In a unique twist on the usual jail and bail fundraisers, Camp Haven lured some “big fish” for a Catch and Release Fishing Tournament, which raised more than $21,000 to benefit the transitional shelter for homeless men. Twenty community leaders were netted until they could haul in $1,000 each to earn their release from their holding tank at the Vero Beach Community Center.
Camp Haven, a non-profit agency located on U.S. 1, provides shelter and stability to its once-homeless residents through programs that support a positive approach to enable them to once again become contributing members of the community.
The clever fishing expedition twist was the brainchild of Camp Haven Board President Lalita Janke, who felt that some of the public officials invited to participate might not relish seeing photos of themselves behind prison bars so close to election time.
“Each dignitary who participated called their friends or business connections to raise the money and had to bring a check for at least that amount today,” said Janke. “Because donations are slow in the summer, I wanted to make sure we have a reservoir of at least four months. You never know what will happen if people are impacted by hurricane season.”
Many big fish had dropped off their checks to Janke prior to the event, while those who did come enjoyed a luncheon provided by Einstein Brothers Bagels and talked about Camp Haven.
The captured big fish came from all areas of the community, including County Commissioners Tim Zorc and Wesley Davis, business leaders Carl Fetzer, Connie Bishop, John Kim and Todd McIntyre, philanthropists Mel Teetz, Dr. Walter Janke and Diana Stark, and radio personality Rhett Palmer, among others.
“The summer can be a little harder on the homeless because of the weather and the mosquitoes,” said Lt. Chuck Kirby of the Indian River Sheriff’s Office, another of the captured fish. “If we can get people off the streets and in a program like Camp Haven, it is extremely beneficial. Their success rate has been phenomenal.”
“The service they provide is absolutely amazing,” said Davis. “To be able to take men that are homeless and rehabilitate them to be productive members of society is by itself a good thing. But on the humanitarian side, just to know that someone’s dad, son or uncle is being provided a service like this is priceless.”
“We have housing for 15 men at Camp Haven, two per room,” said Jermey Gable, CH program director. “There are three criteria to be here: You have to be an Indian River County resident for six months; you have to be employable; and finally, you cannot be a sex offender. We get them in, provide them with housing, food and connected to Community Health, and start them on our programs. We also help get them some mental health therapy, help them build a portfolio and set goals. I tell every resident that if you do exactly what we require in the program, 100 percent of you will reach success.”
