An airplane hangar might not be the first spot that comes to mind when planning a Christmas banquet, but when Corporate Air graciously made their impressive, immaculately maintained hangar at the Vero Beach Regional Airport available, that is precisely where the Women’s Refuge of Vero Beach opted to hold its third annual Christmas Banquet.
And, thanks to the hard work of the talented 18-person event committee and the overwhelming generosity of Presenting Sponsor Bernard A. Eagan Foundation and other event sponsors, it was transformed into a beautiful, warm and welcoming holiday venue.
Board and committee members greeted the sold-out crowd of some 350 festively garbed guests and welcomed them inside, where walls were aglow with white draperies. White-clothed tables were each centered with a cylindrical glass vase, in which white and gold feathers were arranged with gold pinecones, all glowing with tiny twinkle lights.
Each place was set with a gold-hued charger, upon which was a white packet of note cards topped with a gold feather and bearing the Women’s Refuge theme: “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.”
The sumptuous buffet, by Wild Thyme Catering, was presented along one side of the vast room, and at the entrance, an intriguing array of silent-auction items beckoned.
Board president Becky Calahan welcomed the gathering, later noting that the “outdoor, open venue, our first time here,” was especially suitable in this era of social distancing, while also providing an opportunity for “the community to get together.”
“I’ve benefited from the (Women’s Refuge) counseling. It changed my life,” shared Calahan.
In a pre-dinner performance and during the meal, upbeat, spirit-lifting music was provided by the music team Donathan and Kimberly Williams and their Called Higher Worship Band.
Following remarks by Diane Ludwig, Refuge executive director, and an immensely moving testimony by Liliana Garcia, founder of Canaan Church in Miami, keynote speaker Kevin Sorbo took the stage.
Actor/director Sorbo is best known as the titular lead in the TV series “Hercules, the Legendary Journeys,” which was followed by a second series and numerous movies. Later in his career, Sorbo directed and acted in a number of faith-based movies.
In his memoir, “True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal and How Nearly Dying Saved my Life,” Sorbo chronicles his near-death experience after suffering three strokes, and his battle back to regain his life. A follow-up book, “True Faith, Embracing Adversity to Live in God’s Light,” was co-written with his wife, Sam.
According to Brenda Sposato (the evening’s designated go-to person, who never stopped running), the event raised $150,000, which included a $10,000 match donation from the Bernard A. Egan Foundation.
Since 1997 the Christian-based Women’s Refuge of Vero Beach has provided emotional support and healing to mentally and spiritually wounded women, men, and families through biblical counseling. They offer a residential program, counseling and support groups to hurting women, providing them with sanctuary in a healing environment.
For more information, visit womensrefugevb.org.
Photos provided
