Page 1 - Martin Downs Bulletin - April '22

VOL. 24 NO. 4 www.seabreezepublications.com APRIL 2022

Mary’s Home Presents 11th Annual Fashion Show And Luncheon

By Jackie Holfelder
Returning after a year hiatus, Mary’s Home’s Annual
Fashion Show and Luncheon had the ambiance of a family
wedding as friends and acquaintances joyfully saw each other
for the first time in months – or even years.
The sold-out event took place at Willoughby Golf Club on
March 15 and featured a silent auction filled with unique and
eclectic items, a fashion show, coordinated by Lynda Hartley-
Urban, that had models sashaying through the dining room
in outstanding outfits and a touching presentation by Mary’s
Home resident Nneka Towine sharing the role the residence
has played in helping her prepare for the best possible life for
herself and her baby girl.
Ashleigh Waters, early morning news anchor at WPTV Alean Timm, executive director of Mary’s Home; Jan Lindsay,
NewsChannel 5 was a warm and affable master of ceremonies. founder of Mary’s Home; and Ashleigh Waters, WPTV Jonathan Knaus, Gina Thompson and Nick Grubbs, Mary’s
NewsChannel 5 anchor and luncheon emcee Home board members
Mary’s Home on page 3 Photo provided by Mary’s Home Photo by Jackie Holfelder
United Way Foundation Honors

Bob And Karen Croce For Humanitarian Efforts

The United Way of Martin County Foundation recently United Way of Martin County
presented Bob and Karen Croce with the 2022 Frances Langford as Tocqueville donors since
Humanitarian Award during a reception held at Sailfish Point. 1989. Bob also served as
The couple was honored for their ongoing philanthropic chair of United Way of Martin
endeavors directly benefiting United Way and a multitude of County’s Tocqueville Society
nonprofit organizations throughout the community. for 10 years. Over the years,
“We made a conscious decision to give back to the Bob and Karen have supported
community through United Way because they provide a broad other nonprofit organizations,
spectrum of services to address many issues – from helping including the Children’s Home
victims of domestic violence to youth substance abuse to caring Society, Hibiscus Children’s
for the elderly. It is the most efficient and strategic way to help Center, Project Lift, Florida
local people reach their full potential,” Bob Croce said. Oceanographic Society,
The Croces have a long history of supporting the United Treasure Coast Food Bank,
Way. Before relocating to Florida, Bob was involved with a
United Way in New Jersey for 15 years, serving as campaign United Way Foundation
chair and chairman of the board. Bob and Karen have supported on page 4 Elisabeth Glynn, Steve Pinnacoli, Karen and Bob Croce, and Carol Houwaart-Diez

Tennis/Pickleball Fundraiser

To Benefit Mark Garwood SHARE Foundation

By Jackie Holfelder Individual luncheon tickets for guests and
On Saturday, April 30, The Mark Garwood SHARE spectators can be purchased for $10 each.
Foundation will host its Second Annual Racquets for Recovery Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Tennis and Pickleball charity tournament. The event takes On May 24, 2014, John and Erica Garwood’s
place at North River Shores Tennis Club in Stuart to benefit the 24-year-old son Mark lost his five-year battle
foundation’s Phoenix Educational Scholarship Fund. with prescription drugs. In response to this
The one-day competition offers women’s and men’s doubles unimaginable tragedy, the Mark Garwood
tennis and pickleball. Entry is $75 per player and includes a long- SHARE Foundation was established to honor
sleeve athletic T-shirt for each player, a “South of the Border” Mark’s life. Its primary mission is to provide
buffet luncheon and barbecue and awards. educational scholarships to local men and women
Levels for both sports are 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0. Women’s events who are recovering from devastating effects of
take place in the morning and men’s events start midday. Specific substance use disorder and who wish to initiate
court times will be provided in advance. or resume their education.
No partner? No problem – the tennis director at North River Since 2015, the foundation has awarded more
Shores will pair up individual players. than $250,000 in financial aid to 41 qualified
individuals. The
nonprofit supports Kelly McCarthy, Kristi Becker, Sunnathai Immerman, Deb Londoli,
the Mark Garwood Carla Miller and Donna Burton, 2021 women’s pickleball winners
Phoenix House, a Photo by Mark Garwood SHARE Foundation
women’s recovery
residence; Bridge House, no insurance; and Clean Start Backpacks, which contain
a transitional facility essential hygiene items distributed to individuals just
providing bed and board entering recovery.
for men in recovery with To register, learn about sponsorships or donate directly,
no means of support and visit www.racquetsforrecovery.org.