Guests at Bal en Rouge, the fifth annual Valentine Ball at the Oak Harbor Club last Saturday evening, showed some love for the less fortunate, contributing generously to the life-changing programs and services of United Against Poverty.

The evening was once again the epitome of elegance, from the stylish crowd to the sophisticated décor. Throughout the event, a wonderful selection of silent-auction items enticed bidders as did the spirited live auction led by Geoff Moore, guests dined on a sumptuous gourmet dinner and danced to the upbeat band Pangea.

“Ginny and Austin Hunt, who founded the organization, are amazing people who have done amazing work in this community with a tremendous amount of self-sacrifice,” said Annabel Robertson, UP executive director.

One of the organization’s many successful programs is its Success Training for Employment Program, a three-phase program providing tangible employment skills, on-the-job training, placement assistance and ongoing career development support.

“For some time now I have come to realize that the work at United Against Poverty is borne out of our God-given sense that we should do for others what we would have them do for us,” said Hunt, in his introduction of Barbara Lowry, UP board chair and honorary event chair. “Barbara Lowry is completely sold out to the cause of inspiring and empowering those who live in poverty so that they can lift themselves and their children to prosperity. This is the air that this woman breathes.”

“We empower those who are willing to climb the ladder from poverty to self-sufficiency. This is a very difficult journey,” said Lowry, before introducing Sara Williams. Williams got to the heart of the matter with her uplifting story, which also highlighted the collaborative efforts of local nonprofit providers.

Williams, two children in tow, was homeless when she arrived in Vero Beach but found shelter at the Samaritan Center, where a case manager told her about the STEP program. After successfully completing the program, she was hired by Piper, purchased a car and eventually became a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. “I just thank (people involved with the) STEP program; if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. I thank everyone for it.”

“In just over two years, we have placed over 250 individuals in jobs,” said Lowry. “Last year alone, 109 graduated from our STEP program. Of those 109, 98 are out of poverty and en route to total economic self-sufficiency. The greatest gift that we can give any human being is for them not to need us anymore.”

For more information, visit upirc.org.