Portraits of Possibilities Makes the Possible Come True
By Keith Malone // May 30, 2012
PHILANTHROPY
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BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — The Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Brevard Division has raised more than $100,000 following their highly-successful presentation of the 5th Annual Portraits of Possibilities fundraising event on Saturday, May 19, 2012.
The event was originally scheduled to take place at the home of Dr. Robert and Mrs. Maria Seelman in Indialantic. But the threat of rain and high winds on the day saw the event moved to the elegant ballroom of the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place Hotel.
Weather Intervened
Despite the last minute change in venue, more than 300 guests came out to support children in Brevard County and make it a wonderful society event for the Children’s Home Society of Florida.
The theme for this year’s event was “An Evening in Monte Carlo”. Tim Webber of The Coordinator, Inc., based in Orlando, provided the décor, gourmet food and beverages to give the entire event the taste and flair of the French Riiviera.
French Theme
In keeping with the French theme, guests arrived via a blue carpet where our very own paparazzi – photographer Maryann Kornely and videographer Jennifer Scott of Great Scott Productions – greeted them.
DJ Phillip Haire provided the music and Party Corp the casino activities which, besides the delicious food and drink, was the main attraction of the event – as guests tried their hands at blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, craps, and roulette.
Silent Auction
A huge silent auction filled with baskets and goodies donated from businesses located throughout Brevard County was the centerpiece of the room – and Bobbie Dyer of Dyer Mortgage Group helped raise lots of money in the live auction.
Proceeds from Portraits of Possibilities have totaled more than $100,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, auction items and direct donations to the event.
The money raised will help provide critical child abuse intervention and prevention services for children and families in Brevard County.
A fundraiser this large would not be possible without the overwhelming support of the community.
Special Thanks
Children’s Home Society of Florida would like to thank each and every one of its sponsors, planning committee members, volunteers, guests and auction donors who helped make the evening possible.
Plus there was a special thank you to event chair Maria Seelman for spearheading this wonderful fundraiser.
Society’s Long History
Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) is a beacon of hope for abused, neglected and abandoned children throughout the state of Florida.
Founded in 1902, CHS is the largest and oldest statewide not-for-profit organization that cares for children in Florida.
Initially begun as an orphanage in Jacksonville, CHS has expanded its services and facilities over the past 110 years throughout the state to fulfill the needs of Florida’s most vulnerable children and families.
The main focus is to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing programs and services that build healthier families in 15 divisions statewide.
Paramount Safety of Brevard Children
The Brevard Division of CHS was established in 1991 in response to the needs of local children and families. With the generous support of community individuals and organizations, CHS serves more than 800 children and families every day in Brevard County.
CHS gives support and guidance for new mothers and babies through its Healthy Start program; provides protective supervision to ensure the safety of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.
Safe Haven
It provides safe shelter for teen girls at the Hacienda Girls Ranch and mental and behavioral health care services for children.
It also operates a transitional living home to provide young women ages 18-23, who have recently aged out of the foster care system, or who are homeless, a safe and affordable place to live as they begin their adult lives.
For more information, contact Leslie Bardo at 321-752-3170 ext 235
or visit chsportraitsofpossibilities.com
VIDEO BY JENNIFER SCOTT OF GREAT SCOTT PRODUCTIONS
Great Keith! Thank you.