Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club residents Regina and Bob Vetto
are honorary chairpersons for the University Club’s Fountain
of Youth fundraiser Jan. 13. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
The busier you are, the more opportunities to serve come your way. So says Regina Vetto, who — with her husband, Bob — is an honorary chairwoman of the FAU University Club Fountain of Youth fundraiser at the Addison Restaurant on Jan. 13.
The event celebrates Florida’s 500th birthday.
The story of how she became involved with the University Club is a funny one, Vetto says.
“Being involved in a number of things at the time, two friends begged to take me to a luncheon at FAU,” she remembers. “I told them I was unable to join even one more thing, and they promised it was just a lunch. The next thing I knew, I was not only a member but I was on the board of directors. Fifteen minutes later, I was president!”
She soon discovered a fondness for the organization, which has raised more than $400,000 for scholarships and more than $500,000 for libraries at Florida Atlantic University.
“The University Club is a wonderful group of kind, generous and very dedicated individuals,” she says. “Everyone is a dear friend.”
A longtime member of the Zonta Club of Boca Raton, Vetto was instrumental in founding the Zonta Club of Deerfield Beach last July and serves as the first president. “We already have 35 members,” she says.
The Boca club met evenings, but the Deerfield club has luncheon meetings, a preferential time for members.
Before she was married, Vetto had dreams of becoming a theatrical makeup artist but gave up on the idea after marrying her first husband when she was 20.
She and Bob have been married for 33 years and moved to Florida in 1982.
“My parents had moved here before we did, and we were ready for a climate change,” she says.
She loves shopping, spending time with friends, traveling and volunteering.
“God has really been good to us, so it’s good to give back,” she says.
— Mary Thurwachter
Q. Where did you grow up and go to school?
A. I was born and raised in Stamford, Conn. I attended Southern Connecticut State and later studied in New York City.
Q. What are some highlights of your life?
A. I have lived in Boca Raton for more than 30 years. My husband and I own 21st Century Auto Center in Deerfield Beach, and our two sons work with us. I have been involved in so many organizations and charities over the years, I lose count. I am a past president of The University Club at FAU, a past district governor of Zonta International and received the Community Service Award from B’nai B’rith International.
I am married to Bob, and I am the mother of three (Veronica, 39, Louis, 38, and Greg, 34) and the grandmother of three (Kate, Addison and Charlie, who was adopted in November).
My parents, who live in Lighthouse Point, recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary!
Q. How did you choose to make your home in Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club/Boca Raton?
A. We have lived in our home for nearly 30 years. We always knew we wanted to live near the beach, and Royal Palm is such a beautiful community.
Q. What is your favorite part about living in Boca Raton?
A. I love the fact that Boca Raton has absolutely everything! We have so many wonderful friends and business associates here, our church, St. Joan of Arc, wonderful restaurants, the best in shopping and, of course, gorgeous weather.
Q. If someone made a movie of your life, who would you like to play you and why?
A. Definitely Meryl Streep. She is awesome, both as a talented actress and gracious human being. I am a very determined person yet very soft-hearted. I love my family and friends with all my heart. I think she would convey that personality very nicely.
Q. What music do you listen to when you need inspiration? When you want to relax?
A. I’m an easy-listening kind of girl, but I absolutely love the ’50s.
Q. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires your decisions?
A. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Everyone deserves respect and recognition. I try very hard to always remember that.
Q. Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions?
A. My parents and grandparents are the first to come to mind. My grandfather came to America as a young man alone, not speaking or understanding one word of English. He worked for Connecticut Power and Light for 65 years before he retired. I still have the diamond pins the company gave him for every 10 years of service.
Q. What’s the last book you read, and would you recommend it?
A. Killing Lincoln. It was a great read, and I would definitely recommend it. It’s funny how the older you get the more fascinating history becomes.
Q. Who or what makes you laugh?
A. My grandchildren, every minute I’m with them!
If you go
The Fountain of Youth brunch and fundraiser begins at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13 at The Addison, 2 E. Camino Real #300, Boca Raton. Featured guests include local historian and artist Sandy Simon and The Conquistadors from the Department of Arts and Letters at FAU. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets are $99. For more information, call Arlene Brewer, 391-6776 or visit www. fauf.fau.edu/netcommunity/
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