Indian River Colony Club Members raise over $1K through ornament sale

(Left to Right): Bill Benagh, Past Commander of the Space Coast Chapter of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) charity accepts a donation check from Thomas Shonkwiler, Club Manager for Indian River Colony Club and Skip Taylor, resident and Veteran’s Court Officer, Space Coast Chapter of the D.A.V. photo courtesy indian river colony club.

VIERA ― The Dec. 1 holiday tree lighting at Indian River Colony Club in Viera helped make the season bright for residents — and local veterans in need. Most members of the 55+ golf community are military veterans, and collectively, they embody the community motto of “service to those who served.” At the tree lighting, members had an opportunity to purchase ornaments for the 14′ tree in front of the At Ease Club, the private community’s dining facility. The activity raised $1,161 for Space Coast Chapter 123 of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) charity, with a check presented to Past Commander, Bill Benagh on December 11th. The monies will be used to assist local veterans.

IRCC members are known for their ongoing practice of donating to an assortment of veterans causes and charities. The ornament sale for the DAV was organized by Thomas Shonkwiler, the Club Manager for Indian River Colony Club.

“I am so proud of our membership at Indian River Colony Club,” said Mr. Shonkwiler, who manages all kitchen, wait and bar staff for the golf community. “It is activities such as these that make it great to be a part of this community of military veterans; allowing me to serve those who have served.”

The good work won’t end with the DAV donation. After the holidays, the club plans to donate the ornaments to the Brevard Achievement Center, to provide an activity for special needs participants to repaint for decoration or sale.

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.

Viera’s very first neighborhood, Indian River Colony Club was originally conceived as a retirement destination for military retirees. IRCC began to take shape in 1986; its vision to create a private country club-like environment for members. Still predominantly a haven for military veterans, IRCC maintains a culture centered on service to others. IRCC is a gated golf course community of nearly 800 homes on 453 acres in Viera, owned entirely by its membership. “The Place Patriots Call Home” enjoys 24-hour gated security, a generous maintenance package and a full complement of newly renovated and 100% debt-free country club amenities for active adults aged 55 and over, including an 18-hole, par-72 private golf course designed by acclaimed Florida golf course architect, Gordon G. Lewis. The patriotic neighborhood was named one of the 2018 Top 20 Golf Communities in North America by Golf Course Home Network. For more information about Indian River Colony Club, contact us.