With swings and serves, runs and bids, Moorings residents and friends participated in another successful Habitat Classic Weekend hosted by the Moorings Habitat Partnership Committee to benefit Indian River Habitat for Humanity.

To the casual observer, the event might just have looked like an excuse to play golf, tennis, pickleball, croquet, putt-putt, bridge, mah-jongg or run in a 5K, but at its heart was the unwavering commitment of the Moorings community to support Habitat and the families it serves.

The funds raised during the multi-day occasion will be used by Habitat to build and/or repair homes, empower families, provide scholarships and create lasting change. From laying the foundation to raising the roof, each dollar contributed brings hope and stability to those in need, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all.

Following all their exploits, participants gathered at the Moorings Yacht & Country Club to close out the weekend with the annual Habitat Celebration Gala, enjoying cocktails, a raffle, a sumptuous dinner, and silent and live auctions.

“This is the 26th year for Habitat here at the Moorings, and we are particularly proud of everything that’s been done. This party could not come off without the 100 volunteers,” said Mark Parent, Habitat Partnership chair.

David Sommers, vice-chair, paid tribute to Shirley Becker, who has been the lead Habitat Classic sponsor for the past 25 years.

“Shirley has been involved in Habitat at the Moorings from the very start of our weekend events. Not only has she been a sponsor, but she’s also contributed more participants to our weekend events than any other member,” said Sommers.

“The Beckers’ financial contributions have funded 10 out of the Moorings total 96 homes since we started this effort.”

Trevor Loomis, Indian River Habitat president/CEO, expressed his thanks for the support given by the Moorings community.

“This is one of the premier fundraising events that this area has to offer, and it is unbelievably impactful to our mission. We talked about 26 years of the Moorings-Habitat relationship. That’s $12.3 million that’s been raised by this community to build houses and create community right here in the Vero Beach area,” said Loomis.

“You have done so much to lift up hardworking families and provide opportunities for homeownership and long-term success in life. Homeownership is the cornerstone on which success in America is built.”

Statistically, he said this is the most expensive market in the country when compared to wages, and noted that two-thirds of residents are burdened by housing costs.

“We’re working hard to build more, to create more housing opportunities for people to thrive,” he said.

To help alleviate the problem, Habitat has three new neighborhoods planned, with 115 homes projected to be completed over the next five years. Through their home repair program, they have preserved housing stability for more than 750 homeowners.

Additionally, he said, in the Fall of 2023, Habitat launched a new housing counseling program that has already served roughly 100 families.

“There’s nothing special about a house. There’s one on every corner. I’ve got one; you’ve got one. But when that house belongs to you, it means everything. It’s not just a house, it’s a home. And that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing. We’re so thankful for the continued efforts of this community to help build homes and communities of hope here,” said Loomis.

For more information, visit irchabitat.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis