Homebound seniors who might otherwise go hungry will have a hot meal delivered to them every day thanks to the efforts of Mike and Sassy Smith, who enlisted the support of Vero’s philanthropic community for the second annual Pro-Am Charity Golf Classic and Croquet Tournament at Riomar Country Club to benefit the Senior Resource Association.
“This is the second year they’ve done this for us; it’s just amazing,” said Karen Deigl, SRA president and CEO.
Participants in the multifaceted event had a choice of playing golf in a foursome with a PGA pro at Riomar’s stunning oceanfront course, or competing in a tournament in the reinvigorated game of croquet. Players were joined later by dinner-only guests for cocktails and a gourmet dinner before auctioneer Neil Saffer presided over an auction of highly desirable trips and golfing experiences, exceptional pieces of jewelry and a “Wait List Relief” paddle raise.
“Please feel good about all you have accomplished today because you are supporting the seniors of our community. And I don’t know about you, but I sure want an advocate looking out for me when I get old,” quipped Mike Sassy in his welcome. He related that he became involved after his late father told him how much he had enjoyed being a Meals on Wheels volunteer.
“The Senior Resource Association is dedicated to supporting and advocating for independence in older adults in Indian River County. Our goal is to help seniors stay in their home for as long as possible; to stay among their treasures,” said Deigl. “Because of donors like you and volunteers in our community, our Meals on Wheels program fed more than 60,000 hot meals to seniors last year. That’s an average of 350 seniors that are given a hot meal each day.”
Almost more importantly in some cases, the process affords a daily wellness check and an opportunity for sometimes otherwise forgotten, lonely seniors to socialize. Other programs include Emergency Meals on Wheels for seniors discharged from healthcare facilities, and Social Congregate Meals for mobile seniors.
Each year there are many more adults lingering on a wait list for the public funding needed before they can become Meals on Wheels recipients.
“The dollars raised last year helped support our Wait List Relief program, which is now feeding an additional 88 homebound seniors every day,” said Deigl, referencing the number of people assisted through cumulative dollars raised overall last year. “The demand is growing and the need is so critical. As of today there are now 105 more homebound seniors on the waitlist.”
She recalled that one man on the wait list told her that when his meal was delivered he felt as if he’d won the lottery.
Deigl also recognized the Meals on Wheels volunteers, stressing that they are the ones who make the program possible. They are currently short by about 50 of the 150 volunteers needed to deliver meals.
“The seniors we serve are so appreciative of the hot meals and the volunteers who visit,” said Deigl. “Understand and know that what you’re doing today really does make a difference.”