About Us
The Purpose
& People
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Foundation was established to provide essential support for the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and the local communities they serve.
Foundation Mission
The principal objective of this Foundation is to establish a non-profit organization to raise money through donations and other fund-raising functions for the purpose of providing additional support to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and the greater community in St. Lucie County.
Foundation Guiding Principles
Procuring equipment, materials, and supplies for the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
Supporting community involvement activities that are aimed at reducing crime.
Supporting community involvement activities that lessen the burden of local government.
Supporting youth programs, school programs, and other activities providing positive experiences for the community.
Funding public causes through community building, education, and outreach.
Supporting other community involvement activities that provide local youth support and education.
Supporting volunteer groups that provide enhanced police visibility and safety.
Foundation Organization
Founded Through Service
Built on Leadership
Executive Director
John Carvelli
Advisor to Board
Sherrif Richard R. Del Toro Jr
Board of Directors
Howard Hughes
President
Howard Hughes – President
Jessica Krueger
Vice President
Jessica Krueger – Vice President
Jessica Krueger is an accomplished community and business leader dedicated to advancing education and local engagement. A proud graduate of John Carroll High School, she brings strong roots in St. Lucie County and a deep commitment to service. As Vice President, Jessica leverages her leadership experience to strengthen partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations, helping to build a more connected and resilient community.
Rick Lynch C.P.A.
Treasurer
Rick Lynch, C.P.A. Treasurer
Rick Lynch is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in tax and for-profit accounting, specializing in closely held corporations and partnerships across industries such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and services. A Stetson University graduate, he began his career on the Treasure Coast in 1981, later founding his own firm and merging it in 1990. Rick actively serves on several local boards and remains deeply involved in the community
while continuing to consult on complex tax and business matters.
Phillip Busch
Secretary
Phillip Busch – Secretary
Phillip Busch is the President of Southern Eagle Distributing, where he leads one of the region’s most respected beverage distribution companies. A dedicated community advocate, Phillip is actively involved in numerous charitable and civic initiatives across the Treasure Coast. As Secretary, he brings strong organizational leadership, business acumen, and a deep commitment to supporting law enforcement and community partnerships throughout St. Lucie County.
Peter Del Toro
Member
Peter Del Toro, Attorney – Member
Peter Del Toro is the founder and managing partner of Del Toro Law, bringing a unique background that combines his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from St. Thomas University School of Law. Deeply involved in the community, he serves on the board of Elev8Hope, supporting initiatives that assist the homeless, and acts as legal counsel for Midway Immunology and research Center, advancing treatment options for patients living with HIV/AIDS.
Erik Melville CFP
Member
Erik Melville – C.P.A. Member
Erik Melville is a Certified Public Accountant and Financial Advisor with more than two decades of experience helping families, individuals, and business owners build lasting financial legacies. As founder of the Melville Wealth Management Group and an advisor with Stifel, he provides thoughtful, relationship-driven guidance rooted in integrity and long-term vision. A dedicated community leader, Erik also serves on the board of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation and is passionate about supporting children and families throughout the Treasure Coast.
Stephen Leighton
Member
Stephen Leighton – Member
Why It Matters
Deputies face risks daily and our community needs support.
The Foundation will ensure that the Deputies and community will have supplemental support that will make a difference
Every dollar raised goes directly back into supporting the Sheriff’s Office and community members and their initiatives.
Transparency
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Foundation is built on the principles of integrity, accountability, and public trust. We believe that transparency is essential to maintaining confidence in our mission and ensuring that every dollar donated truly benefits the people and programs we serve.
To Honor That Commitment, We Pledge To
Operate with fiscal responsibility.
Our volunteer Board of Directors oversees all Foundation activities, ensuring alignment with our mission, compliance with state and federal non-profit regulations, and the highest standards of conduct.
All funds are managed in accordance with non-profit best practices, with clear reporting on how donations are allocated to programs, equipment, and community initiatives.
Ensure donor confidence.
Publish regular reports.
Ensure donor confidence.
We provide annual summaries of fundraising activities, expenditures, and program impact. Financial statements are available to donors and the public upon request.
Share measurable results.
Maintain ethical governance.
Program outcomes and community impact are regularly evaluated and shared through our website and public meetings, so supporters can see the difference their generosity makes.
Our Story
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Foundation was created with one simple goal — to build a safer, stronger community by supporting the men and women who protect it. Recognizing that public safety extends beyond law enforcement alone, community leaders and residents came together to form a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the resources, relationships, and opportunities that help our Sheriff’s Office better serve every corner of St. Lucie County.
Through private donations, sponsorships, and local partnerships, the Foundation provides funding for essential equipment, materials, and training that go beyond what traditional budgets can cover. From modern technology that improves officer safety and efficiency to volunteer programs that increase visibility and engagement, every contribution directly strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the community it serves.
But our mission doesn’t stop there. The Foundation proudly supports youth and education initiatives that give young people positive experiences with law enforcement — from school programs and scholarships to leadership and mentoring opportunities. We also invest in community outreach efforts that reduce crime, empower neighborhoods, and lessen the burden on local government by encouraging collaboration and trust.
Every project, every partnership, and every act of giving represents our shared commitment to the well-being of St. Lucie County. Together, we are helping to ensure that safety, opportunity, and community pride remain at the heart of our county for generations to come.