Saturday Night Fever: Inside John’s Island’s Big-Hearted Disco
- Vero Minute
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
There is a certain idea people have about John’s Island: elegant, self‑contained, a world apart.
Spend a little time with the Johns Island Community Service League, and another impression emerges; one of a community whose generosity travels far beyond its own fairways, impacting and shaping life across Indian River County in ways everyone feels, even if they don’t always see where it comes from.
That instinct goes back to 1980, when early resident Johnny Van Name gathered her small group of neighbors and suggested that if they were fortunate enough to build their lives here, they could also help steady the lives of others nearby. About 60 women responded, each sending a $25 check and offering their time. In that first year they staged a benefit auction, made an initial contribution of $25,000 to United Way, opened the resale shop that would become Tambourine, and made early commitments to Youth Manor and other local programs serving children and families.
Over time, that informal circle became the organization we know today. Successive leaders built a careful grants and scholarship program, added strategic grants for larger projects, and sharpened the League’s focus on health, education and human services.
To date, that impact totals more than $22.4 million in support for Indian River County, including $2,135,750 granted in 2025.
Tambourine evolved alongside them into a beautifully run resale shop that turns clothing, furnishings and artwork from John’s Island residents into dependable support for local nonprofits. If you haven’t been, Tambourine Resale Shop is located at 1619 10th Avenue (just behind the Majestic Theatre). It's the must‑visit thrift store if you're serious about the hunt for standout pieces and love the thrill of finding exceptional quality at discount prices. A true thrifter's delight! You can learn more about Tambourine here.
Today that tradition rests in the hands of President Michelle Julian working alongside Treasurer Cindy Nicolaides, Secretary Nancy Wechsler, Emeritus Ellen Kendall, and Ex Officio Karen Drury. And for the Spring Gala Saturday Night Fever event, Chair Patricia Thompson, Grants Co‑Chairs Cathy Towles and Patricia Hoben‑Carter, Strategic Grants Co‑Chairs Ellen Kendall and Diane Hanauer, Scholarships chair Susanna Connaughton, Sponsorship Co‑Chairs Caroline Vandeventer and Teresa Winslow, Events Co‑Chairs Delia Willsey and Nancy Follett, Membership chair Pamela Layton, and Marketing & Communications chair Dede Keller.
The Saturday Night Fever gala had the gloss of Studio 54 circa 1977 -- sequins, velvet, platform shoes and a dance floor that never emptied. And the unmistakable vibe of a community that's been doing this together for years.
Enjoy these photos from the Saturday Night Fever and remember to shop Tambourine!
Photos courtesy of Maryann Ketcham and Sevin Photography
