Behind the Curtain at Riverside: Friends Fall Luncheon Empowers Young Artists

Vero Minute
3 days ago
3 min read

**Cindy Rounsavall, Friends Executive Committee Member and Jon R. Moses, Executive Producer/CEO, Riverside Theatre**

The Friends Fall Luncheon remains a singular tradition in Vero Beach—a calendar event that gathers business leaders, educators, and philanthropists in celebration and support of Riverside Theatre as an institution whose impact and reach far surpasses its stage.

The annual Friends Committee event raises significant funds for Riverside Theatre. This year, the entertainment highlighted the Riverside Education program with an additional opportunity to donate funds directly to that initiative.

Chaired by Stephanie Pickering and Jenna Suleman, the program exemplified Riverside’s real civic muscle. Guests included representatives from partners like the Gifford Youth Achievement Center and Ballet Vero Beach, a testament to the theatre’s deep and lasting collaborations. It was clear: those present are the engine behind Riverside’s impact on children throughout Indian River County and beyond.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge, because knowledge is limited to what you know, and imagination is limitless to whatever you can dream.”

--Albert Einstein

Executive Producer and CEO Jon R. Moses referenced Albert Einstein in his remarks: “Imagination is more important than knowledge, because knowledge is limited to what you know, and imagination is limitless to whatever you can dream.” The theatre’s ongoing investments—in campus, talent, and education—are guided by this philosophy.

Moses gave special recognition to his staff, the sponsors and the Friends Committee, stressing that their fundraising and counsel make Riverside’s ambitious outreach, scholarships, and youth engagement not only possible, but everlasting.

Central to this impact are two leaders. Adam Schnell, Director of Dance Education at Riverside Theatre and Artistic Director/CEO of Ballet Vero Beach, has cultivated a program that gives both newcomers and experienced dancers serious training and stage experience. His work has opened doors for children from every part of Indian River County, bringing together local beginners and international-caliber professionals.

Kevin Quillinan, Director of Theatre Education, runs Riverside’s extensive theatre curriculum. Under his leadership, students have earned national honors and a reputation for rigor and ensemble discipline.

Testimonials from Gifford Youth Achievement Center and parent groups consistently point to Riverside as the driving force behind increased confidence, academic resilience, and a sense of possibility for children who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to step into the spotlight.

To watch the 6-minute 2025 Friends Fall Luncheon documentary, click here.

Ballet Vero Beach

As the luncheon concluded, the sense in the room was clear: Riverside Theatre’s tradition is not just about its regional acclaim, but about an ongoing commitment to the community—one that channels resources, vision, and leadership into real impact, season after season.