Cupid shot an early arrow last Saturday evening at the sixth annual Valentine Ball, finding its mark in the hearts of guests who contributed generously to the mission of United Against Poverty of Indian River County to empower individuals to transition from poverty into self-sufficiency.

“This event was all done by the committee; they did everything,” said Austin Hunt, UP founder with wife Ginny, referencing co-chairs Faye Potts and Silvia Cancio and their hard-working committee.

The Oak Harbor Club took on a rosy hue at the elegant affair, where blush tablecloths with a hint of sparkle were complemented by lovely pink and white floral arrangements. Stylish guests in gowns and tuxedos dined on a gourmet dinner, enjoyed listening and dancing to music by the Street Talk Band, and throughout the evening bid on a large selection of silent- and live-auction items.

“I so appreciate each and every one of you joining us,” said Annabel Robertson, UP executive director, welcoming guests on behalf of the staff, board of directors and the 640 individuals who participate daily in their programs. “Tonight we celebrate and raise money for a wonderful organization.”

“Every year, I pick out an individual who can share their success story and tell you what your generosity has done to improve their lives and the future of their children, and to become role models in this community,” said board chair Barbara Lowry.

“But this year, there’s no way I could pick just one. Because over the last three years, 322 people started down the road to financial independence, enjoying the pride of being able to provide for their children. To show their children that there’s hope and that with the right attitude and the right work, their lives can be successful and fruitful.”

As she spoke, staff members unfurled a dramatic visual collage featuring the faces of all the individuals who have graduated from their Success Training for Employment Program (STEP). The three-phase program includes 120 hours of classroom training; internships, on-the-job training and placement assistance; and an ongoing relationship of support.

Lowry noted that when their New UP Center is fully operational, they will be able to increase the number of people in STEP from 100 per year to 300 per year, and made an appeal for donations toward the $1,000 tuition per person needed to fund those students.

In 2018 alone, United Against Poverty assisted 6,069 unique families through its numerous services; 4,765 families were served through its Member Share Grocery Program and 1,304 families were assisted through education, job training and crisis stabilization.

The organization, currently in Phase II of its Lifting Lives out of Poverty Capital Campaign, is seeking to raise $3.9 million to retrofit its New UP Center, a 44,000-square-foot, multi-function campus. The move will enable an expansion of their current services, the launch of new programs, and will provide space for agency partners and a medical clinic.

For more information, visit upirc.org.