Celebrating 40 Years of Philanthropy

In a community where neighbors quickly become friends and generosity runs deep, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has long benefited from the spirit of giving that defines Indian River County. At the heart of this support is the Eagle Society – a philanthropic force celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1986 as the Golden Eagle Society, the group began with 100 visionary donors each contributing $10,000 to strengthen local healthcare. Over the years thousands of members have raised tens of millions of dollars to expand care and advance innovation at Indian River Hospital.

Connection and commitment

Eagle members like Sherry and David Brown exemplify the Society’s spirit. After moving to Vero Beach in 1998, they helped establish the Eagle Society at Grand Harbor to rally their neighbors in support of the hospital.

“It brought our community together in such a special way,” says Sherry. “The Eagles have always helped the hospital grow alongside the community – and that need hasn’t changed.”

Sherry serves as co-chair of the Grand Harbor leadership committee – now one of several local volunteer committees that help drive the hospital’s mission forward – and on the board of the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation.

Purpose-driven philanthropy

Today nearly 2,000 households support Indian River Hospital and its role as a vital community resource. “Indian River is a very philanthropic community, and much of our Foundation’s success has been driven by the Eagle Society,” says Roxanne Hall, Executive Director of the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation.

That support was especially evident during the 21st Century Campaign – a transformative, decade-long initiative launched in 2003 that raised $52 million. Thanks to that effort, the hospital added new facilities including a surgical intensive care unit, a post-anesthesia care unit and the Emergency Services Pavilion. The campaign also led to the creation of the state-of-the-art Welsh Heart Center.

This success was quickly followed by the Excellence in Cancer Care Campaign, leading to the establishment of the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center. Combined with other philanthropic efforts over the years, Indian River Hospital has been transformed from a small community hospital into an award-winning regional hospital.

Sherry has witnessed that transformation and understands just how vital continued investment is. “We can’t just celebrate past accomplishments – we have to keep moving forward,” she says.

Building for the future

Over the past 40 years, Eagle Society members have raised more than $250 million to strengthen care close to home. Current initiatives include:

• A third-floor expansion of the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center
• A new Electrophysiology Lab within the Welsh Heart Center, supported by a $1.5 million community match from Pat Welsh
• Ongoing enhancements to Emergency, Labor & Delivery, and critical care services

“The Eagle Society’s commitment is truly remarkable and essential to everything we do,” says Roxanne.

Celebrating a milestone: “40 for 40”

To mark its 40th anniversary, the Foundation has launched the “40 for 40” campaign, seeking $40 million in new commitments in 2026. The effort will honor the Society’s legacy while advancing the next generation of healthcare in Indian River County.

“Supporting the hospital is the best dollar you can give away,” says Sherry. “It helps everyone in the community.”

For four decades, the Eagle Society has proven what’s possible when a community comes together for a common cause. Now, as the Eagles look to the future, they've set their sights on new heights – and the important work ahead.