Page 1 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - February '21
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VOL. 16 NO. 2 www.seabreezepublications.com FEBRUARY 2021
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon
Meets Goal To Support Disabled Veterans
By Chrystal D. Rambarath
The COVID-19 pandemic brought our world to a standstill, forcing businesses, small and large,
to slow or shut down completely. But while many industries dwindled, the nonprofit organizations
that provide basic needs and serve society’s most vulnerable experienced exponential demand.
One local nonprofit, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), knows this too well.
WVRF was born in 2009 with a simple but noble goal – to support Florida’s disabled veterans
by relieving their financial strains and facilitating their transition to civilian life. The organization’s
beneficiaries are veterans of conflicts going as far back as World War II. Michael Durkee, an army
combat veteran, was appointed as executive director in 2016, who says, “I am very grateful to be
in a position to help my fellow veterans during their greatest time of need.” Michael, a former
community liaison and board member, grew WVRF’s network to support veterans throughout
Florida. This expansion is critical, because Michael explains, “Florida is home to the third largest
population of veterans in the United States – more than 1.5 million people.”
However, even as the demand for services increased because of COVID-19, the
pandemic curtailed fundraising efforts. WVRF receives no government funding, and
depends heavily on the goodwill of the public and its flagship fundraising events. Its
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon on page 3
The Arc Raises Nearly A Gift For Giving
$90,000 With WILD Pants The Community With A Heart
The Arc transformed its annual fundraiser adding Each year, Ibis
a 2020 twist. Supporters stepped out in their sassiest Charities, the official
slacks for the WILD Pants fundraiser bringing in foundation of The
$89,000. Traditionally, The Arc recruited men from Club at Ibis, accepts
the community to model colorful pants in an effort applications for grants
to raise money to support programs for people from over 120 Palm
with disabilities. This year, participants of all ages Beach County nonprofit
and genders were asked to make, decorate, or buy organizations. The
tricked-out trousers to battle for the championship mission of the foundation
title. is to provide family and
“Much of the world may have paused for the social services, health
pandemic, our programs did not. We still had clients and wellness programs,
and their families relying on us every day,” stated educational, art, cultural
Kimberly McCarten, president and CEO of The Arc and environmental
of Palm Beach County. “These modern challenges opportunities.
pushed us outside of our comfort zone to create This year, right before South Florida volunteers are distributing in Palm Beach
compelling ways to generate essential donations, Jessica Gehring the traditional release County.
and it paid off – literally. We are grateful for the of funds to the final
community’s generous response to provide continued support to clients and their families.” applicants, COVID-19 took the world by surprise, impacting every facet of every life,
Tyson Mutchler took the championship belt and bragging rights. Participants relied on whether it be in business and commerce, employment, health and even being able to
be with immediate family members.
WILD Pants on page 3 The foundation had to make the critical decision to reevaluate who to fund and help
those charities that provide basic human needs such as food, medical care, housing
and clothing. After the initial donations from the season’s fund raising events were
distributed, the foundation once again asked the Ibis community to help in its efforts
to alleviate the hardship rampant in Palm Beach County. The response to this Call To
Heart was so overwhelming that it enabled the foundation to contribute multiple times
to these frontline organizations providing essential services.
The last drive made it possible to feed thousands of people over the holidays. And
it didn’t stop there.
A Gift For Giving on page 2