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Golfers score big for United for FamiliesUnited for Families drove the fundraising ball straight down the middle May 30, when it hosted the Second Annual Teeing Off Fore Kids Charity Golf Tournament. The event netted more than $10,200 and increased profits by 60 percent over the previous year — funds that will help provide independent living skills to
teenagers who are aging out of the foster-care system.
More than 80 golfers participated in the event, which was held at Panther Woods Country Club, in Fort Pierce. “It was really a lot of fun, and really well organized,” said Golfer Denise Rivan, who also is director of program services at United for Families.
The event wrapped up with a guest speaker from United for Families’ Road to Success program, a critical program that teaches the ABCs of adulthood to foster teens. The program, which is heavily funded through state revenues, narrowly avoided severe budget cuts this spring. United for Families is raising local funds for the program during the next 12 months in anticipation of future cuts.
Latasha, a minor whose last name is confidential, testified during the event to the program’s importance. She said the program has changed her life by giving her the skills to live independently and attend college.
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United for Families Board Members Steve Simon and Sandra Foote share a laugh with Chief Executive Officer Christine Demetriades at a May 28 wine tasting event.
Michaela Matton selects a red wine, poured by Pierre Uteschill of Pop Culture.
Ken Baker and Matton enjoy the wine. The event was done in appreciation of golf sponsors.
United for Families staff volunteer during the golf tournament. From left, Cerena Wallace, Dianne Burton and Deborah Reyner help register golfers.
Volunteers sell an arms-length of tickets for drawings during the event.
Golfers Denise Rivan and George Kent await the shotgun start.
For a little extra money, golfers had the opportunity to compete in a putting contest.
Volunteer Coordinator Linda Smith sneaks a quick break from the volunteer sign-in table.
More than 80 golfers participated in the tournament. Here, Ronnie White swings.
Denise Rivan lines up her shot.
Panther Woods Event Coordinator Danny Visconti displays the golfers' scores.
Hurricane Wings and Grill raised money for the event and then presented more than $1,700 to United for Families. From left, Event Coordinator Leslie Haviland-Smith, Bob Russo, Chris Russo and Tom Sadler.
Larry Olsen, left, and Richard Hall grill burgers and hot-dogs at United for Families' staff retreat, which was held May to promote teambuilding among staff.
Christine Demetriades presents a certificate during the retreat to Placement Specialist Pauline MacIntosh for helping to secure dental work for a foster child.
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United for Families News
- Frank Claro, senior vice president and area manager for SunTrust Banks, is the latest member to join the United for Families’ Board of Directors.
Claro, who started his career with SunTrust in 2007, said he decided to join United for Families after learning about a branch manager’s recent involvement with the organization and its mission to break the cycle of child abuse.
“It’s a great cause, and I really believe in the work the organization does,” said Claro, who also serves on the Workforce Development Board and the Young Professionals Network of Indian River County. “The mission is simple yet affects so many lives; serving on the board gives me a chance to really make a difference.”
- United for Families is gearing up for its Third Annual John Pierson’s Toyota of Stuart Le Bal Masque — and a prominent community volunteer is leading the way as this year’s Le Bal Masque Committee Chairwoman.
Kelly Johnson, granddaughter of RV Johnson — founder of the insurance agencies that bear his name, has been an active United for Families volunteer and donor for more than two years. She coordinated a donations closet for foster families and has participated in literacy drives and book fairs that benefited foster children. Johnson, the marketing and accounts manager at RV Johnson, is on the board of Gertrude Walden Child Care Center and is a member of the Junior League of Martin County.
- Kudos go to Scott Sade, of Citi Smith Barney, the Sade Group, and his wife, Jennifer, for taking a group of Road to Success students — including several from a nearby group home — to the May 23 Marlins baseball game in Miami.
Sade, who is a member of the United for Families Board of Directors purchased the box-seat tickets, picked the students up, accompanied them on the outing, then treated the group to ice cream on the way home.
One of the students said he had never laughed so hard in his life -- a testimony to the power and influence that one individual can have on a child's life.
- United for Families welcomes Alisa Carter as its newest employee. Alisa, a former case manager supervisor, joined the quality management team earlier this month.
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Caregiver News
- Foster parents took a short break from diapers and carpooling June 13, replacing them for a short time with gowns and glamor.
United for Families and Family Preservation Services hosted the 2008 Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner June 13 at Spring Hill Suites. Nearly 100 guests attended the event, which featured national speaker and author Corrie Player and a buffet dinner.
Player, who spoke about the difficulties and joys of raising teenagers, autographed a copy of her book “Loving Firmness” for each foster family.
- Caregiver activities continue through the month of June with the Fifth Annual Foster Family Appreciation Pool Party, sponsored by United for Families and Hibiscus Children's Center.
The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21 at the Gifford Youth Activity Center. Please call Katherine at (772) 398-2920 to register. The facility features a zero-entry (or gently sloping) pool, a splash fountain and a picnic of hot-dogs and hamburgers.
- Activities for the month will wind down June 28, when United for families presents the last of its series of caregiver appreciation activities at Kiwanis Park in Stuart.
The event will recognize the important contributions of relative caregivers — grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives who care for children who have been removed from their homes. Please call Jill Poole at (772) 398-2920 for more information.
- Camp funding still is available for children served by United for Families. If you enrolled your child into camp, and would like to be reimbursed, please call Lea Tate at 398-2920 Ext. 297. Funding is limited and available on a first-come basis only.
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Community News
- United for Families thanks the following local dentists for their contributions to the local foster-care system:
— Dr. Arvind K. Vakani, DMS, MS, for donating orthodontia work to two foster children. Orthodontia is not a Medicaid-covered expense and often eludes the foster-care system. Kudos also go to Pauline McIntosh, a United for Families employee who sought the contribution.
— Dr. Kimberly Dettori, DDS, for performing oral surgery on a foster child free-of-charge, and to Jill Poole, a United for Families employee who coordinated the contribution.
- Angel Food Ministries offers $65 worth of food to any family, regardless of income, for $30.
Food selections vary from month-to-month, and additional programs are available for specialty food. The program is available in Stuart, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Vero Beach. For specific site information, please go to the website listed below.www.angelfoodministries.com
- United for Families received its first United Way of Martin County grant award earlier this month, when it was awarded $5,000 for its Caregiver Support Program.
The program provides mentors and other support services to foster parents and has helped stabilize foster care for children. www.unitedwaymartincounty.org
- Families are invited to a Day of Action from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 21 at Flagler Park, in Stuart.
The event, which is sponsored by the United Way of Martin County, is a free family event that will include story telling, crafts, a health fair and healthy snacks.
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