Ross, a long-time and now former board member, and his wife, are taking the first step to help raise these funds. The Richard and Yvonne Ross Charitable Foundation is committed to match, dollar for dollar, the first $50,000 raised between now and the end of the year. The Rosses are asking the community to support Helping People Succeed, recognizing its many programs and services that benefit more than 4,500 families in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

"Helping People Succeed helps people that are less gifted than most in order that they may become independent and active members of our community,” said Rich and Yvonne.

To meet the community challenge, contributions may be mailed to Helping People Succeed at 1100 S. Federal Highway in Stuart, or donated online at www.hpsfl.org. For additional information, please contact Gift Planning Officer Glenna Parris at 772.320.0778.

“We are excited about this community challenge from Rich and Yvonne, especially as we approach our 50th Anniversary in 2014,” said Suzy Hutcheson, President/CEO of Helping People Succeed. “Every gift counts, no matter what the size and we would encourage our community to step up to match, dollar for dollar, the Ross gift by the end of the year.”

Opened in 1964 as the Pioneer Occupational Center, Helping People Succeed first worked with adults with disabilities on training and social skills that enabled them to obtain a basic trade, such as coordinating postal mailings for clients or stuffing advertising circulars in newspapers.

As the years evolved, Helping People Succeed has developed family services from birth to 5 years old through its Baby Steps, Healthy Families, Music & Movement, and other programs. Employment Options and Community Connections are two areas that work with the adults with disabilities finding jobs at local businesses and designing creative projects. In its Behavioral Health Services, Helping People Succeed has added autism classes, working with local elementary, middle and high school students with autism spectrum disorder during after-school programs and now expanding services into counseling, Yoga and art therapy classes.