Venel was a sweet, kind, loving 16 year old football player from Centennial High School. Venel tragically lost his life on Saturday, April 8, 2017. Venel was a loving son, brother, friend, and nephew. Venel was loved by everyone who knew him. He was known as Mr. Centennial because if there was an event going on at Centennial High School, Venel was there, cheering on his classmates, with a smile on his face. His teammates and coaches remember him as having never missed a practice and he was always the last to leave, always giving 100 percent. He was well loved by students countywide. Venel touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He will forever be remembered as a gentle giant with a huge heart, yet he was a force to be reckoned with on the field. He was strong, talented, kind, and an amazing friend and he will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew him.
To assist Vaillant’s family during their time of need, the Van Duzer Foundation will be hosting an evening of remembrance and celebration to honor Vaillant and his family on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Big Apple Pizza and Pasta in Fort Pierce, just across the street for Indian River State College’s Main Campus. The fun will begin at 4:00 PM and go until 10:00 PM, and there will be bounce houses, music courtesy of Traxx Entertainment, laughter, and loads of fun and support for Venel’s family enduring a difficult time. As always with a Van Duzer Foundation fundraiser, one hundred percent of all food and beverages sold, along with staff salaries and tips will be donated to the family being helped, so every slice of pizza sold helps Vaillant’s family. You’re going to be hungry that night anyway – why not make your meal count for something special and show a little love and support for a family in need?
Nine years after deciding to create a small, grassroots non-profit foundation to help individuals and families in St. Lucie County who were experiencing difficulties due to unforeseen tragedy or illness, the Van Duzer Foundation is still about helping one family or one individual with creativity, style, and caring. And while the Foundation may have taken a few side trips along the way, like creating the First Step program in Fort Pierce to give children a positive place to spend time, learn, and grow into positive and contributing members of the community, the Foundation has always been, at heart, a small, community organization which wants to have fun, share pizza, friendship, and good will with others, and provide an opportunity for others in the community to help out when one of its neighbors or friends is experiencing difficulty. To learn more about the Van Duzer Foundation or to donate, please visit www.thevanduzerfoundation.org or call 772-528-3467.
