Page 1 - Martin Downs Bulletin - April '24

VOL. 26 NO. 4 www.seabreezepublications.com APRIL 2024

Martin County Unites For Care From The Heart VIM Gala

Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic hosted their highly health care services to eligible Martin County residents in
anticipated annual VIM Gala at the Willoughby Golf need annually.
Club on Saturday, Feb. The gala’s theme, Care from the Heart, set the stage for
10 bringing together an evening of celebration and philanthropy. Gala chairs Judi
over 150 enthusiastic Powell and Bob Truckenmiller welcomed the crowd sharing,
supporters, raising “My life experiences have led me to know that angels exist.
funds and celebrating Angels manifest themselves through good people doing good
the clinic’s ongoing deeds for worthy people. The doctors, nurses, and staff, and
mission. The event the volunteers and donors at VIM are all angels.”
successfully raised During the gala, Friends of Volunteers in Medicine Clinic
over $300,000 Board President Chuck Cleaver expressed his gratitude,
contributing to the stating, “‘Care from the Heart’ isn’t just a theme for tonight
clinic’s operating – it’s what drives us every day to make a difference in the
budget and enabling lives of Martin County residents.”
the continuation of Libby, a patient at the clinic, shared her heartfelt Mary Fields, Bob Truckenmiller and Judi Powell
its mission to provide Dr. Jim and Marguerite Morris and story, illustrating the profound impact of VIM Clinic on
over $9 million in free Petra Eberle individuals like herself and the community. Martin County Unites on page 3
Successful Ladies’ Night Out Event Raises Funds For The

Children’s Museum Of The Treasure Coast

The Flagler of Stuart was transformed into a hub of funds raised, stating, “This support will enable us to
community support and philanthropy on Feb. 22 as Ladies’ expand our educational programs beyond the museum’s
Night Out, presented by Karen Borin, successfully raised funds walls, reaching children in underserved areas and
to support The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast’s providing enriching experiences that inspire curiosity and
educational initiatives. This year’s event went beyond the glitz learning.”
and glamour, with proceeds earmarked to enhance educational With overwhelming community support, Ladies’ Night
outreach efforts, bringing programs and the mobile museum Out was a tremendous success, raising over $30,000 to
directly into classrooms, camps and schools – all free of charge benefit The Children’s Museum’s educational initiatives.
– particularly benefiting under-resourced communities. The event’s success would not have been possible
The evening, filled with exclusive shopping, delectable without the generous contributions of sponsors, including
catering by Michelina’s, signature cocktails, and exciting Karen Borin, Daher, Tracy Armstrong and Chris Clifton,
raffles, including the chance to win a luxurious Louis Vuitton Jennifer Atkisson-Lovett and RE/MAX of Stuart, Veranda
Diane Bag valued at $2,400, underscored the community’s Falls, Eberst Law Firm and Donna DeMarchi, Lively &
commitment to supporting children’s education. Napoli Orthodontics, Brown & Brown and Charlie’s Bar
Christina McIntosh, the event coordinator with The Karen Borin, presenting sponsor; Barbara Anderson,
Children’s Museum, emphasized the impact of the Katie Makemson Successful Ladies’ Night Out Event on page 3
Paws & Claws Gala Raises Impressive Amount

For Shelter Animals

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s (HSTC) annual Guest s al so were
Paws & Claws Gala raised more than a quarter million dollars entertained by three
with more donations still coming in. The $275,000 in donations dancers with the Preston
directly benefit the care of the shelter animals. Paws & Claws Contemporary Dance Theatre
is the largest event of its kind along the Treasure Coast. who performed on elevated
Presented by the Catsman Foundation and held at The Cape platforms representing the
Club of Palm City, Fire and Ice was the gala’s theme. The fire and ice elements.
Humane Society welcomed 178 guests, who were greeted by Karen Lynch, The Cape
Misty’s Pals, the shelter’s pet therapy dogs and their owners. Club’s executive chef, and
Upon entering the clubhouse, attendees were immediately her team served a varied
drawn into the Fire & Ice theme. The entire bar was illuminated array of hors d’oeuvres.
in red hues with images of fire being projected throughout Guests participated in a
the room. As the event kicked off indoors, attendees were silent auction that included
captivated by a grand reveal to showcase the ice room with all 98 packages featuring Glenn and Eilleen Dempsey
blue, silver and white hues. This was all due to the imagination everything from art, jewelry of the Catsman Foundation,
and creation of Eventmakers International. and dining excursions to spa presenting sponsor Cochairs Shaun Kelly and Kim Izzolo

escapes, vacations and unique Volunteers Kimberly Izzolo and Shaun Kelly cochaired
experiences. Other attendees the event and were supported by committee members Katie
participated in a snowball Astras, Jennifer Campbell, Dixie Church, Diane Coakley,
throwing contest to hit a Dana Coates, Carol Dippy, Cindy Greenspan, Kit Haas,
target for a prize. That alone Debbie Hansen, Michael Izzolo, Alison Kohloff, Allola
generated nearly $2,400. McGraw, Monica Olsen, Sarah Ralicki, Alison Shade, Wendy
Musicians and vocalists with Talbot, Karen Wilkens, Melony Zaravelis and Kay Ziegler.
The Chase Band kept people
dancing all night long! Paws & Claws Gala on page 5