Page 1 - Hobe Sound Reflections - November '24

VOL. 25 NO. 11 www.seabreezepublications.com NOVEMBER 2024

Dancing With The Martin Stars 2024

Breaks Attendance And Fundraising Records

For The Martin County Healthy Start Coalition

Dancing with the Martin on the dancers at a live-stream watch party at Ross Hall in the Pittenger Center on the campus
Stars 2024 broke all records of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
this September for massive An astonishing $350,000 was raised by the dancers, sponsors and ticket sales. “We’re
attendance, sky-high so grateful to all of our dancers, sponsors and supporters,” Martin County Healthy Start
fundraising, and wall-shaking Coalition CEO Samantha Suffich said. “The funds we raise through this fun event go directly
energy levels in support of the to our mission of ensuring that in Martin County, every baby is born healthy, every mother
Martin County Healthy Start is supported, and every father is involved.”
Coalition. This year’s Martin Stars lineup included Christian Anderson, dancing with local professional
On Saturday, September Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe; Casey Caplan with Brian Spector; Lorna Day with Angel R. Tamayo
21, nine community volunteers III; Matthew Durbin with Emily Matos; Jonathan Garich with Tanya Chaves; Stephanie Martinez
and their professional dancing with Michael Chaves; April Milner with Eliseo Ruiz; Matthew Right with Eva B. Velez and
partners took to the stage of directed by Marianella Tobar; and Sue Whittington with Jang Don.
the Lyric Theatre in Stuart and Martin County Healthy Start Coalition COO Aubrey For months the dancers learned their steps and chose fabulous costumes. That was only
brought the audience to their Campbell, Overall Champion Christian Andersen, Healthy part of the challenge, however. They also raised funds with a variety of mini events like
feet with applause for dances Start CEO Samantha Suffich, Overall Champion Partner dinners, wine tastings, and auctions to boost their fundraising totals.
like the tango, waltz, and cha- Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe, and Healthy Start Director of The dancers’ goals were to dazzle the judges with their footwork and also raise the most
cha. Because the event was a Operations Angie Aulisio celebrated the record-breaking money. In a fiercely competitive battle, Christian Anderson and Daisy Krakowiak-Wiebe were
sellout long before the date, 2024 Dancing with the Martin Stars event to benefit the
another huge crowd cheered Healthy Start mission. Photo by Driven Media Dancing With The Martin Stars on page 3
Hibiscus Children’s Center Education Foundation Of

Presents ‘An Evening In Martin County Sets Up

Paris’ To Benefit Children Hurricane Fund To Benefit

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of elegance and excitement at the Hibiscus Affected Schools
Children’s Center, “An Evening in Paris” Casino Night. This showstopping event will be
held on Friday, November 15 at Hutchinson Shores Spa & Resort.
This lovely evening will feature a casino, gourmet dinner and dancing to the sounds of The Education Foundation of Martin
D.J. Brian Lemen. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, then County (EFMC), in partnership with the
head to the casino to roll the dice! Each guest will receive a $100 voucher for chips and Martin County School District, has established
additional vouchers can be purchased throughout the evening. The top three highest rollers the Hurricane Milton Crisis Fund to support
will have the chance to win incredible prizes! students, staff and their families who need
All proceeds directly benefit children living at Hibiscus Children’s Center. Children urgent assistance. One hundred percent of the
receive life-changing services including educational and literacy services, medical and dental monies raised will benefit the parties.
services, and mental health counseling. Hibiscus often receives children at all hours of the In addition, the EFMC has created a fund to support Murray Middle School, which
day and night. These children enter the shelter hungry and scared, with little more than the suffered a direct hit that resulted in lost buildings, including those that housed their
clothes on their backs. The stress endured from being removed from their home is traumatic. music programs (band, chorus, and musical theatre) and agriculture program.
They walk through the doors of Hibiscus and into the staff’s hearts and the healing begins. Those who wish to help can do so online at https://bit.ly/efmcstormfund.
It is because of your unwavering support that Hibiscus continues to provide safe haven and “With the community’s generous contributions, we aim to raise an initial $100,000
life-changing services every day to vulnerable children. to provide essential resources and emergency relief for families struggling to rebuild
Hibiscus Children’s Center is deeply grateful to our generous sponsors: Merci Beaucoup their lives,” said Lisa Rhodes, the EFMC’s executive director.
– Braden & Braden Architects & Planners, Joan Damson, Michael and Nancy Del Priore, The Education Foundation of Martin County is the sole authorized organization for
accepting hurricane relief donations on behalf of the Martin County School District and
Hibiscus Children’s Center on page 3 Murray Middle School, ensuring that every contribution directly impacts its students
and staff.
About The Education Foundation Of Martin County
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s
strategic nonprofit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational
opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools.
As an independent group, the foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing
private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom
enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special
initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more
information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.