BY CHRISTINA TASCON

With the stunning backdrop of a grand Marsh Island mansion and the setting sun on the Indian River, over 300 guests celebrated the volunteers who have made the We Care program possible.

This was a networking event for members of the Community Business Alliance (CBA) and the Indian River County Medical Society (IRCMS) and their newly formed Foundation (IRCMSF) meant to forge  bonds between organizations.

In a creative way to show the multi-million dollar residence which is a listing of Thorpe Soltheby’s Realty it was offered to the CBA by homeowner Tom Shoquist as the event venue for the gathering.

Florals by Fé, a new event company in the area, designed and organized the affair to make the evening an elegant occasion which accentuated the stunning home’s best assets and brought off a seamless event.

David Rodriguez of Corks & Tapas catered the menu of “Chop Stick” Shrimp Tempura, Roasted Vegetable “Dim Sum,” Maryland Style Cornmeal Crab cakes, Tuna Tartare and other delicious munchies which guests enjoyed immensely.

Brian Hartman President of the CBA and Jason Ballantine, owner of Silverclub Solutions, solicited the incredible multitude of silent auction items which filled the dining table of the crystal chandeliered dining room.

Guests meandered through the home which included a 3^rd floor movie and Media Theater and views of the Intracoastal Waterway from every room as they enjoyed cocktails as members connected with other medical industry professionals.

Here is a little background on the groups who came together this night to recognize and help fundraise for and support the We Care program.

We Care is designed to assist lower income participants to be connected to free or reduced cost medical care in our community.  Over 110 physicians who are members of the IRCMS donate their time to treat and care for the patients in the program.

Shelley Stuven, the Executive Director of the IRCMS said the Foundation will head up the Society’s fundraising efforts as well help pay for some of the materials which fall in the gap between care and services.

“The IRCMS Foundation is a new non-profit organization and we have been working diligently to organize it over the past year,” said Stuven.   “In early 2013, the Foundation was in a position to begin fundraising planning.  At that same time, Brian Hartman, the President of the CBA, let his plans be known to form the CBA for the purpose of bridging the gap between local business and the medical community by building relationships thru social events and value added educational programs.”

“The IRCMS Executive Committee met with Brian and the CBA Board of Directors and the two organizations are currently collaborating in fundraising efforts for the IRCMS Foundation and will work toward identifying other opportunities to benefit both IRCMS members and CBA members. “

Hartman said that his organization formed because there was a vital need to open communication between the medical community and the related businesses who could assist them.

“The CBA is here to serve and support the medical industry whenever the need arises much like the Physicians are here to serve and support the community day in and day out!” said Hartman. “The CBA is working towards opening up the lines of communication between the medical industry and the ancillary businesses that surround it.”

Karl Steene is one of the newly appointed members on the board of the Foundation.  He sees the creation of the organization as a needed link to completing the circle of care that was desperately needed.

“We will not just be raising the money but also assist in distributing it where it will do the most good,” said Steene.  “Lots of physicians donate their time to indigent cases but there’s more than their time.  There is also a need for out of pocket expenses and materials for the patients.”

The Foundation funds are earmarked for what they call “bridge medication and services.”  These are the items needed while patients and the Health Department are waiting for while they are applying for prescription and supply assistance.  It also may include transportation costs that are needed to get to treatments at hospitals or doctors which they cannot afford.

Drs. Dennis Saver (President IRMSF) and Dr. James  Presley (President IRMS) both thanked the large crowd for coming out and thanked the tireless efforts of the We Care volunteers.  They also gave a huge amount of credit to Stuven for “being an integral part of getting the two groups together.”

Both also gave a large nod of appreciation for the work of Brian Hartman as the President of the CBA of hosting the event and bringing everyone together.

They then encouraged guests to donate that night by bidding on the silent auction items which would begin the new push of fundraising efforts for the Foundation.

It turned out to be a very impressive evening of such a newly formed organization which included many of the county’s top government officials, a strong representation of the medical and the business community and even two representatives from Congressman Bill Posey’s office.

We (the CBA) began only in November, 2012, and have been on fire ever since,” said Hartman.  “And you really can see evidence of that by the attendance here tonight.”