Wheels & Keels Foundation Inc.

Wheels & Keels was conceived by Vero Beach residents Gavin Rutuolo, George O’Malley and Vincent DeTurris as a means to introduce a concours-style car and boat show to the Vero Beach area.  In collaboration with The Moorings Yacht & Country Club and the support of General Manager Craig Lopes and his staff, they found the perfect location to make their plan a reality.

In 2009, the first event was held with less than 50 classic cars, four trailered boats, and a few yachts moored at the docks.  The first charity to benefit from the proceeds was Youth Sailing Foundation.  As the show grew and attracted more participants, we were able to expand our donations to additional charities. Wheels & Keels Foundation currently provides financial support to seven Treasure Coast charities. View our Charities webpage for more information.

In 2015, Wheels & Keels Foundation Inc. was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.  The charity fundraiser became a two-day event with a dinner and live auction the night before the show.  The proceeds from these annual events, coupled with the generous donations from our Friends of Wheels & Keels, and other donation sources produce revenue that enables increased financial support for the charities.  Since its inception, Wheels and Keels Foundation Inc. has donated over $500,000 to Treasure Coast charities.

Wheels & Keels Foundation Directors partner with a dedicated team of volunteers, corporate sponsors, and charity representatives to plan, promote, and host the annual charity fundraising weekend.  Our special thanks to The Moorings Yacht & Country Club General Manager and staff for their ongoing support.

Wheels & Keels Foundation Inc. provides funding to selected local charities whose activities strive to improve the lives of children and adults in the Treasure Coast community, with special interest in organizations less able to secure funding from other sources.