Supporters of The Arc of Indian River County enjoyed a night under the stars while providing assistance to special needs individuals at the second annual Starlight and Sneakers benefit last Thursday evening at Rock City Gardens. Roughly 250 guests dined, danced and recognized capital campaign donors who are providing funds to build five group homes for Arc clients.
The weather could not have been more perfect as guests began the evening with a lovely stroll of the grounds, enjoying cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and the music of the Gypsy Lane Band before sitting down to a delicious buffet dinner catered by Elizabeth D. Kennedy and Company.
Everyone had been encouraged to dress up their comfortable footwear and Dick Pippen was awarded the Best Sneaker prize for his garden-themed Nikes, covered in oversized silk butterflies.
“We are unofficially calling this year Sneakers and Starlight into the Woods because we moved the tent and extended it out to the ponds,” said board member Mary Beth Vallar, appreciating that Rhonda and Tom Lowe had once again graciously offered Rock City Gardens as the event venue.
“We are so grateful to the Lowes for providing us this beautiful location.”
Entertainment kicked off with a special performance by The Arc Chorus, with clients dancing and lip-syncing to “Thank You for Being a Friend” and “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow,” conducted from the dance floor by The Arc’s indefatigable marketing director, Noreen Davis.
“There is a whole network of people out here that are not cared for and are misunderstood,” said board chairman Dick Pippert, who has been involved for seven years. “I watched these people live their lives and they are enthusiastic, honest and exciting. That is what started the love affair. I was just cutting up a ham for breakfast and this group got out and was singing Christmas carols. They thought they were the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; they were so beautiful. I sat there with a knife and fork and cried.”
The Arc is currently raising funds for a five-building group home expansion project. The homes are particularly important for clients needing a safe place to live and learn job and life skills, whose aging parents might no longer be able to continue their care.
“How would you like to have a child who told you he was planning to live with you for his entire life without a job? That must be every parent’s dream,” said 21-year old client Justin as the audience laughed appreciatively. He has just graduated high school and is now looking at an uncertain future. “That’s why we need you to help provide us with training, transportation and a place to live right here in Vero Beach as citizens.”
“We have the first home built and are waiting for the Certificate of Occupancy now,” said executive director Chuck Bradley. “This is great to look out at all the generosity of the movers and shakers of Indian River County who came out to support us tonight. These folks are what keep us going.”
“Last year I was asking you for the money to build a group home and this year I am here to thank you for the group home that your money built,” said Pippert to applause.
