The hum of aircraft engines was replaced by the clatter of poker chips as Piper Aircraft transformed its hangar into an oasis of high-end fun for the second annual High Roller Casino Night: 007 Casino Royale to benefit United Against Poverty.
While guests channeled their inner James Bond at the craps tables, the real mission of the night was to ensure that local families don’t have to gamble on their next meal or rent payment.
The sold-out event proved that when it comes to supporting neighbors, local philanthropists are all in. Guests spent the evening gambling with ‘funny money,’ every win bringing them closer to raffle prizes, including the evening’s grand prize, a getaway to Las Vegas.
With Lady Luck on its side, the nonprofit has cultivated an “amazing partnership” with Piper Aircraft, according to UP executive director Matt Tanner.
“Piper is our No. 1 employer partner for our workforce programs. They aren’t just neighbors; they are leaders on our corporate board and vital to our mission,” said Tanner.
Recognizing that basic stability is a struggle for many residents, United Against Poverty seeks to transform lives by empowering individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
A major focus is the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) population, which represents lower-income working people struggling to make ends meet. These households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford basic necessities, including housing, food, transportation, childcare and healthcare.
“We’re doing a lot in the housing support space. We have a Helping Hands program for individuals and adults who are working but are unable to afford first, last and security to get into a rental that they can manage the monthly payments on,” said Tanner.
Last year, UP supported 78 families with up to $3,000 each to secure housing. The need remains high, with 35 families already receiving assistance this year.
Additionally, Tanner said, their Workforce program assists people seeking enhanced career pathways and stackable certifications or “upskilling.”
“We’ve launched a new partnership with Treasure Coast Technical College and the Visiting Nurse Association,” said Tanner.
He explained that graduates of their Success Training Employment Program (STEP) who have expressed interest in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants can receive scholarships to cover the costs of obtaining their certification through TCTC.
Upon graduation, they can move into paid internships with the VNA, in essence an apprenticeship, which can lead to permanent employment.
As the cost of living continues to rise, more families are having to make impossible choices with their essential bills, underscoring the need for the vital resources provided by United Against Poverty and the partner agencies at its UP Center.
For more information, visit UnitedAgainstPoverty.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
