and Hawaiian leis. Throughout the evening, students proudly shared highlights from their year, demonstrating the hands-on learning they experience in programs such as Cooking & Etiquette, Drone Dynamics, Gardening, and the Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship.

The night came alive with a mesmerizing performance by Hiti Mahana, whose vibrant Polynesian dances and exhilarating fire show captivated the crowd. Jerzi Entertainment LLC and Barwick Entertainment kept the tropical energy flowing with upbeat island rhythms that carried the celebration from start to finish. Guests savored a delicious dinner courtesy of Quail Valley River Club before participating in an exciting live auction and paddle raise led by Neil Saffer, with support from The Auction Ladies.

At the event, Executive Director Phil Barnes highlighted the completed renovation of Youth Guidance’s newly upgraded facility in downtown Vero Beach. The former library now features a commercial teaching kitchen, a construction trades lab, a sewing and upholstery classroom, an emerging technologies lab, a tutoring room, expanded outdoor spaces, and versatile multipurpose rooms. These enhancements have already increased the organization’s impact, with 44 students enrolled in the Construction Trades Program and capacity to serve up to 300 youth each year.

Barnes was joined on stage by Director of Construction Trades James Buttonow and program graduate John Wright, who shared powerful reflections on their journeys and the lasting impact Youth Guidance has had on their lives and the broader community. In thanking those in attendance, Wright underscored the significance of their support, noting that programs like these go far beyond education. “You’re fueling transformation,” he said. “You’re helping people like me move from uncertainty to stability, from potential to purpose.”

Barnes also noted that the renovated facility is now equipped to serve as an emergency shelter for the community during times of crisis; another example of Youth Guidance’s commitment to supporting local families.

This year’s Tropical Night Luau sponsors included:

Presenting Sponsors ($10,000): Trudie Rainone; The Frazier Foundation; Lynne and Charlie Whipple; Dan Will and Kate Walsh; Pineapple Sponsors ($5,500): Mary Anne and Stephen Burns; Exchange Club of Sebastian; George & Elke Fetterolf; Mary T. Lewisy; Hawaiian Lei & Centerpiece Sponsors ($5,000):
 Laraine K. Harrison Charitable Fund; Mai Tai Sponsors ($3,500): Bill Antle; Cyber Mack Consultants, Inc.; David and Harriet Dyer Family Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. David P. Smith, Jr.; Vero Beach Social Media; Tim and Judy Zappala; Tiki Torch Sponsors ($2,000): Dede Ashby; Exchange Club of Indian River; Exchange Club of Vero Beach; Exchange Club of Vero Beach Scholarship Foundation; Coconut Sponsors ($1,200):
 Ms. Susan Appel; Bernard A. Egan Foundation; Carolyn Butler Norton, Esq.; Mr. and Mrs. James Davis; Ms. Barbara Deimer; F.V. Casano Electrical Contractor, Inc.; George E. Warren LLC; Mr. and Mrs. Willis Goldsmith; Ms. Helen Robertson; Synovus Bank; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Tait; Hula Dance Sponsors ($600):
 Archie S. Wingfield Jr. Charitable Trust; Mr. Phillip H. Barth, III; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Carter; Law Office of Brian J. Connelly, PLLC; Mr. Dan W. Hardee; Mr. and Mrs. John Klein; Mr. John Larsen and Mrs. Nancy Fette; Robin and Brenda Lloyd; Mr. and Mrs. Doug Munson; PNC Private Bank; Simsovic Chiropractic & Wellness; Ms. Catherine Torrey

About Youth Guidance:

Youth Guidance is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that build trust, self-esteem, and pathways to academic and career success. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance provides five key programs to help children, teenagers, and young adults (ages 6-24) break the cycle of poverty, including: the Pathways Afterschool Program, Summer Enrichment Program, Exchange Parent Aide Program, Pre-Apprenticeship Program, and One-on-One Mentoring. If you are interested in supporting or learning more about Youth Guidance, please call (772) 492-3933, or visit www.youthguidanceprogram.org.