The campus of the Arc of Indian River County was transformed into a Pacific paradise recently, as supporters, each adorned with leis, gathered for an inaugural Hawaiian Luau at the nonprofit’s outdoor pavilion.
Guests were fully immersed in the sights, sounds and flavors of the rich traditions of the Aloha state in a celebration of ‘ohana, which signifies a support system where nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
As balmy breezes carried the music of the Top Hill Crew along, folks dined on authentic Hawaiian dishes. Later, guests were further entranced by the rhythmic sway of a hula dancer and the mesmerizing glow of the fire eater, truly embracing Pacific Island heritage.
The heart of the evening centered on the joyful music of the Arc Chorus, which radiated pure, infectious joy as they sang and signed classic favorites, such as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “I Will Always Love You.”
“They are going to do a couple of songs, and you’ll get to see their love and devotion to singing,” said Heather Dale, Arc CEO, before their performance. “If they could get a Grammy for the heart they put into this, they would win it every single year.”
The Arc has supported individuals with special needs and their families since 1975, providing services so that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities might reach their full potential.
Through residential group homes, vocational training, adult day programs, transportation, behavior services, supported employment and youth transition services, the Arc ensures that every individual has the tools to lead a full life.
“It’s our individual stories. It’s the staff stories, the volunteer stories and our donor stories,” said Dales.
“It’s a story because we are all the Arc. We are a continuum of services that support people to be the best that they can be, and that is thanks to you, to the individuals,” she added.
The evening also served as the launchpad for a new permanent tribute at the campus, introducing their “Pathway of Possibilities” fundraiser, a brick pathway project designed to pave the way for its future while honoring its past. Families and supporters are invited to purchase $300 bricks that will be engraved with names that they choose.
Dales also announced that the Arc is dedicating one of the side gazebos as a memorial space to honor those past program participants who are no longer with us.
“If you’d like to have someone you care about etched into our history or just want to support the Arc, we’d love to have you join us in this,” said Dales.
Additionally, the event highlighted the Arc’s campus facilities, including the spacious pavilion where the luau was held. When not hosting celebrations and client activities, the pavilion is available for community rentals and private events.
For information, visit arcir.org.
Photos by Norah Kodis
