VERO BEACH — United Way campaign co-chairs Chris and Don Loftus raised the ante Saturday night at a Casino Royale kick-off at the Vero Beach Country Club where they announced this year’s ambitious $2.5 million goal. The event was sponsored by local philanthropist and architect Tony Donadio as a loving tribute to the memory of his wife Margo, who passed away in April.
In a break from tradition, the event gave a boost to this 51st annual campaign by serving as a fundraiser as well as a kick-off. Guests were given $5,000 in funny money to try their hands at gaming tables and slot machines set up in the club’s lobby and grill, and could later turn their winnings into chances to win donated prizes.
“This is a great event,” said board member Ted Michael of the boisterous capacity crowd. “To see this many dynamic younger people in Vero Beach getting involved is terrific.”
“They’re making some fun changes,” said Karen Mechling, who is co-chairing the Commerce and Industry Cabinet with Monica Smiley. “Monica’s a dynamo; she’s got a lot of contacts. They wanted to bring on some new people. Rather than just asking people to give more money, getting more people involved will bring in more donations.”
Freddie Woolfork, representing Gifford Youth Activity Center, a United Way agency, was pumped up after bringing in four runs, playing as a celebrity in the Every Dream Has a Price softball game that afternoon.
“We beat the government team 19 to 7,” said a jubilant Woolfork.
Earlier in the day, Sabrina Carpenter helped with the decorations, which included a whimsical touch of the fashionista style displayed at her successful 80’s themed United Way fundraiser – wrapping the club’s jaunty golfer statue with a blue boa.
Guests were lured away from the tables for a brief program in the main dining room, where extensive buffets featured a pizza and cheese station, carving station, assorted pasta dishes and luscious desserts.
“In June, we had lunch right here with Tony and told him we had some different sorts of fundraising ideas, including a casino night,” said Chris Loftus, relating how the evening came about. “Tony said to us, “I really think I’d like to sponsor this entire event. I want to do it in honor of my wife.” She would have loved this event.”
“I did it because it was a good way to sponsor an event that would touch a lot of nonprofits at the same time,” explained Donadio. “It’s a tribute to Margo. It’s people like yourselves who helped get my family through this.”
Donadio introduced his two older sons, Anthony and Michael, and said of them and younger son Mark, “They’ve been my strength.”
“That’s the kind of person he is and that’s the kind of people who are here,” said Don Loftus. “We’re doing this for our 32 partner agencies. They’re doing so many things for the people in the community.”
The program recognized board members and staff and thanked Elite Campaign Sponsors and Torchbearer companies, whose contributions have already raised close to 28 percent of the campaign goal.
The couple told everyone to be on the lookout for 17 new people-meters, which will be placed around the county to focus on the number of people served rather than solely on dollars raised. The United Way estimates that 58,000 Indian River County residents are assisted through partner agency programs and community initiatives.
“We have a special person who has traveled a long way to get here,” said Chris Loftus, introducing Louise Kenny, director of Loyal Contributors and of Planned Giving for United Way Worldwide. “This is the first time anyone has ever visited Vero Beach from worldwide headquarters.”
In keeping with the casino theme, United Way board members and other leaders lined up holding oversized playing cards, which were flipped over to reveal a two, a five and a lot of zeros, marking what they announced was the “ambitious but necessary goal” of $2.5 million.
After the program, the evening was turned over to pure entertainment, with more casino gaming, dancing and dining and good friends enjoying a night out.
“This is really a fun party!” exclaimed Chris Loftus watching the revelers.
