VERO BEACH — A few brief sprinkles only contributed to the sultry island ambiance of A Tropical Night in Martinique to benefit the Mental Health Association. Boris Gonzalez once again offered the use of his lovely Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel for the event, and as guests arrived they were further transported on their island adventure through the soothing sounds of steel drums.
During the cocktail hour, guests gathered inside Maison Martinique, to mingle and peruse the numerous silent auction items, highlighted by what has become a mascot of sorts for the Mental Health Association, the TurtleTrax turtle. Exquisitely hand-painted by local artists, this year’s six table-top sized turtles included one each by Debra Jenkins, Gloria Richmond and Donna Bryan and three by Ruth Ann Holt.
Nancy Johnson has been involved with the organization since its initial TurtleTrax fundraiser, and eventually joined the board at the behest of board chair Robert Young. She and Mary Lou Young co-chaired this year’s gala.
“I have always thought the Mental Health Association was a good charity,” said Johnson. I’m also involved with the Gifford Youth Activity Center, which is another important one. These two are not glamorous; there’s no razzle dazzle, but they do great things.”
Of the Mental Health Walk-In Center, which opened its doors in 2007, Johnson added, “I think it’s wonderful that they have this walk-in clinic that anybody can go to. They will take you right away. When someone is suicidal, they need help right away; they can’t wait for an appointment in two weeks. Here, when you need help, you can get it any time. And paying is not a problem, so anybody can get help.”
“If they qualify, they get it all free,” said Kris Sarkauskas, MHA president and CEO. She explained that the first visit to the clinic is free, and after that the cost is based on a person’s ability to pay. “That’s why we’re doing all this; to raise money for these services.”
The evening’s tropical island vibe was continued as guests moved into large tents set up in the parking lot, where the shimmering table décor had been artfully designed by William Bainbridge Steele. Guests dined by the soft glow of candlelight on a surf and turf combination of filet of beef and pan seared salmon followed by a decadent dessert buffet, and later worked off a few calories dancing to the sounds of the band, Solid Gold.
Philanthropist Barbara Becker Hurley, the event’s grand benefactor, said she had been recruited by friend Nancy Johnson to get involved with the first TurtleTrax fundraiser. “I have one of the large turtles on my patio,” said Hurley. “I bought another one for the VNA Hospice House; it’s sitting in their butterfly garden.”
“It’s important,” added Hurley. “I think what’s most important is that people have to know there’s not a stigma attached to getting help.”
And indeed, the simple yet powerful message the Mental Health Association has been promoting in recent years is, “It’s OK to get help.”
In 2010 the number of adults, children and families seeking assistance increased by 50 percent over prior years. That upward trend continued in 2011, with more than 10,000 visits to the Center; many provided free of charge, and they expect the demand to further increase.