Treasure Coast Community Health took the “show” on the road again last Saturday for their annual Vero Road Rally, Tour Magnifique fundraiser. Past years have taken the nonprofit’s rally to various car-centric destinations around the state, ending their journeys at spots such as the Palm Beach and Sebring International Raceways.
This year participants met at the TCCH facility in Fellsmere to get a peek at its oldest health center, which they hope to update using funds raised from the road rally. Plans include enlarging the dental operatories and upgrading the equipment.
“You are all contributing immensely to the future of the health of our community,” said Vicki Soulé, TCCH CEO. “Funding will go toward our dental services. The area is too old, too cramped and not capable of servicing 7,500 people per year.”
After a light repast, drivers donned their gloves and goggles, metaphorically, and rubber met the pavement as the convoy made its way to “car heaven,” the American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne.
Once there, guests milled about in the anteroom enjoying lunch and perusing silent- and live-auction items. Vero Beach has a high concentration of car collectors and several were on hand, anxiously awaiting the opening of the main showroom doors.
Owner Mark Pieloch’s car collection is second to none and you didn’t need to be a grease monkey to appreciate its beauty.
For many, it was a trip down memory lane; viewing cars similar to those their parents drove and eliciting memories of family road trips from the ’60s.
“I’m here today to support TCCH, but I’m a car guy too,” said Tom Lockwood. “Having the opportunity to see this facility is pretty spectacular. TCCH is a very worthwhile cause. They do a good job in our community and I’m a great believer that you have to give back to your community.”
Guests spent the day in the 123,000-square-foot museum, viewing more than 265 classic vehicles, mostly American-made, including Shelbys, Hudsons, Camaros and Indy pace cars. Thrown into the mix were bicycles, boat motors, Porsches and a Ferrari.
The museum opened in October and is not open to the public, making the opportunity to view these fully-functioning, mint-condition cars and trucks almost as rare as the classic vehicles themselves. TCCH was the first nonprofit outside of Brevard County to host an event at the facility, which opens its doors only to charitable fundraisers, car events and school tours.
“This is probably one of the top two or three car museums in the country; certainly on the East Coast and absolutely in Florida,” said Karl Steene, a TCCH board member and car enthusiast. “Jay Leno’s collection on the West Coast might rival this one.”
TCCH was founded 23 years ago to provide medical services to migrant farm workers in Fellsmere, and has since grown to include five locations in Indian River County. They provide healthcare services to more than 16,000 patients, offering a range of services including primary, women’s, pediatric, dental and mental-health care.
“Many of our clients have health insurance and can afford to pay for medical care,” said Dennis Bartholomew, director of Business Development, noting that one out of every seven county residents uses TCCH for their medical, dental or behavioral needs. “Those clients help fund TCCH so people living in poverty that can’t afford to pay for medical care can receive the services they need.”
For more information, visit TCCHInc.org.
