The Grand Harbor Community Outreach Gala Dinner & Live Auction at the Grand Harbor Clubhouse was a solid-gold hit on Feb. 7.
Rays of light sparkled off gold stars, illuminating the “heart of gold” that is at the center of the community’s outreach efforts. Guests dined on a gourmet meal, caught up with neighbors and plotted their game strategies for the upcoming Bridge and Mahjong Luncheon.
The evening gave Outreach members a chance to celebrate the success of its mission to address the unmet needs of Indian River County residents in the areas of health, education, youth mentoring and job training.
Since its founding, GHCO has raised and funneled back into the community more than $3.4 million. The group recently received the Children’s Home Society’s 2017 R. David and I. Lorraine Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award and was also nominated for the Association for Fundraising Professional’s Outstanding Group Supporting Philanthropy award.
“We’re not trying to be the biggest charity in Indian River County; we’re trying to be thought leaders,” said Doug Sweeny, GHCO president.
Of their current focus on the needs of the Gifford community he explained, “We view this as a social experiment. We share a ZIP code and that makes us more than just neighbors. We’ve built a relationship with the Gifford Pillars and they’re very willing to have our helping guidance. This is their community and we want them to tell us where we should put our energy.”
The gala has also grown over the past six years. In addition to the Grand Harbor Artists’ silent auction, attorney John Moore served as auctioneer over a live auction of must-have items as well as a third auction.
“We’re calling it the Angel Auction, where donors can support a specific need,” said event chair Pat Murphy. “As a thank you, they will receive a Willow Tree Angel figurine.”
Proceeds will help fund general grants to be awarded to local charities in March. For more information, visit ghcop.org.
Photos by: Denise Ritchie
Click HERE to see more or buy photos
