300 pack Sun Aviation Hangar for Indian River Habitat’s 'Jamaican Me Crazy' fundraiser
Two years ago, following the 12th annual Habitat for Humanity Hoedown, Indian River Habitat board of directors, staff and volunteers agreed that it was time for a new and different fundraising event.
Directors skipped a year as they worked on developing a new concept, eventually settling on an island themed party: "Jamaican Me Crazy."
Habitat held its new event at the Sun Aviation Hangar at the Vero Beach Regional Airport on March 9 with 300 people in attendance. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the sound of steel drum music played by Splash, a local musician originally from Trinidad and Tobago.
The evening began with a cocktail hour, which featured one complimentary drink and appetizers prepared and served by Wild Thyme Catering. With two charcuterie stations as well as hand-passed appetizers that included chimichurri steak skewers, tomato caprese skewers, antipasto skewers and bacon wrapped dates, Wild Thyme’s offerings did not disappoint.
Habitat home buyers, earning “sweat equity” through service, worked closely with Wild Thyme staff to pass appetizers. Later, they helped serve dinner of a light citrus salad, Jamaican jerk pork loin, tropical shrimp kabobs, coconut rice and beans, fried plantain, flat bread and coconut curry sauce. Dessert was an assortment of sweets displayed on an island themed tower.
The evening’s entertainment was led by Joe and Shari Tessier, owners of Vero’s well-known 14th Avenue Dance Studio. During dinner, the duo’s Infinite Entertainment filled the hangar with sounds of reggae music, providing the perfect backdrop as guests dined at tables lined with colorful tablecloths and adorned with beautiful, tropical floral arrangements.
Before and after dinner, guests enjoyed trying their luck at games that included Habitat’s well-known wine toss, a new game called coconut catapult, island putting golf and limbo.
Prizes for winners were provided by the Bacardi family, Southern Eagle Distributing, Kitty Wagner’s Blue Star and White Glove Moving and Storage.
Attendees also browsed and placed bids on over 28 packages displayed in the silent auction, in addition to the seven raffle items.
Platinum Sponsors were Bill and Mary Ann Becker. ABC Printing, the Gold Sponsor. The following were the event’s Silver Sponsors: Carp Industries, Masteller Moler & Taylor, Vero Beach Flash, Float-On Boat Trailers, The Crockett Insurance Group and Girard Equipment.
All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting Habitat’s work and mission in Indian River County. Now in its 28th year, Indian River Habitat for Humanity remains the only builder in the county addressing the affordable housing need on a large scale.
Eve Kyomya is director of community development for Indian River Habitat for Humanity.