One dozen non-profit organizations will garner much-needed support from about 200 members of the Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club who gathered last Thursday for the community’s annual Night of Giving holiday event. Members plucked stars from the branches of two decorated Giving Trees to help make dreams come true for people in need this Christmas.
An enormous Christmas tree filled with paper stars and cutouts of snowmen graced the grand hall entry, where paper ornaments contained the names and wishes of children and non-profit agencies. A second tree located on the lower level near the golf shop and lockers provides convenient access for members during the day.
Co-chairs Catherine Reichert and Pat Simm were praised for coordinating the successful evening buffet, which kicks off the community’s seasonal giving. Over the next few weeks, members will continue to pick gift requests off the trees, fulfill the wishes and return them by the Dec. 2 deadline.
Night of Giving marks the start of Grand Harbor’s year-long philanthropic outreach to local people in need and the various nonprofit organizations that serve them. The seed for Night of Giving was planted when Pat and Doug Schnetzler first began collecting bicycles and Christmas gifts in their garage for needy children. As the project grew, the holiday effort was adopted by other Grand Harbor members.
The Grand Harbor Community Outreach was formed 14 years ago, instigated by Peg Keller who was its first president, to oversee Night of Giving and other fundraising efforts, such as the Golf Classic, Bridge Tournament and the Annual Fund.
“Community Outreach began very simply with a cookbook that raised $5,000,” said Doug Sweeny, vice president of philanthropy. “Last year our outreach raised $340,000 but over the last decade we have raised over $3 million that we have put into the community.”
The all-volunteer organization supports 29 organizations, and many say the reason they donate is that 100 percent of the money is gifted to local agencies.
Shelly Potter of the Indian River County School District and Cynthia Falardeau, executive director of the Education Foundation, stood sentry by the tree, hoping members would choose their Vision for Reading (VFR) stars. The VFR program tests the vision of school children and provides them with glasses if needed.
Susanne Sweeny, current outreach president, and Jerry Reichert, vice president of corporate development, have personally seen the effect of Night of Giving.
“I have been there when the kids get their gifts, and we have gone into the nursing homes and played music and sang as everyone opened the gifts,” said Sweeny.
“It is overwhelming,” agreed Reichert. “Especially when you go to the various agencies and give them a check and see what the money goes to help. I come back from these visits just welled up.”
“Many of our outreach and grants are about giving a hand up to get out of poverty, teaching skills on how to get a job. Night of Giving is a ‘hands out’ for Christmas because everyone needs help but they also need hope,” said Sweeny.
