The Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach recently became a beacon of warmth and community spirit as the Center for Spiritual Care celebrated a significant milestone: its 25th anniversary. Dubbed the “Gathering the Light” event, the evening was a tribute to a quarter-century of holistic wellness and spiritual sanctuary in Indian River County, while simultaneously marking a pivotal moment of transition for the nonprofit organization.
For 25 years, the Center has served as a safe harbor for locals seeking spiritual growth, regardless of their specific faith tradition. The anniversary celebration was particularly poignant as it honored Carol Ludwig, the organization’s co-founder and former executive director. In a symbolic passing of the torch, the community welcomed Lori Ferrell, who has stepped in as only the second executive director in the Center’s history.
The evening was hosted by emcee Xaque Gruber, who brought a touch of whimsy to the proceedings by donning a silver astronaut suit—a spirited nod to the “silver” anniversary. Gruber engaged the crowd with trivia about the Center’s iconic campus, quizzing attendees on details ranging from the signature aqua shutters to the specific contents of the meditation garden. Guests learned that the garden is home to statues of both Saint Francis and Buddha, as well as two olive trees planted near the street to symbolize peace.
Carol Ludwig reflected on the true impact of the organization during the event, noting that the physical programs are secondary to the connections made within them.
It’s not so much about the programs as the people. It’s the relationships that are formed there. There aren’t a lot of places in today’s world where you can do that without being bumped on the head or called something. That’s what we’re all about; providing these wonderful individual, small group spiritual growth experiences.
The celebration was a testament to the intersection of the arts and spirituality, a core tenet of the Center’s mission. The event featured a poetry reading by Sean Sexton, the former poet laureate of Indian River County, and a silent auction showcasing works donated by local artists. The atmosphere was further enlivened by the Sunrise City Bluegrass Band, while guests enjoyed culinary offerings from top local vendors:
As the evening drew to a close, new Executive Director Lori Ferrell shared an original poem questioning the role of spirituality in a modern, fast-paced world dominated by screens and schedules. The night concluded with a moving “raising of the light” toast, where guests lifted tealights to pledge their commitment to carrying the community’s inner light forward for the next 25 years.
The Center for Spiritual Care continues to offer a robust schedule of programs designed to integrate mind, body, and spirit. Offerings include yoga and Reiki, creativity workshops such as icon writing, and the “Vero Beach KIND” initiative which promotes the motto “Sunshine, Not Hate.” Residents can also utilize the lending library, which houses over 1,700 books, or find quiet moments in the meditation garden.
For those interested in learning more about upcoming workshops, lectures, or visiting the campus, details are available at centerforspiritualcare.org.
