Page 2 - Talk of Tequesta - February '21

Page 2, The Talk Of Tequesta

Fundraising EvEnt from page 1

Tyson Mutchler took the championship belt and WILD Pants fundraising goal to date, helping individuals the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our
bragging rights. Participants relied on social media and with disabilities live their fullest lives. community. Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community
personal outreach to achieve lofty fundraising goals. WILD About The Arc Of Palm Beach County where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted.
Wednesday sponsors, including Pratt & Whitney and the The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities
Gehring Group, assisted The Arc in surpassing their largest by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving Photos by Tracey Benson Photography

Jessica McCarten Jessica Gehring Frank Cooney Cathy Law Kurt Gehring, Jessica Gehring

Aquarian’s Design Style
tEquEsta ProFilE from page 1

However, even as the demand for services increased
because of COVID-19, the pandemic curtailed fundraising Submitted by
efforts. WVRF receives no government funding, and Lynda Louden Interiors
depends heavily on the goodwill of the public and its flagship Happy New Year! We
fundraising events. Its signature event is its annual ball, are all hoping for better. We
which, like many large events in 2020, was canceled. This have learned a lot, maybe a
was potentially disastrous for the organization. “The ball is our bit too much. We have been
largest fundraiser of the year and we heavily rely on the funds flexible. We have certainly
raised during the ball to help support the disabled veterans here made adjustments. Home has
in Florida,” confides Caitlin Cronin, WVRF staff member. become very important. I hope
But where there is a will, there is a way. Shannon Cake, you have optimized your home
WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchorwoman, is a usual master of as necessary, making it functional and beautiful. Beauty
ceremonies for the ball. When the event was canceled, she comes in all manner of forms. Some like it soft and fuzzy. four elements, the earth, air, water or fire. Which are you?
had the brilliant idea to host a telethon. This event occurred on Others want rough and textured like fresh cut wood or a Here is what we designed for an Aquarian living room:
Dec. 9, 2020 on WPTV from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shannon Cake log cabin and a mountainscape. We decided to work with a blue and yellow theme.
hosted the telethon, accompanied by Brian Edwards, senior Many of us are intrigued with our horoscope. You may The style is casual but bordering on formal. Aquarians
vice president of development of the United Way of Palm not believe it to be certain truth, but it’s always fun. We tend to unpredictable, so we opted for asymmetry with
Beach County. WVRF staff is thrilled to have met a match are interested in our best features, our strengths, aren’t the lighting and the mismatched pillows. They tend to be
during the telethon to a $50,000 donation from an anonymous we? A designer analyzes a room the same way: very focused and working on some reform or program
foundation. One staff member, Alana, speaks her gratitude, “It 1. What are the best features? This could be an to “make things better for everyone” so we have defined
could be a tank of gas to you, but it could mean keeping the excellent view, the architecture, a fireplace, an open a generous workspace with the matching armoires. The
lights on for a veteran.” floor plan or vintage construction. We may have to create modern abstract art is perfection because Aquarians are
The funds raised will be used in essential ways, especially something spectacular, vivid color, art or surprise you revolutionary thinkers, they are always stretching for
because 86 percent of donations go directly to veterans. Upon with something you didn’t even know you had! something better and different, reaching for the sky and
their return to civilian life, veterans are often faced with many 2. Designers also review the individuals and their life. the stars!
barriers to their transition. Suicides and homelessness are What do they need? What do they love? We gather all We will see you next time for Pisces, the fish and a
two real and common threats. Michael reveals that “there are this information and we put it together, arrange a scheme water sign. What’s their design style?
22 suicides per day” and that the organization “provides the for your living space. Look us up! Lynda Louden Interiors, (561) 277-9561,
critical support needed to keep our veterans and their families 3. Depending on who you are – do you prefer a different www.lyndaloudeninteriors.com.
in their homes.” To prevent homelessness, WVRF offers environment? Serious people
housing assistance in various forms: immediate shelter, rental or intellectuals very well might
assistance, eviction prevention, emergency home repairs, and prefer an entirely different room
assistance with utilities. than a gregarious, people lover.
Many veterans are proud and hesitate to seek help, and as Aquarians are an air sign
one says, “To ask for help means that I have failed.” However, despite the huge reference
one WVRF staff member emphasizes, “They have earned the to water in their name sign.
right to ask for our help.” In addition to meeting its fundraising Water is an important feature of
goal, WVRF staff embodied the December holiday spirit when these vibrant, socially involved
they surprised a veteran, a single mother of three children, with persons. They are represented
a month of housing assistance, a $250 Publix gift card, and by the water bearer who brings
$100 Target gift card. life to the land. We are all
One hallmark of WVRF is its ability to help veterans brilliantly tied together with the
quickly. In fact, during the telethon, while a veteran was earth and the cycle of life; we
making a donation, he learned about the pilot dental program, are all represented by one of the
WVRF’s partnership with a local dentist who provides pro
bono services. Immediately, WVRF was able to secure an
appointment for the veteran. Michael explains that many
veterans have a gap in medical and dental insurance. To Lt.
General (Ret.) Robert Chelberg, getting proper dental care is
incredibly meaningful to veterans, because it improves their
health, their ability to hold jobs, and helps them feel good about
themselves. Indeed, Michael shares that the dental assistance
program already proved to be lifesaving because when one
veteran visited the dentist, an early stage oral cancer was
discovered and successfully removed.
WVRF staff is very conscious of the financial strains
experienced by many, and know that without much needed
donations, they would have to make painful decisions to say
no to veterans. Caitlin sums up their gratitude, “We appreciate
everyone who supported us during this first time event, 747-PALM
especially with there being so many unknowns.” An emotional
Michael assures donors, “Your money is going to save a life 747-7256
and help a veteran in need.” As one veteran affirms, “This
organization, it gives people like me hope.”