The Hardee Family Foundation believes that strong communities are a reflection of strong healthy families. We are dedicated to supporting programs that build healthy families with strong family values. We intend to concentrate our resources in our local communities focusing on education through scholarships and cancer research.
The Hardee Family Foundation Inc. was formed in July, 1999 by Gretchen and Wellford Hardee. The Foundation was created as a 501c3, Federal Tax Exemption of nonprofit organizations as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. The initial office of the corporation was located at 2320 Cordova Avenue in Vero Beach, Florida 32960.
Daniel Wellford Hardee, son of Gretchen and Wellford Hardee, served as the initial registered agent of the corporation. The first board of directors was comprised of 4 family members; Wellford, Daniel, Roberta (Peirce) and Carla Hardee (Tobin). The foundation was created by funding from the Wellford and Gretchen Hardee CLAT (Charitable Lead Annuity Trust). The CLAT donated 5% of the gross proceeds annually to the Hardee Family Foundation for 15 years. Additional funding came from the Gretchen Hardee CRUT (Charitable Remainder Unified Trust) upon her death, originating from the Wellford Hardee trust.
Currently, the foundation is being funded by theGrandchildren’s CLAT (Charitable Lead Annuity Trust). The Grandchildren’s CLAT was originally funded with one million dollars from Wellford and Gretchen Hardee. 7% of the gross annual value is donated to the Hardee Family Foundation for a period of 20 years beginning May 3, 2007. The foundation was set up to continue into perpetuity.
Roberta (Robbi) Peirce joined the Hardee Family Foundation as a Director when it was founded in 1999, as one of the children of Wellford and Gretchen Hardee. As past Executive Director from 2013-2016, Robbi facilitated the implementation of a Board Manual, set up strategic goals for the Foundation, and has been passionate in giving back resources to the local community. Robbi graduated from The University of Florida is 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration.
Carla Tobin Carla is the current Executive Director of the Hardee Family Foundation and will retain her position from 2016-2019. Being one of the three children of Wellford and Gretchen Hardee, Carla joined the Foundation in 1999 as a Director and has been instrumental in furthering the Board’s initiatives and fund raising efforts. Carla graduated from University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in 1985 and from the Art Institute of Ft.Lauderdale with an Associate of Science Degree in Interior Design in 1987.
As a former Executive Director of the Hardee Family Foundation from 1999-2012 and the son of Wellford and Gretchen Hardee, Dan continues his role in the foundation as IT Director and Investment Strategist. Dan is a graduate of Mercer University in Macon Georgia, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management in 1988.
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