Page 9 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens- July '24

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 9
Ibis Charities Foundation Helps Fund Mortgage-Free Home

For United States Air Force Master Sergeant Frankie Reilly

The look on retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Francis for us to be able to contribute to a project like this.
“Frankie” Reilly’s face said it all. He didn’t need to say a word. “To see Master Sgt. Reilly and his family here
As Reilly and his wife, Heather, walked into the home experience the joy and pride of their new home while
– their new home – tears welled up in his face as he saw feeling the respect of the community is special. This is
the finished four-bedroom, three-bathroom building for a contribution, but it is given in respect and honor to his
the first time. He stretched his arms over his face in service and for his family’s support.”
disbelief and couldn’t speak for several seconds as he Reilly said he had never heard of The Club at Ibis until
tried to control his emotions. he learned of their donation last year to start the project.
“This is unbelievable,” Reilly said as his family walked Now, he feels a part of that community.
through the rooms. “I can’t believe this is our new home. “The residents at Ibis … they define America and what
It’s incredible.” America is,” Reilly said. “To not know someone and to
It was unbelievable, incredible, heartwarming and step up and help them build a home … that’s our mantra
deserving for the 49-year-old Reilly, who almost lost in the USA, to stand up for others who have fallen.
his right leg in 2004 while serving as a United States “I’m so thankful to Ibis, I would go work for them for
Air Force Pararescue veteran. During the jump, when free, 100 percent. I would go and caddie and do whatever
his parachute deployed, it pulled his leg, snapping it they need me to do. I love Ibis.”
backward and causing severe trauma to his leg and foot.
His leg was saved, but he suffered a Traumatic Brain
Injury (TBI) and developed PTSD. Swinging For A Cause from page 8
Two decades later, Reilly walked into his new
mortgage-free home, thanks to the generosity of Ibis After golf, guests enjoyed lunch, a mini poker
Charities Foundation, Building Homes for Heroes and Heather and Frankie Reilly with Ibis’ Wayne Crowder in the tournament and raffle prize drawings. Event sponsors
PulteGroup. After moving dozens of times during his 24- Reilly’s new home included The GEO Group, Inc.; Pratt & Whitney; Robert
year military career, the Reillys finally had a place they and Mendy Coker; Sisca Construction; Tito’s Handmade
could call their home. It included a pool in the backyard “To say this home is a gift is an understatement,” he Vodka; Gehring Group; Florida Citrus Business &
and a workout room filled with machines for Reilly, a said. “It’s a symbol of hope and a testament of boundness Industries Fund; Schumacher Automotive Group; and
Paralympic cycling athlete. and goodness. It’s a place where we can establish lasting Island Company Rum.
“This is one of the greatest days in my life, next to memories.” Photos by Tyler Benson Photography
the day I got married and the day my three children were Ibis Charities Foundation, the charitable arm of The
born,” Reilly said. Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, funded the project last
Monday’s ceremony was attended by more than 200 year with a $100,000 donation, with Building Homes for
people who lined the street as a procession of police cars, a Heroes and PulteGroup doing its part to make Reilly’s
firetruck and fellow veterans dream a reality.
led the family to the home. Three years ago, Ibis Charities Foundation funded two
It was an emotional, projects to help veterans make modifications on their
uplifting ceremony that left homes. But the Ibis residents wanted to do more.
Reilly struggling for words “We are blessed to live where we do, and we don’t
when he slowly walked to take that lightly,” said Wayne Crowder, president of The
the podium, a brace on his Club at Ibis’ board and a retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S.
right leg. Marine Corps who served in Vietnam. “It is a privilege

Shayn March, Larry Sherman, John Bulfin, Chris Ryan

Heath Batchelor, William Randolph, Robert Coker,
Kevin Powers

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