Steve and Beth Svopa, Michelle and Kevin Darcy
The Third Annual Songwriters & Storytellers, benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, was a sold-out success and an unforgettable evening under the stars at Rockin’ H Ranch in Palm City. Guests embraced the spirit of the night—donning boots, pearl snap shirts, and hats—for a lively country-inspired experience filled with great music, dinner, and dancing.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the ranch, the evening began with a cocktail hour featuring Stuart native Cade Walker, as guests enjoyed appetizers prepared and served by members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s Fork in the Road Culinary Team.
The program kicked off with an energetic performance by Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County youth line dancers, setting the tone for an exciting evening. The event was emceed by WIRK’s Eddie-E, who brought enthusiasm and energy throughout the night. Songwriters & Storytellers offered a unique, intimate, behind-the-music concert experience, showcasing some of today’s most talented singer-songwriters, including Cade Walker, Ricky Young, and Jordan Oaks.
Following dinner and a spirited auction, guests took to the dance floor for line dancing and live entertainment by Jordan Oaks and his band, creating an energetic close to an incredible night. Proceeds from the event support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s workforce development programs, which are designed to expand career opportunities beyond high school graduation. As the only pre-apprenticeship program of its kind in the area, these initiatives equip youth with essential employment skills while creating a direct pipeline to both careers and local employers.
Through programs such as Skilled Trades, Career Exploration and Virtual Training, Culinary Arts, Manufacturing 4.0, and Futures in Fashion, the clubs provide hands-on, industry-relevant training. The overarching goal of the Workforce Development initiative is to ensure that every young person has access to the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed after graduation.
The event was co-chaired by Beth Garcia Svopa (board member) and Andrew Kennedy. Committee members included Dan Bettencourt, Missi Campbell, Aislynn Mooney, Jackie Rea, Jennifer Sardone-Shiner, Meg Shirey, and Sarah Testa.
Sponsors included Beth and Steve Svopa, Brown & Brown Insurance, Proctor Construction Company, Architects Design Collaborative, Northern Trust, FPL, Alpha Door & Hardware, Artisan Design Group, Bowman Consulting, Florida Training Services, JP Morgan Private Bank, Southern Eagle, Thornwood Financial, VM Iron Work & Structural Steel Corp., All Area Roofing, BankUnited, Danmark Development, Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys, PA, Elev8Fun, H&M Impact Window and Door, Mattamy Homes, McCarthy, Summers, Wood, Norman, Melby, Schultz, Wood & VanValkenburgh, P.A., Mesirow Wealth Management, Ridgeway Plumbing, Tradewind Aviation, Sunshine Land Design, Truist, Brennan Engineering & Brenginuity Bushings, Exergame Fitness, Marsh McLennan Agency, South Florida Orthopedic, Terra Lago, Sir Speedy Print, Signs, Marketing, 103.1 WIRK, The Stuart Magazine, and JSS Marketing & PR.
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, visit http://www.bgcmartin.org.
Photos by Mary Ann Ketchum
