The unsinkable spirit of children living at the Homeless Family Center was showcased last Friday at the second annual HFC Kids Got Talent Show and Open house, attended by friends, family and supporters of the organization.
Unlike its annual Top Chef and Spring Luncheon fundraisers, Anthony Zorbaugh, HFC development director, explained that this event was meant to be more of a friend-raiser.
“We want the public to know that these are great kids here at the center,” said volunteer Liz Mayo. “We have a wonderful group of families who have a lot to offer the community, including the talents of these kids.”
To educate the public that the center offers more than just housing for families in emergency situations, HFC opened its doors for an afternoon of fun, with free ice cream, hot dogs, a bounce house and an entertaining talent show, where their smallest residents danced, sang, played the violin and showed off their martial arts moves.
“It’s hard not to get choked up when you see their wonderful spirits on stage,” said Zorbaugh.
“Allison and I are here just to support the families because we think it is so important to get a positive push up from your peers,” said Christine Hughes from Dale Sorensen Real Estate, who acted as a talent show judge with co-worker Allison Strazzulla. After touring the facility, both said they were impressed.
“We want to invite the community to see what HFC does. We have so much to offer the community and we let the kids show off their talents,” said Roger Sobkowiak, HFC board president. “This is our second year of doing this and it is definitely up a notch. I see the kids so excited and it is an opportunity for them to actually shine.”
“Today these kids are not homeless kids, they are just kids with a talent,” said Mary Ellen Maguire, HFC executive director. “Last year the kids performed and we had a wonderful event. For months the kids continued to talk about it and be proud of what they had accomplished. For these families, that’s a big deal.”
Sensei John Walcott of Cloud Walker Dojo started things off, leading children through a martial arts demonstration. Walcott said the kids who come to his dojo twice a week increase physical proficiency and self-confidence.
“The activities build their self-esteem,” said Walcott, pointing to one of his students on stage. “When this girl began she would not say two words in my class and look at her now.”
“Some people in the community do not know that we are here, or that there is such a homeless issue in Vero Beach,” said Sobkowiak. “Right now there are about 400 families who are homeless throughout the county. We have only 21 rooms here with about 80 residents, most of them children.”
And for the children at this event, it was at least one day to be a child and concentrate on the fun … and the free ice cream.
