VERO BEACH — A legacy of giving from the heart epitomizes recipients of the Samaritan Center for Homeless Families Good Samaritan Award. The description most certainly applies to Robert and Eleonora McCabe, who were applauded at the Samaritan Center 17th Annual Dinner as this year’s award honorees for their generous support of the community.
Through their Robert F. and Eleonora W. McCabe Foundation and individually, Bob and Ellie have repeatedly volunteered their time and have made significant philanthropic contributions to organizations such as Environmental Learning Center, the Vero Beach Museum of Art, The Mental Health Association, St. Edwards School, and the Visiting Nurse Association.
Their particular focus on mental health initiatives led the McCabe Foundation to donate $2 million to the University of Florida, establishing a permanent endowment which would support psychiatry and community health in Indian River County. As a direct result of their actions, the University of Florida Center for Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine was established in Vero Beach to train the next generation of psychiatrists.
Friends, past honorees and representatives of the many non-profit organizations they have supported over the years were on hand for the celebration. Holy Cross Church donated the use of their Parish Hall, attractively decorated with red tablecloths and hearts in line with the Give from the Heart theme.
Following the cocktail hour where guests mingled and perused the items which would later be auctioned by guest auctioneer Wesley Davis, guests sat down to a delicious dinner catered by Culinary Capers. Diners were moved by the story of one of the Samaritan Center residents whose life, and those of her two children, was turned around as a result of her experience at the Center. Dr. Wayne Creelman, the McCabe Eminent Scholar Chair and Medical Director of the Center, had the honor of presenting the Samaritan Center Award to the McCabes.
Funds raised by the dinner support the Samaritan Center, a homeless program for families in Indian River County. Families at the Samaritan Center commit to a comprehensive, highly structured program that seeks to end their homelessness and bring about independent living in the community. Samaritan Center, part of Catholic Charities and a United Way agency, has helped over 315 families since opening its doors in 1992. {igallery 138}
