VERO BEACH — A sweat-glistened crowd gathered in full force Saturday at the annual Waldo’s Christmas in July fundraiser to benefit the Love Doctors Charities. The event was initiated by Lee Olsen, manager of Waldo’s Restaurant at the Driftwood Resort five years ago as an energized summer kick-off for the Love Doctors Charities Toy Drive. Festivities continue all day Sunday as well.
“We were looking for a reason to have a midsummer party which would pertain mostly to the locals,” explained Olsen. “Since it was the middle of July, we thought – let’s do a Christmas in July party and have the Love Doctors be the benefactor. We thought to give them a launching pad in July. What I really like about the charity is that they have minimal expenses, so almost every penny they raise goes to the charity.”
On-air personalities “Dr. Rich” Dickerson and “Dr. Glenn” Curtis, hosts of The Love Doctors at Real Radio started the Toy Drive in 1994 by asking listeners to donate money or new toys for local children in need.
As the need has increased, so has the response. To date approximately 80,000 children have relished a happier holiday, with each receiving three brand new toys. It’s a five-county project, encompassing Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee and Palm Beach Counties.
“Last year we collected many, many toys; close to 1,000 just at Waldo’s,” said Love Doctors Charities executive director Terri May. “It was a wonderful beginning for us.”
Although the nonprofit Love Doctors Charities has expanded its reach to other projects and programs, funds and toys generated at the weekend event all benefit the Toy Drive. Later in the year, volunteers will gather at various locations to help with the massive toy distribution.
“Families register through social service agencies, schools, and other resources, so we know that those families are truly in need,” explained May. “This is a project that is really community orientated, with our donors, supporters and volunteers. We’re very, very fortunate.”
Last year saw the addition of the Cathy McCloskey Memorial Golf Tournament at Sandrige Golf Club in memory of former Christmas in July volunteer Cathy McCloskey.
Fittingly, this year’s tournament winners all work at Raymond James and Associates, where McCloskey was employed.
“Cathy was absolutely wonderful,” said Massey. “She loved kids; she donated all her time to helping underprivileged kids.”
Santa’s Budweiser sleigh, prominently displayed at the restaurant entrance, continued to fill up with toys as people arrived, bringing to the forefront the overall message, “it’s all about the kids.”
With most seeking out every available sliver of shade, still others boogied to the beat of the bands St. John’s Woods on Saturday. Sunday will feature Smoking Man and Steven 24/7 as well as two poker runs.
“This year we’ve added what we’re calling Waldo’s By Land or By Sea Poker Run and Pub Crawl,” said Olsen, laughing that he got the idea from a recent trip to Massachusetts.
The “Land” portion continues their popular motorcycle poker run. The “Sea” will have people sandy-shoeing it to the Wave at Costa d’Este, Mulligan’s Beach House, Heaton’s at the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa, and the Citrus Grill.
“This gives us an opportunity to share with the other local businesses on the beach side,” said Olsen.
A bevy of “Bud Girls” will split up to escort four separate groups to the beachside establishments, to get a poker card and spend a little time cooling off with a frosty beverage. A toot of a whistle and it will be time to switch and hot-foot it to the next location.
“This is a very generous community; our listeners come through for us all the time,” said “Dr. Glenn” of the continual outpouring of support. “We’ve got the most generous listeners in the world.”