It was anchors away last Monday evening at the nautically-themed ‘Be a Lifesaver’ Annual Dinner at the Bent Pine Golf Club to benefit the Hope for Families Center.

After getting their sea legs, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and attempted to pick the lock on treasure chests to win some very Vero treasure. A live auction offered a smart car as well as six exclusive experiences, from lunch with macroeconomic strategist David Smick to dinner with author Evelyn Wilde Mayerson.

Fully embracing the theme, the committee adorned the room with red, white and blue maritime paraphernalia, including anchors, buoys, fishing nets and life preservers. The crew was also dressed to set sail, sporting iconic “Dixie cup” sailor hats as they served surf and turf to the worthy seafarers.

Dr. William Cooney, HFC board president, invited guests to get on board as lifesavers for homeless families by helping them attain employment and safe, permanent housing.

“Our mission is to take care of homeless families. We’ve made some changes and in our new model the key is to get families into permanent housing,” shared Cooney. “We want them to not only not be homeless but to also be productive members of society by giving them the tools they need to be successful.”

“Our focus is to bring them in quickly and work with them on budgeting, correcting their credit, employment and putting money away; to get them in and out quickly and into permanent housing as soon as possible,” added Diana Grossi, HFC executive director. “That way we can service more families.”

Shipmates watched an informational video and heard the testimonials of three recent HFC success stories, with families sharing their journeys out of homelessness through HFC assistance and support.

“It’s no secret there’s a large homeless population here and this is a place for families to be together,” said Lee Albro, event chair. “There is a lot of need, but there are a lot of people stepping up to the plate and doing really good things.”

On Dec. 16 and 17, HFC will host A Citrus Christmas at Riverside Park, and they are also gearing up for their 10th Anniversary Vero’s Top Chef Challenge Qualifier on Jan. 15 and the Feb. 5 Top Chef Finale.

For more information, visit hopeforfamiliescenter.org.