Donation Benefits Veterans in Hospice

Indian River Colony Club awards $2,500 grant in support of ‘We Honor Veterans’ program

(VIERA, FL) October 11, 2021 –  Indian River Colony Club in Viera understands duty to country. The 55+ golf community is largely comprised of military veterans, and IRCC members are known for their ongoing practice of donating to an assortment of veterans causes and charities. Collectively, they embody the community motto of “service to those who served.” Recently, a $2,500 grant by the IRCC Foundation was awarded to St. Francis Reflections Foundation, in support of the national We Honor Veterans program. The program, developed in coordination with the U.S. Veterans Administration, provides recognition and support for local veterans receiving hospice or palliative care. Volunteers work to create a tribute for participating veterans in a personalized pinning ceremony with family and friends that includes special recognition items from their service branch and a capitol flag. After researching the particular veteran’s military service, volunteers are often able to share with families additional details about their loved one’s contribution to the nation.

Shawn Bassham, Chief Philanthropy Officer for St. Francis Reflections Foundation, knows what the grant from Indian River Colony Club will mean for the local veterans receiving hospice or palliative care.

“When we ask patients what matters most, our veterans speak to their years of service. A pinning ceremony to honor that service is one of those moments that matter,” said Basham. “The grant from Indian River Colony Club will help this happen for these veterans. Whether it is a one-on-one pinning in a patient room or an event pinning over 30 veterans or a surviving spouse –it is always heart-warming and meaningful.”

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.

In addition to significant contributions made by the community’s charitable foundation, the 2019 Outstanding Military Service Award cited ongoing service and generosity toward veterans and military-related causes, including participation in and/or donations to veteran related organizations, including the Veterans Transitional Facility, Down the Road Thrift Shop, the Veterans Administration, the Cape Canaveral Ladies, the Cape Canaveral Cemetery, the USO (United Service Organizations), Honor Flight, Patrick Air Force Base, Veterans Treatment Court, Veterans Memorial Center, Wreaths Across America and more.