INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Homeless Family Center celebrated its 20-year success story with a spirited Birthday Wishes Annual Dinner at the Orchid Island Beach Club Monday night.
The sell-out crowd was treated to a surprise-filled evening that began with a private VIP sponsor reception at the exquisite Orchid Island home of Champ and Debbie Sheridan.
Sponsors arrived at the Beach Club and were spirited away by limousine to the Sheridan’s for a poolside pre-party with entertainment by Soulfege, which also played later at the main event.
“I think the greatest challenge, and it is a real challenge, is that there’s more need than there are facilities,” said Champ Sheridan. “We need to locate more jobs to help get them on their feet; it’s not always just bricks and mortar. The people I’ve met all want to put it behind them and move on with productive lives.”
Tom Nelson, a longtime supporter of the Homeless Family Center through his firm Nelson Morgan Wealth Management made a similar remark saying, “Many of the people homeless today just got a bad break; something happened and they missed out. It can happen very quickly and to anyone.”
Lorne Coyle, Homeless Family Center executive director, briefly thanked the gracious hosts, VIP reception sponsor Wilmington Trust, and all those who contributed to the success of the evening adding, “There were more sponsors for this annual dinner than ever before. It makes a huge difference to the families we serve.”
Champ Sheridan happily related that the dinner was a sellout. He also officially introduced their Golden Retriever Kermit, who had already endeared himself to the guests, sweetly entreating everyone with soulful look and a tail wag to please send a tasty hors d’oeuvre his way.
Debbie Sheridan applauded Cindy Goetz for the wonderful job she did chairing the event saying, “I am never giving a party without her.”
Lorne Coyle agreed, adding what a joy it had been to work with Goetz and her co-chair Liz Mayo. “When was the last time you went to a committee meeting that was fun, got the job done, and lasted an hour?”
Later Goetz said, “I started volunteering by giving makeovers to ladies as part of the center’s enrichment classes, to help them get ready for job interviews.” She said she was further inspired after hearing Richard LeMieux speak at an HFC luncheon about the heartbreaking journey which led to his book, Breakfast at Sally’s.
Sponsors were ferried back to join other party goers at the Beach Club, which was festooned for the party with ribbons and balloons. There were also gorgeously decorated centerpiece birthday cakes, compliments of Frosting on Cardinal Drive, which provided luscious cupcakes for dessert.
As they eventually sat for dinner Coyle promised guests, “You’ll be wined, dined and surprised.”
They delivered on all accounts, beginning with lively performances by students at the Indian River Charter High School, directed by Michael Naffzinger. Television’s Glee has nothing over on these talented singers, especially soloists Nancy Carvajal, and Jernie Talles. Dressed for the part, Jewel Blakeslee sang Marilyn Monroe’s famed breathy Happy Birthday to a blushing Champ Sheridan, who grinned from ear to ear.
Students then went table to table igniting hugely impressive sparklers atop each of the centerpiece birthday cakes. “It’s like Mt. Vesuvius,” exclaimed Linda Kline.
During dinner, a delightful combination of crabmeat stuffed prawns, and chicken, Bill Troxell said he served on the Homeless Family Center board for four years because he liked its objective.
“Some people have a very negative impression of the homeless; they picture people pushing shopping carts,” explained Troxell. “There’s more homeless in Vero than people realize. But most have just had some adverse occurrence which has caused them to need help. The Homeless Family Center does an excellent job getting people back into society so they can be productive again.”
Silent auction winners were announced, and a final Giving from the Heart live auction of paintings made by HFC children and Teddy bears was conducted, beginning with a $1,000 pledge by Tommy and Annmarie Chiarenza.
The Homeless Family Center provides emergency and transitional shelter for homeless families and provides services including children’s programs, employment training, and mental health counseling. The goal is to achieve self-sufficiency through education, living wages, and permanent housing.
Their next big fundraiser is the Vero Beach Top Chef Challenge; Qualifier Jan. 30 and Finale Feb. 27.
