Our Club
The Vero Beach Exchange Club was chartered on December 12, 1951 and is the oldest of the four Exchange Clubs in Indian River County. The National Exchange was established in 1917.
Being a member of the VB Exchange Club gives you an opportunity to serve others through working with a group. Greater things can be done in numbers. It is a way to build business relationships, learn how to be a bettter leader and make our community a better place to live.
Two of the many youth oriented projects are the CASTLE, the first Prevention of Child Abuse center in the US, and Scholarships. The CASTLE main office is in St Lucie County and is sponsored by all the Exchange Clubs in the area. Our local satellite is located on Old Dixie and serves over 700 families in Indian River County. They are currently working on a permanent building for this county. The Exchange Club Scholarship Trust together with the Club, award scholarships to seniors at Vero Beach High School and Indian River Charter High School. In 1958 two $400 scholarships were awarded and in 2007, $17,000 was awarded in scholarships. Over the years, more than $380,000 in scholarships have been awarded to local youth.
History of Selling Trees
Christmas trees were first sold in December 1952 in downtown Vero Beach and the first year's profit of $1,000 was donated to the Sunshine Center. During those first years members helped establish the first Volunteer Ambulance Squad, purchased the first local kidney dialysis machine that was donated to Indian River Memorial Hospital. During the 54 years of selling trees over $550,000 has been donated to community charities and youth activities. In 1961 the tree sales moved to the Miracle Mile Shopping Center then to Indian River Blvd and beginning in 2005 is located at the Indian River Medical Center (f/k/a Indian River Memorial Hospital) at 1000 37th Street, Vero Beach. Directions
Many projects are supported by the Christmas tree sales (the only fundraiser): Youth Guidance, Fire Safety Poster Contest, Boy and Girl of the Month, Give a Kid a Flag to Wave (local praded), Officer of the Quarter (Vero Police), Book of Golden Deeds, Freedom Shrine, prevention of child abuse and many others.
Purchase your tree or wreath online and bring your receipt to the lot to claim your purchase. Local delivery is also available - please ask at the lot for details.
