$4,000 IRCC Donation Supports ‘Veteran Stand Down to Stand Up’

October 8 event for homeless vets provides many needed services

(VIERA, FL) September 12, 2022 – The members of Indian River Colony Club are well known for supporting causes that assist their former brothers and sisters in arms. The Indian River Colony Club (IRCC) Foundation, the charitable arm of the 55+ Viera golf community of military veterans, recently presented $4,000 check to the Veterans Memorial Center to support Veteran Stand Down to Stand Up. An annual event with a 25-year history for helping homeless veterans, Veteran Stand Down to Stand Up also provides assistance to vets in traditional housing or those facing major financial hardships. The October 8 event at the Cocoa Armory at 308 N. Fiske Boulevard will take place from 7:30 AM until 2:00 PM, providing free assistance in many forms — and from many different organizations. An anticipated 250-300 homeless veterans will receive haircuts, medical and legal assistance, survival supplies, clothing, help with employment, VA services and much more. Transportation to and from the event will be provided. For information about the upcoming Veteran Stand Down to Stand Up event, call (757) 871-6576 or visit VeteransMemorialCenter.org.

The Indian River Colony Club is largely comprised of military veterans, well known for their volunteerism and philanthropy. The ongoing practice of donating to an assortment of veterans causes and charities embody the community motto of “service to those who served.”

A military term, Stand Down references the practice of moving exhausted troops to a place of relative security and safety for recovery. Jim Sisserson, Indian River Colony Club (IRCC) Foundation Vice Chairman, is pleased the Veteran Stand Down to Stand Up event has returned, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

“We are glad we can team up with the Veterans Memorial Center and other veterans’ organizations to support the Stand Down,” said Sisserson. “We are fortunate enough to be able to give something back to our community and this is a deserving cause with great partners.”

IRCC Foundation Board Member, Brian Whalen is proud of the support provided by the tight-knit golf community of military veterans.

“Indian River Colony Club will never cease its support for veteran organizations,” said Whalen. “The team at the Veterans Memorial Center deserves tremendous credit for the work they do every day to ensure the sacrifices made by veterans are remembered, and that veterans receive the help they need.”

The Indian River Colony Club community of nearly 800 homes is a dedicated supporter of veterans causes. In 2019, they were presented with the Outstanding Military Service Award by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, for their ongoing efforts on behalf of veterans.

Viera’s very first neighborhood, Indian River Colony Club is known as “The Place Patriots Call Home.” A haven for military veterans, the par-72 private golf course community has a patriotic culture and country club amenities for active adults aged 55 and over. Residents have dedicated their lives to military service and continue their efforts in retirement, with a host of ongoing efforts for the betterment of Brevard County veterans and the regional military community.

The Indian River Colony Club Foundation represents the generous donors of Indian River Colony Club, under the leadership of Foundation Board Chairman and retired U.S. Army Colonel, Jerry Gill; U.S. Army veteran, Jim Sisserson and Military Services Organization Committee Chair, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Brian Whalen. The purpose of the IRCC Foundation is to provide grants for educational, medical, emergency, and other charitable purposes to employees and residents of IRCC and to organizations that assist individuals who are current or former members of the Uniformed Services of the United States. In 2022 alone, the IRCC Foundation has provided almost $13,000 in grants to employees, along with $14,000 to veteran organizations. For more information about Indian River Colony Club or the Foundation, contact us, or like our Facebook page.