Gilbert's Family of Companies' Centennial Celebration was a gathering of family members, employees, business associates and Okeechobee community leaders and more to commemorate 100 Years of Excellence and contribution to community. At the event, Gil and Marie Culbreth, Bert Culbreth, and Christa Culbreth Luna presented a $100,000 donation to the Promise Program at Indian River State College Foundation for the benefit of Okeechobee students.
OKEECHOBEE, Fla., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- When Gilbert Culbreth founded a single location fuel station in Okeechobee back in 1924, he probably didn't know he was establishing the roots of a company that would continue to grow and last into the next century. But Gilbert's Family of Companies has flourished since then, and today it encompasses businesses including the original Gilbert Oil; Gilbert Chevrolet (since 1933); Gilbert Ford (since 2013); Gilbert Fleet and Commercial; Gilbert Collision Center; Gilbert Outdoors; Gilbert Transports; Gilbert Line-X, and Gilbert Realty.
On January 18th, the company's Centennial Celebration marked their 100th birthday, with a gathering of family members, employees, business associates and Okeechobee community leaders and more to commemorate 100 Years of Excellence and contribution to community. As part of the celebration, the current family owners-- Gil Culbreth, son of original founder Gilbert Culbreth, Gil's wife Marie, granddaughter Christa Culbreth Luna and grandson Bert Culbreth-- presented a $100,000 contribution to the Indian River State College Foundation's Promise Program, furthering their longstanding commitment to education and community development.
The $100,000 contribution will create dedicated support for students from Okeechobee County, ensuring local high school graduates have access to tuition-free education at Indian River State College. The gift represents a powerful example of the Gilbert's Family of Companies' century-long legacy of supporting education and economic development in Okeechobee.
"For a century, our family businesses have grown alongside this community," said Christa Culbreth Luna, Chevrolet Dealer/Owner at Gilbert's. "Supporting the Promise Program is our way of investing in the next generation of local leaders and ensuring that every student in Okeechobee County has the opportunity to pursue higher education."
Bert Culbreth, Ford Dealer/Owner at Gilbert's, added, "Education transforms lives and strengthens communities. Through this gift to the Promise Program, we are continuing our family's tradition of supporting local advancement while helping make college accessible to all qualified students."
"On behalf of Indian River State College and the many lives this will impact, I thank the Gilbert's Family of Companies and the Luna and Culbreth families for this extraordinary gift," said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. "For a century, Gilbert's has been woven into the fabric of Okeechobee, and this investment in our Promise Program demonstrates their deep commitment to the community's future. Their generosity will create educational pathways for Okeechobee students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to attend college, strengthening our workforce and creating lasting impact across Okeechobee and the entire Treasure Coast region for generations to come."
Annabel Robertson, Executive Director of the Indian River State College Foundation, emphasized the significance of the gift: "The Culbreth and Luna families' contribution to the Promise Program endowment ensures that we can continue to provide access to higher education for local students. Their generosity reflects a deep understanding of education's role in community development and economic growth."
The Indian River State College Foundation is vital in transforming lives through education by making college accessible to all qualified students. Through donor philanthropy, the Foundation helps provide exceptional educational experiences and facilities, while ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent talented students from pursuing their dreams. The impact of these investments is profound and lasting – with 76% of Indian River State College graduates remaining in the local community, each donation creates a powerful ripple effect that strengthens the regional workforce and economy.
The Promise Program, launched in 2022, has transformed access to higher education in our region. The program has driven significant increases in first-time-in-college enrollment, particularly among traditionally underserved populations. In the fall of 2024, the program served 2,243 students, with more than half being first-generation college students and 68% Hispanic. This landmark initiative represents the College's most substantial investment in eliminating barriers to higher education, creating pathways to college for qualified high school graduates across Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties.
To support the Promise Program or to learn more, visit https://giving.irsc.edu/promise-program/
To learn more about Gilbert's Family of Companies, visit Gilbert's Has It!
About Gilbert's Family of Companies: The Gilbert's Family of Companies is family owned, based in Florida's Heartland in Okeechobee, Florida, and has been since the founding of Gilbert Oil in 1924. Today, the Family of Companies includes still Gilbert Oil; Gilbert Chevrolet (since 1933); Gilbert Ford (since 2013); Gilbert Fleet and Commercial; Gilbert Collision Center; Gilbert Outdoors; Gilbert Transports; Gilbert Line-X, and Gilbert Realty.
About Indian River State College Foundation: The Indian River State College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports Indian River State College's mission by building partnerships, securing resources, and strengthening community awareness to help students achieve their dreams.
About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida's Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 120 programs leading to bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Renee Juarez
863-824-3636
Media Contact
Renee Juarez, Gilbert's Family of Companies, 1 863-824-3636, [email protected], GilbertHasIt.com
SOURCE Gilbert's Family of Companies
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