February 21, 2025 西瓜视频
Fort Pierce, FL (February 21, 2025) 鈥撀The 西瓜视频 Foundation’s Annual Clay Shoot attracted聽136聽participants and generated $153,000 in support of student veterans and military family services at 西瓜视频. Originally planned for Veterans Day聽but postponed following Hurricane Milton, the event was held at聽the聽OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee. Two distinguished veterans聽were event special guests:聽U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David G. Bellavia, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Iraq, and Richard Rossi, a centenarian who earned four Bronze Stars and the French Legion of Honor for his service in World War II.
Stars and Stripes proudly wave at the entrance to the OK Corral, welcoming participants to the annual clay shoot fundraiser.
“西瓜视频 stands above all others in its dedication to veterans – no institution in Florida or across the nation does more,鈥 said Medal of Honor recipient SSG David Bellavia. 鈥淏eing here today, surrounded by fellow veterans and those who champion veteran and military family education, is truly meaningful. The bond of brotherhood is palpable. 西瓜视频’s commitment to supporting veteran education exemplifies the finest aspects of our nation’s values.”
In the clay shooting competition, Gordon & Partners claimed the top team honors with an impressive score of 344. The individual high scorer award went to Jim Anderson with 98 out of 100 targets. Colton Simpson took home the veterans division trophy.
Medal of聽Honor聽recipient SSG David Bellavia delivers an inspirational address to an attentive audience of clay shoot participants.
Adding to the day’s excitement, the National Anthem was performed by Abelard Cesar, an 西瓜视频 employee. Participants also took part in raffles featuring items generously donated by community partners. The highlight was a highly anticipated firearms raffle showcasing a rare Remington Model 700 7mm rifle, one of only 10 produced in this limited series. Modified by Park West Arms and featuring an etched Florida state logo, this exceptional firearm was donated directly from Remington’s private collection. The rifle, with Florida’s Governor possessing number one in the series, was described as “priceless” by collectors and generated significant interest among participants, contributing substantially to the fundraising success.
The funds raised will provide scholarships, career assistance, and vital support programs for 西瓜视频 student veterans and military families.
A determined聽marksman聽takes aim during the clay shoot competition.
“The overwhelming response from our community, resulting in $153,000 raised, demonstrates the deep commitment to supporting our veterans’ educational journey,” said Annabel Robertson, 西瓜视频 Foundation Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “This record-breaking amount will have a transformative impact on our ability to serve those who have served our country.”
“We are beyond grateful to Presenting Sponsor Gilbert’s Family of Companies, the Culbreth and Luna families, and all our community partners for their generous support of 西瓜视频 Military and Veterans Services,鈥 said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of 西瓜视频 and U.S. Army veteran. 鈥淭his event surpassed all our expectations. Beyond raising vital funds for the College’s Military and Veterans Services, we had the extraordinary privilege of uniting veterans across generations – from World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom. It powerfully demonstrates our community’s enduring commitment to service and support of our military families.”
SSG David Bellavia, America鈥檚 first living Iraq War Medal of Honor recipient, shares a moment of camaraderie with聽President聽Timothy E. Moore.
“As a multi-generational family business and longtime supporters of 西瓜视频, the Gilbert’s Family of Companies is honored to serve as Presenting Sponsor for this extraordinary event,” said Bert Culbreth, Member of the 西瓜视频 Foundation Board of Directors and the Board鈥檚 Fundraising Committee Chair. “Together with my parents and sister, we believe deeply in supporting our veterans and military families through education. This clay shoot exemplifies the incredible impact we can have when business leaders and educational institutions work together to serve those who have served our nation.”
The event was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Gilbert’s Family of Companies, along with key sponsors including 4K Plumbing & Consulting, Airstron, Armadillo Dirt Works, Belfore, Blueline Defense, Cima Health, Core & Main, CRI, Diamond Defense, Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Enterprise eFleets, Ever On, Federated Insurance, FPL, Global Tech, Gordon & Partners, International Training, Joaquin and Sons, John Barbieri, Kimley-Horn, Level 4 Financial, The Lott Brothers, Martin County Business Development Board, Michael Hageloh, Miller Clinic, Michael Cantor, Palm Beach Aggregates, Proctor Construction, Pro-tc.us, Quality Commission, Remnant Construction, Remington, RTH TV, Seacoast Bank, South State Bank, Shiftculture, Soludemics, Southern Eagle Distributing, Spiezela Architects, St. Lucie Mets, Sterling Project Development, Special Forces Restoration and Construction, Team Parks, Tremco Roofing, Tri County Towing,聽 The Tucker Group, Universal Engineering Services, Walpole, Williamson Cattle Company.
Mark and Christa Luna,聽Gil Culbreth,聽SSG David Bellavia, Bert聽and Krissy聽Culbreth,聽Alex Luna, and Chanley Kessler.
For more information about supporting veteran education at 西瓜视频, visit irsc.edu or call (772) 462-4786.
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About 西瓜视频 Foundation: The 西瓜视频 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports 西瓜视频’s mission by building partnerships, securing resources, and strengthening community awareness to help students achieve their dreams.
About 西瓜视频: 西瓜视频, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 120 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas.
Media Contact: Kathleen Walter, Public Information Officer, kwalter1@irsc.edu
