Gregory-Daniel-Portrait-Artist

Brevard is well-known for its philanthropic community. This year, SpaceCoast Living partnered with Gregory Daniel Portrait Artist to make this holiday season a “Season of Giving.” Join the families honored in this issue and help us contribute to the four Brevard charities selected.

Participate during the month of November’s “Season of Giving” by creating works of art for your home and join the families who have also helped support our community. This year’s featured portraits are sure to remind you of the blessings of family this holiday season.

Take part during your holiday shopping in this year’s “Season of Giving” Shop for a Cause events during the month of November and give back to these Brevard charities: Brevard Symphony Orchestra, Candlelighters of Brevard, Friends of Sally’s House and Take Stock in Children. See page 54 for more information.

Gregory-Daniel-Portrait-ArtistThe Keller Family

Philanthropy has always been extremely important to the Keller family. From a young age, Debbie and Paul have instilled the importance of philanthropy in their twins, Rachael and Taylor, and have always supported causes that are close to the family’s heart. Touching people’s lives has always been part of their day-to-day activity with Debbie a philanthropist, mother and wife, and Paul an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery. They have supported many local cancer centers and church organizations. Debbie is a two-time breast cancer survivor, so volunteerism was therapeutic for the family after her first diagnosis. She became involved in organizations such as the Cancer Care Center of Brevard, where she served as the president for many years. They also support the Young Survivor’s Coalition for breast cancer patients, since a fellow survivor and Debbie started the area’s chapter of the national organization.

“I give back because so much has been given to me, and I will always remain forever grateful for the support that got our family through the hardest times. I want to be that support to others as well.”

Gregory and his wife Lesa first photographed the Kellers’ daughters when they were just 2-years-old and they have photographed them every year since. “There is a masterpiece by Gregory in almost every room of our home,” Debbie said. “They are not just pictures — they are truly works of art.”


Gregory-Daniel-Portrait-ArtistBob Lee & Mica Perry

Mica grew up visiting the local area when her grandparents moved here as seasonal residents in the early 80’s. As the co-owner of Mica and Molly’s in Melbourne, specializing in resort chic clothing and gifts for the whole family, her store actively supports the community by hosting “Shop and Share” events throughout the year, donating 10 percent of proceeds to different organizations.

“I grew up in a very low income home and had to overcome many struggles to become successful,” Mica said. “Now that we are in a more secure place we feel that it is so important to give back.”

The couple actively supports the Take Stock in Children scholarship program, Brevard Rescue Mission, The Women’s Center and Sally’s House.

“We are big believers in giving back,” Mica said. “If we can help make even one person’s life and road to success a little easier I think that is a true measure of success.”

Mica and Bob described working with Greg and Lesa as a joy. “You sort of just feel like you’re hanging out with friends when you’re with them and then all of the sudden, they’re done,” she explained. “I think their work is really amazing and the art piece they did for our home is definitely something I will treasure forever.”


Gregory-Daniel-Portrait-ArtistThe Teply Family

Jon and Erin Teply were both raised in Minnesota and moved to the area just months after getting married. Now Melbourne feels like home after expanding their family here. The couple now have Cole (12), Max (9), Ava (7) and recently, a golden retriever, Lucky.

The family mainly supports Vision Research ROPARD Foundation, an organization founded by Max’s eye doctors because their son Max is blind.

“It is a top priority of mine to make sure he gets what he needs at school, gets the same experiences as sighted peers, friends, and siblings to ensure he is ready to move ahead with high school, college and beyond,” Erin said. “I have to admit I feel extremely lucky to have our Max.”

As a family, they spend hours watching Cole’s baseball games and supporting the other kids’ activities. For fun, traveling and boating are family favorites.

“Now that we have had our portrait up in our house, we love that many comments are ‘this gives me the chills!’” Erin said. “The portrait of my three kids hangs in the entry to our bedroom and their expressions are priceless — it will be a treasure of mine forever because they grow so fast!”

 

 


 

The Moreno FamilyGregory-Daniel-Portrait-Artist

Rita and Ruben Moreno are well-known in the local philanthropic community. Rita describes herself as a wife, full time mom, actor, foodie, volunteer and accidental community leader, with a new found love to blog, myviewfromthebalcony.wordpress.com.

Ruben is a dermatologist who runs a busy practice county-wide. Their two sons, Anthony and Adrian both graduated from a high school locally as the family has lived in the area for almost 27 years. They support the arts locally and the Health First Foundation, the Scott Center for Autism, The Women’s’ Center, Children’s’ Home Society, The American Cancer Society, ACCURE (Adrenal Cortical Cancer Cure), the Humane Society and more. Rita is a board member of the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts and part of the fundraising organization of Friends of Sally’s House.

“Ruben was born in South America; my parents were born in Italy. So as an immigrant family, we appreciate every opportunity this great country has given to us,” Rita said.

Greg and Lesa have photographed the family for almost 10 years, including their beloved pets, and a portrait with her sister Linda; each one capturing that special moment.

“Greg and Lesa Daniel produce such beautiful memories for our family, always a pleasure to be with this talented and lovely couple. Our recent portrait is a treasured milestone that reflects our life today centered in our entryway. It’s our welcome into our home.”


A Season of Giving: Shop for a Cause

These events during the month of November are designed to pay it forward. We are extremely delighted in the partnership with the following local businesses:

Gregory Daniel Portrait Artist

(321) 269-1567

Titusville Gallery 712 Garden Street | Titusville
Indialantic Gallery 306 5th Avenue | Indialantic

Camera Study Session Gift Certificates purchased during the month of November and December include: Studio camera study, framed 7’ gift portrait and $75 to spend on portraits. In-Studio camera study (valued at $500) donation of $100 goes directly to the respective organization. Environmental camera study (valued at $600) donation of $200 goes directly to the respective organization.

Mercedes-Benz Audi Porsche of Melbourne

(321) 557-9342
509 East NASA Boulevard | Melbourne

*A portion of sales during the month of November will be donated.
(applies to Brevard residents only.)

Genna Jewelers

(321) 215-2222
Viera – 2304 N. Remi Drive | Viera

November 4 – Brevard Symphony Orchestra

November 11 – Candlelighters of Brevard

November 18 – Friends of Sally’s House

November 25 – Take Stock in Children

*A portion of sales for the event will be donated to the organization

Mica & Molly’s

(321) 821-4962
1112 W. New Haven Avenue | Melbourne

November 2 – Take Stock in Children

November 9 – Friends of Sally’s House

November 16 – Brevard Symphony Orchestra

November 23 – Candlelighters of Brevard

*A portion of sales for the event will be donated to the organization

Michael’s Men’s Store

(321) 723-8400
201 5th Avenue | Indialantic

November 3 – Friends of Sally’s House

November 10 – Take Stock in Children

November 17 – Candlelighters of Brevard

November 24 – Brevard Symphony Orchestra

*A portion of sales for the event will be donated to the organization


This article appears in the November 2015 issue of SpaceCoast Living.