Popular author Debbie Macomber and husband Wayne hosted a cocktail reception at their lovely home at The Moorings last Saturday evening to introduce this year’s Wheels and Keels beneficiaries, Youth Sailing Foundation and The Arc of Indian River County.
Macomber greeted guests with a warm and welcoming smile to enjoy music by talented members of the Gifford Youth Orchestra and cocktails on the patio overlooking the lagoon and a gorgeous Florida sunset.
The fifth annual Wheels & Keels Antique and Exotic Car & Boat Show, founded by members of The Moorings Yacht and Country Club, will take place there from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an expected 65 cars, 6 motorcycles and 20 boats, including a 64’ Rybovich Sportfish and a Trident submarine.
“Behind every car and every boat there’s a story, and these are really interesting stories,” said George O’Malley, co-chair with Gavin Ruotolo. “Last year, we had the Cadillac convertible that Joe DiMaggio bought for Marilyn Monroe when they got married. But we don’t do this just for show. We want to improve the lives of children and adults wherever we can. We want to grow the community.”
YSF began six years ago, offering free sailing lessons on 8-foot Opti boats to Indian River County children, and has since expanded to include larger C420 sailboats for older children.
“We started a Vero Beach High School Team last September, and it has grown so much that it has become a Varsity Letter sport,” said YSF president Charlie Pope. The 25-member team placed in its first Regional Regatta in Tampa. Donations are needed to cover the $300 per semester cost per student for instructors, boat maintenance and insurance.
“The beauty of Youth Sailing is that we have kids from all over the county, from all economic backgrounds and all different social backgrounds, but they all interact together,” added Chris Pope. “That can only be good; that teaches them a lot of things.”
The Arc of Indian River County has provided assistance to special needs individuals for the past 40 years. The organization currently operates four group homes for 20 individuals, and serves roughly 180 people, with an average age of 43 years old, on a regular basis.
Dick Pippert said the main question for their parents is, “What’s going to happen to my child when I can no longer care for him?”
To address the problem, The Arc is raising funds to build six residential homes on its 5th St. SW campus which will house 54 individuals.
