Supporters of the Arc of Indian River County got ‘toasted’ recently at an inaugural Toast Carving contest at Pareidolia Brewing Company to benefit the nonprofit, which offers services to assist special needs individuals.
Pareidolia owners Pete and Lynn Anderson have hosted a variety of events to benefit the Arc over the years and, according to Noreen Davis, Arc marketing director, they wanted to do something a little different this year.
“Pete has always wanted to do a toast carving competition, so this was the perfect opportunity,” said Davis.
“Today was as much about raising awareness about the programs and services we offer as it was a fundraiser,” said Heather Dales, Arc CEO.
Those who participated in the artistic endeavor ‘carved’ out a great time, while also learning more about the important role the Arc plays in the lives of its special needs clients.
Participants were each given perfectly browned ‘canvasses’ of sliced bread, upon which they each happily created their own masterpieces. Some even brought along various tools and materials to design unique images on the toast, all the while sipping on Pareidolia brews and raising their glasses to toast the creativity of the crowd.
Winning entries included a reproduction of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” the Yin and Yang symbol, and the Pareidolia logo. Some pieces didn’t even make it as far as the judging, as contestants couldn’t help but nibble on their creations.
The Arc has been empowering adults with special needs since 1975, providing services, education and advocacy. The nonprofit provides adult day training, behavioral services, transportation, supported living and supported employment. They also run five residential group homes with supervision, and assist clients transitioning out of high school.
In addition to their current residential homes, the Arc’s new Fragile Group Home, a $1.45 million project, is slated to open soon. It will be one of the only group homes on the East Coast of Florida able to accommodate the needs of severely disabled individuals with medical needs, explained Davis.
Six people requiring a high level of care, each with a private bedroom, can be housed in the Fragile Group Home, which has built-in devices specially catered to their needs, along with an office for the 24-hour “awake-staff.”
The Arc relies on fundraisers, donations and grants to offset the extremely austere rates set by the state, which today are more than 10 percent less than those received 18 years ago, despite increasing costs.
“We have to raise over $400,000 through contributions and events this year to cover costs above the reimbursement rate set by the Florida legislature,” noted Davis.
They are also seeking funding for the construction of a pavilion on the West campus, which they envision as a place where clients can participate in outdoor activities such as Special Olympics and Special Scouts. It will also be available for use by other special needs organizations in the area.
Davis said she hopes to christen the pavilion with an authentic Hawaiian pig roast in April.
In October, the Arc will host the 7th annual Tommy Danaher Memorial Golf Classic at Sandridge Golf Club. For more information, visit arcir.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
