Christmas came early at the Grand Harbor Clubhouse with the 16th annual Evening of Giving, which kicked off the next season of the Grand Harbor Community Outreach program, a nonprofit founded in 2002.
“This traditional evening is one of our most popular member events,” said past president Susanne Sweeny. “The goal for the night’s festivities is to collect gifts and funds to benefit 12 local charities supporting children, the homeless, veterans and seniors in need.”
Two giant trees had been decorated with “wishes” gathered from Camp Haven, Children’s Home Society and its CHS Transitional Living Program, Guardian Ad Litem, the Hope for Families Center, Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Samaritan Center for Homeless Families, St. Francis Manor, Senior Resource Association, Vision Quest of the Education Foundation, the Veterans Council and the Indian River Golf Foundation SNAG program.
Committee members had first met with the selected charities to ascertain what they needed to continue their good works. Guests at the event plucked the wishes from the tree with the zeal of children unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, attesting to the adage that it is better to give than to receive.
“Grand Harbor Community Outreach has raised well over $3 million since its founding and now supports over 30 local agencies. The all-volunteer organization prides itself on ensuring that 100 percent of donor contributions go to the charities in need,” explained Sweeny. “The focus of our outreach is on building self-sufficiency and combating poverty throughout Indian River County.”
For the past 16 years, volunteers have raised funds through an Annual Fund Drive, events such as the Evening of Giving and corporate sponsorships to provide support to programs addressing unmet needs in Indian River County, particularly those in the areas of health, education and human services.
“When you see all the good we do collectively, it is amazing,” said Charlene Friedman.
After Santa’s helpers had chosen the various wishes they planned to fulfill, guests settled down to the second order of business – enjoying the evening and a buffet of delectable dishes at tables laden with gourmet cheeses and fruit, pastas and salads, and a carving station. And no holiday party would be complete without a multitude of confectionary treats: Christmas cookies and chocolates surrounded a white chocolate Christmas tree that was almost too beautiful to eat.
The setting may have been one of festive elegance, but the evening was filled with the spirit of giving.
