The experience of being a patient in a hospital emergency room can be traumatic for anyone, but it is especially true for children. Vero Beach Yacht Club members understand that and have designated November as the “Month of the Teddy Bear.”
Last Saturday night, nearly 100 people attended a Teddy Bear Ball and Auction at the Yacht Club, kicking off an annual drive to collect at least 300 furry friends for the Indian River Medical Center by Christmas. The plush toys will be given to frightened young patients, as well as those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, so that they can feel a sense of safety and security in an otherwise scary situation.
The jovial crowd enjoyed cocktails and dinner, followed by County Commissioner and professional auctioneer Wesley Davis calling for bids for lovingly handcrafted bears, other stuffed animals, and Santa scarves, all sewn or knitted by Kim Witmer, the talented wife of General Manager Shawn Witmer. Other auction items included several baskets of goodies, including one with a Teddy Bear tea party theme.
“I’m happy that they are out of our guest room and going to a great cause at the hospital,” laughed Shawn Witmer.
Davis’ quick-talking charm mesmerized the crowd and kept guests bidding. The event raised nearly $2,000, to be donated to the Indian River Medical Center’s Hospital Auxiliary. In the past, the Auxiliary has used the proceeds to purchase equipment for the hospital, including the chimes that ring when a baby is born on the hospital’s maternity floor. This year, the auxiliary will purchase a hearing test machine for newborns.
“He is making a lot of money for the hospital,” remarked long-time Vero resident Patsy Helseth, who had been in charge of collecting the bears in the past.
By evening’s end, members Deno and Elaine Caloudas, who divide their time between Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island, had a table filled with several bears and a basket they had purchased.
“It is a good cause,” said Deno Caloudas. “Anything for the kids.”
Yacht Club members have been donating stuffed animals to the hospital for several years. Many guests brought stuffed animals with them to the ball, to be given to the hospital. This year, club member Bobbi Walker has been appointed the new stuffed bear zoo keeper, and has asked for assistance from Indian River County residents.
Beginning on Nov. 1, the Yacht Club, located at 3601 Rio Vista Boulevard, will be a drop-off point for anyone who would like to donate a new teddy bear, or any other type of stuffed animal friend, no larger than 12 inches in size. Anyone who contributes a stuffed animal that day will receive a ginger-bear cookie.
“The room was full of joy, ignited by Wesley Davis,” said member Kitty Kennedy, as she watched people leave the club, their arms full of bears. “All in all, it was a very successful night.”
