Rock City Gardens was transformed into a magical Secret Garden of Hope for the Hope for Families Center’s 30th Anniversary celebration. Just as the garden in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s novel offers a haven of rejuvenation and solace to its main characters, the Hope for Families Center empowers homeless families by giving them a place to regroup and rebuild their lives.
Attendees entered the event through a tunnel of lights into a courtyard filled with white party tents, where some of Vero’s top chefs served up signature hors d’oeuvres. Guests could also treat themselves to wine, specialty cocktails, and even a sampling of Irish whiskey, scotch and bourbon.
Bidding was steady at the auction tables, where a large selection of gift baskets, artwork, jewelry and experiences beckoned. After mingling among the twinkling lights in the beautiful garden, ornate garden gates were opened to a beautifully decorated event tent, where guests enjoyed a three-course dinner prepared by Michael’s on 7th.
“‘The Secret Garden’ is a beautiful book that talks about children and their life in a secret garden, so Rock City Gardens was the perfect setting for our event,” said Marty Mercado, HFC executive director.
“A lot of the children who come to us are in their own space and head, much like the children in the book. While the setting is breathtaking, the most inspiring thing I see is the level of concern and love from our community for our families,” said Mercado.
She said HFC is currently housing 21 families, comprised of 20 adults and 34 children, and they have a waiting list of 24 families hoping to get in.
“Since we are privately funded, the only way we are able to house them is from the generous support of our community and all of the people sitting at our tables tonight. For me being new to the community, it’s been very humbling and inspiring to know that I have Vero Beach behind me,” said Mercado, who started at HFC this past July.
Dr. William Cooney, board president, spoke of the challenges they encountered as they worked to keep the shelter open and its residents safe during COVID.
“We managed to get our families vaccinated, with the help of Treasure Coast Community Health, and even in the midst of a pandemic we were able to expand our Reading Resource Room and renovate the Hope for Families Center Community Room. We recently purchased the adjoining property and are working on a plan to expand our campus,” said Cooney.
Dinner was followed by a live auction where generous bidders pledged to help fund the center, quickly raising their paddles to support various needs.
They noted that a $7,000 donation would enable a family to live at the center for six months, complete their program and receive social services to help them find affordable housing.
Donations of $5,000 would upgrade the playground, $1,500 donations were needed to pay electric bills and keep the lights on, and $250 pledges would put one child through the summer camp enrichment program.
With more than 2,500 people on the Treasure Coast unable to afford safe shelter, the Hope for Families Center is hoping to expand. They also require funding to help their clients regain self-sufficiency and move out of the center, leaving room for them to assist other families.
For more information, visit HopeForFamiliesCenter.org or call 772-567-5537.
Photos by Kaila Jones
