The stars shone brightly last Saturday evening at the fifth annual Reach for the Stars Gala at the Corporate Air Hangar, where the only thing “taking off” was support for the Children’s Home Society of Florida.
The hangar was resplendent with inspirational photographs of athletes giving their all to achieve their sporting dreams. Event chair Kelly Donovan, owner of presenting sponsor White Orchid Spa, likened it to the sheer determination and drive of CHS children to realize their full potential.
“Sports keep kids out of trouble; it gives them an afterschool opportunity that keeps them off the streets,” said Donovan. “This evening’s event is to support not only the Transitional Living program that we have here in Indian River County but other programs that CHS offers.”
Over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres guests perused a selection of silent-auction items, ranging from a guitar signed by Garth Brooks to golf equipment, NBA memorabilia, wines and art. Attendees also enjoyed taking selfies in a photo booth and playing pool and table shuffleboard.
“This year we are highlighting adoptions. It is our flagship program and is something that continues to be very near and dear,” shared Sabrina Barnes Sampson, Treasure Coast CHS executive director. “We’re here to continue supporting the children and the families of the Treasure Coast and we wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of the community.”
CHS has also rolled out a teen abstinence program called Teen Life Choices that includes Baby Think It Over, which utilizes infant simulators to help reduce teen pregnancy.
“We launched the program in Indian River County with funding from Quail Valley (Charities) and we’re putting through additional grant applications to create a full, stand-alone program. This year we’re serving all three high schools on a very limited basis,” Barnes explained.
Emily Mass gave a heartfelt recount of her adoption of two children, now ages 5 and 7, through Children’s Home Society, sharing, “If it weren’t for CHS I don’t think we would have been able to adopt. They allowed the opportunity to make it affordable and to make it an option for us.”
Mass recounted stories of family friends who adopted more than 40 years ago through CHS noting that when they decided to become parents, they knew through their friends’ experiences that CHS was a good organization.
“Any family thinking about adopting or fostering, it doesn’t matter if a child is your biological child or not,” said Mass. “They’re children, and they need love. They give more love back than you can ever imagine.”
After a family-style dinner, Auctioneer Wesley Davis opened the floor for a Have a Heart appeal and honorary event chair Janet Baines was recognized and thanked for her unwavering support of CHS.
“This is a good community,” said Donovan’s father, Arthur Ryan, retired Prudential CEO. “Don’t give up on the goal of helping children. A lot has been accomplished, but there’s still a lot to be done.”
For more information, visit chsfl.org.
Photos by: Denise Ritchie
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