Despite arriving in the pouring rain, donors “let the sunshine in” at the recent second annual Sunshine Kids Gala at Bent Pine Golf Club to raise funds for the nonprofit Sunshine Kids program at Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic.

The support of more than 160 guests shone brightly, lighting the way for children with limited means who are in need of physical, occupational and speech therapy. Currently, roughly 60 children with varying disabilities benefit from the program, working with therapists to improve their function and mobility.

The Vero Beach High School String Trio entertained as guests perused a plethora of silent-auction items and piled their plates high with a delectable assortment of foods from a plentiful buffet. In a nod to Veterans Day, the Storm Grove Singing Stingrays enchanted attendees with a Salute to Our Veterans performance, before auctioneer Wesley Davis pumped up the crowd with his usual panache.

Bethany Gilman, whose daughter Aurora Elizabeth is one of the 2017 Sunshine Kids Co-Ambassadors, shared first-hand knowledge of the positive effects of the program.

“It’s been life-changing for our daughter,” said Gilman. “They’ve given her a new freedom to be able to navigate her surroundings and someday have a little bit more independence. She’s a happy little girl and we can see her in the future having a more fulfilling life.”

Proceeds from the evening will enable those children whose parents have little or no insurance to receive therapeutic treatments at no expense.

“Without Sunshine, they would probably receive no therapy at all,” said Lynne Gates House, SPT administrator.

The organization’s new Sensorium at Sunshine provides a multi-sensory environment adapted to each person’s behavior, which is especially beneficial for children and some adults dealing with autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, developmental delays, mental and/or emotional disabilities, behavior disorders, brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Founded in 1953, the Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic assists those with medically necessary physical therapy and rehabilitation, regardless of their ability to pay.

For more information, visit sunshineptc.org.