The Treasure Coast division of the Children’s Home Society of Florida hosted an elegant Catch Championship Fever Soirée last Wednesday evening, beginning with cocktails in the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa’s Shoreline Room followed by dinner in the Cobalt Restaurant. The event was the conclusion of a two-part fundraiser, which began with a golf tournament the week before, to raise funds for and awareness of CHS, which provides protection and guidance to children and teens.
Before dinner, guests munched on tasty hors d’oeuvres while perusing an array of silent and live auction items, and were also offered a unique chance to purchase a key to unlock the doors and take home an ornate, fully-stocked wine/liquor cabinet.
“Being here tonight with the most talented board ever means a lot, because we could not do what we do without such committed board members,” said Sabrina Barnes, CHS Treasure Coast executive director. “I am happy to be here to help support their efforts for the children on the Treasure Coast that need assistance.”
Children’s Home Society, founded in 1902, is the oldest and largest organization for children in the state. Most divisions work with children of every age, from pre-birth assisting with adoptions to helping youth in their teenage years. However, in Indian River County, the focus is specifically on young adults aged 17 to 23. Many are referred through state or county recommendations or by other children’s advocacy groups but others volunteer for the program on their own.
“Initially we only worked with kids until they turned 18. But we realized that many of these children need a program beyond that age through our Transition Living Program and the Transitional Outreach Program, which extends after the high school level,” said Dale Jacobs, CHS Advisory Board chair.
Transitional Living is for young adults who have aged out of foster care, or are homeless but have not yet graduated from high school. Many in similar situations have tried to make it through high school but drop out, finding it difficult to cope. CHS assists by giving them a safe and healthy environment and by encouraging further education and vocational training toward becoming self-sufficient adults.
“Our No. 1 focus with them is education,” said Jacobs. “Where they are at and where they want to go in their future. We work with them to get their diplomas, GED or a vocational education. They are all supposed to be working to a degree or an area of employment.”
“In this age group are the ones who are going to lead the next generation, so to have this foundation is so critical,” said Kelly Donovan, who co-chaired the event with Rodger Pridgeon.
“I adopted my nephew at 12,” added Pridgeon. “I can see the difference it made for him to have someone who guided him through school and into [becoming] an adult. I want the same experience for the kids who are helped by the Children’s Home Society programs.”
