Few things tug at the heartstrings more effectively than the sound of children’s voices lifted in song, and last Wednesday the Gifford Youth Achievement Center’s Christmas Ensemble did just that at the sixth annual Party with a Purpose gathering, organized by Cindy Goetz and held at the home of Brian and Liz Mayo.
As guest enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the children rocked the house with Jingle Bells before hitting just the right notes with Christmas carols and holiday favorites.
For the past few years, Goetz and her friends have hosted themed parties to support local charities; the beneficiary of this year’s Miracle on 43rd Avenue Holiday Toy Drive was the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.
“A few years ago I started doing Parties with a Purpose with my friends,” recalled Goetz. “We had so much fun helping local families that we’re still doing it.”
The party format may change, but the results are always the same, a celebration of giving. Christina Tascon, GYAC marketing coordinator, had helped with last year’s Party with a Purpose and asked Goetz if she would consider a toy drive for GYAC this year.
“She ran with it like you wouldn’t believe,” said Tascon. “She had the whole thing set up with the businesses within days.”
The local businesses that got involved had each contributed at least 10 gifts and guests loaded all the toys into a Pak Mail delivery truck. They had exceeded their goal of 196 presents for the GYAC students, so the excess, along with other items donated by longstanding supporters from Waterway Village, Grand Harbor, John’s Island and Oak Harbor, will be distributed to children in the Gifford neighborhood.
“It is more than just helping the kids get a present, although that is the main point of the toy drive,” said Tascon. “The toy drive helps build a connection with these businesses and hopefully educates them on the valuable work we do here and great need there is in the Gifford community.”
“What we’re doing today is another way of building relationships,” added GYAC Public Relations Director Freddie Woolfork. “These toys are just an incentive. The actual relationships will last a lifetime.”
The hope is to foster a foundation to break down barriers between the Gifford Community and Indian River County residents while promoting productive lifestyles. The GYAC supports the community with programs for children such as mentoring, tutoring, access to computer labs and arts and environmental education through partnerships with the Vero Beach Museum of Art, Riverside Children’s Theatre, Indian River Land Trust and Environmental Learning Center, and animal care with the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.
“It takes teamwork to make a dream work,” said Woolfork, listening to a lively performance of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
Past Party with a Purpose beneficiaries have included H.A.L.O., the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County and local food banks. Last year they dropped off gifts and money at the homes of four families where there wouldn’t otherwise be many gifts under the tree.
