WABASSO ISLAND , Fla. In the weeks since the lightning-sparked devastating fire at the Environmental Learning Center on June 30, there has been a heartening expression of support from the community. According to Holly Dill, ELC Executive Director, "Phone calls, emails and notes continue pouring in, expressing concern about the ELC since the major fire." To help with fundraising for rebuilding the wet lab and classroom, the Nature Nook, ELC's gift shop, is holding a "Fire Sale" with 20% to 40% off selected items. The Nature Nook is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 9 am until noon and Sunday from 1 pm until 4 pm.

Additionally, three local businesses are sponsoring fundraisers for the ELC.

Shop for a Cause. Lifestyle store Decorative Arts and trendy Estilo Boutique will join forces for a special one-night sale, with profits going to the ELC. The sale will be from 5:30 to 8 pm on Thursday, August 14, at Decorative Arts, 1923 Old Dixie Highway in historic downtown Vero Beach. Says Deb Daly, owner of Decorative Arts, "I have volunteered for ELC for several years, so when I heard about the fire, I wanted to do something to give back to an organization that I feel strongly about both personally and for the benefit of our community. Fabulous merchandise and shopping for a cause...what better excuse does a girl need?"

Walk-A-Thon. David Lewis Productions, audio/visual specialists in design, consulting and installation, is hosting the walking event with all proceeds to the ELC. Scheduled for Saturday, August 23, the 2 mile walk begins at 9 am in Sebastian's Riverview Park, proceeds to Captain Hiram's and returns. Food, raffles and live music will follow in the park. For walker pre-registration and sponsorship forms, contact Krystal Evans at 772-589-8828. Forms can also be downloaded from ELC's website: www.DiscoverELC.org

Ms. Planet Beach. Planet Beach of Vero Beach, a contempo spa is holding a series of Thursday night international spokesmodel competitions at the Riverside Café in Vero Beach, through September 4. The "Bead & Beach Party" starts at 9 pm with specialty drinks and music, followed by the competition at 9:30. Models, in cocktail dresses, will engage patrons in conversation and voting is done by placing donations in bottles. All proceeds go to the ELC Fire Fund, so come out for a fun time and a good cause.

The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach off County Road 510 at the western edge of the Wabasso Bridge. Its 64-acre island campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop and visitor center. A list of its many field excursions including hikes, boat excursions, nature walks and bird watching can be found at www.DiscoverELC.org.