“Our theme tonight is very simple – it’s thanks,” said Mike Smith, chair with wife Sassy of the fourth annual Pro-Am Charity Golf Classic Tournament last Monday at the Riomar Country Club to benefit the Senior Resource Association, before enumerating and giving thanks to all involved for their generous support.

The sold-out event, which pairs foursomes with PGA golf professionals for a spectacular day on the links of Vero’s 100-year-old club, raises funds to support the Meals on Wheels Waitlist Relief program. The program provides hot, nutritious meals to eligible seniors languishing on a waitlist, who would otherwise not be served due to a lack of public funding.

Prior to his welcome, guests had mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, before sitting down to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal and the presentation of tournament awards. The evening also included another hugely productive live auction and paddle-raise to help fund the $3,000 per person needed to provide meals to seniors on the waitlist; that number currently stands at 212.

Smith said that although his father had delivered Meals on Wheels for nearly 10 years, he himself had not done it until two weeks ago. “I have to tell you, it was an amazing experience, and one that I would say to all of you that have any time available, you may want to think about doing.”

He had joined a woman who began delivering meals following the death of her husband 10 years ago, and it has become a near daily event for her. Smith spoke of the significant connections she has made with the six seniors they visited, saying he overheard two of the recipients telling her that day, “You’re my best friend in the whole world.”

“Think of that impact,” said Smith. “It’s people like Denise who really make Meals on Wheels go. And I can’t thank you enough for giving our delivery folks your continued support through sharing your hard-earned dollars. I want to thank God for the dedicated people who care for the hungry here in Indian River County.”

Thanks to the generosity of Art Ryan and his daughter, Kelly Donovan, Smith handed Karen Deigl, SRA president/CEO, the keys to a Dodge Caravan fully equipped with a handicap package.

“When it comes to having vehicles for seniors, it’s very limited, so this is just an amazing gift,” said Deigl in appreciation.

Deigl reiterated thanks to all involved in putting the event together, including the Smiths, Trudie Rainone, the pros and the committee, as well as SRA and Riomar staff, saying “there are just no words; not enough thank-yous to get it across how important this event is.”

She stressed that most people reach out to Senior Resources with one common goal – to keep their aging loved ones in their homes for as long as possible. In addition to Meals on Wheels, the SRA offers a wealth of programs and services, including Adult Day Care at facilities in Vero and Sebastian, and a door-to-door Community Coach for eligible riders.

For more information, visit seniorresourceassociation.org.