It was a glamorous night of high stakes and healthy futures as donors were enticed with an evening of gaming while raising critical funds for the We Care Foundation, which provides healthcare for those in need.
As they arrived at the Pointe West Country Club, guests were greeted by glamorous showgirls, setting the tone for an evening where every roll of the dice became part of the most meaningful wager of all – a bet on someone’s future.
Each donor received $5,000 in “funny money” gaming chips to test their skill and luck at poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and slot machines. At the end of the evening, players cashed in their winnings for chances to take home a selection of donated prizes.
Attendees embraced the festive atmosphere, enjoying music from a DJ while sipping cocktails, sampling an array of hearty hors d’oeuvres and bidding on enticing silent-auction items. Some struck a pose in the photo booth with Monte Carlo-themed props, while others stepped onto the patio for custom caricatures by a talented artist.
Danielle Wynn, executive director of We Care, welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and expressed gratitude to donors and sponsors for their ongoing support of the organization’s mission: ensuring that medically underserved residents of Indian River County have access to free specialty medical care provided by volunteer physicians, regardless of financial status or employment.
“Every year that we gather provides medical care for those who would otherwise go without,” said Wynn. “They are hardworking people who are not seeking charity, but care. And because of partners like you, we are able to say yes to diagnostics, yes to treatment and yes to hope for those who need it most.”
After introducing Dr. Robert Reinauer as the new board president, he and Winn honored former president Dr. Nancy Baker with a gift of appreciation, recognizing her years of dedication and service to the organization.
We Care was founded in 1990 by the late Dr. Dennis Saver, who mobilized local volunteer physicians to treat some of the county’s most vulnerable patients. Under his leadership, the organization delivered millions of dollars in surgeries, medications and specialized care, transforming countless lives throughout the community.
Following his passing in 2021, the clinic was renamed the Dr. Dennis Saver We Care Clinic in honor of his extraordinary vision and lasting impact. Today, a devoted network of physicians continues the mission, donating their time and expertise with the belief that everyone deserves access to essential healthcare. The annual value of services they provide is estimated to be in the area of $1 million.
Care spans a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, acupuncture, neurology, otolaryngology, podiatry and ophthalmology, along with additional services as needed. Patients also receive support such as short-term prescription assistance, transportation to medical appointments, cataract lenses, CPAP machines and other essential medical supplies.
And while the evening sparkled with the thrill of the game, its true success was reflected instead in the quiet, life-changing impact made possible by each donation, ensuring that for many in the community, the odds of receiving care, dignity and hope are no longer left to chance.
For more information, visitWeCareOfIRC.org.
Photos by Kerry Firth
