NEWS RELEASE

Camp Haven and the Women’s Refuge of Vero Beach broke bread, figuratively, through a joint fundraiser – Dinner for Four – to benefit both nonprofits.

The idea for the joint venture was borne from a shared mission to help men and women in the community to create better futures for themselves and their families. Camp Haven helps homeless men in Indian River County rebuild their lives by providing temporary residency along with employment, psychological, and personal counseling. Simultaneously, the Women’s Refuge seeks to provide hurting women with sanctuary in a healing environment through biblical counseling and support.

It was a win-win all the way around with Wild Thyme Catering preparing more than 140 ready to warm meals which community members ordered in advance and then drove through Camp Haven’s campus to pick up generous servings of Italian Sausage Ziti and Shepherd’s Pie.

Many of the drive-thru guests partook of both meal options and reportedly enjoyed their meals thoroughly. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help to support programming and operating expenses at both nonprofits.

“We were overwhelmed with the community’s support of this fundraiser,” said Chuck Bradley, Camp Haven executive director. “Not only were we able to partner with a like-minded nonprofit, but we were able to support a local caterer at the same time. It’s great when two nonprofits can collaborate in a fundraising effort. It’s good for both causes and good for the community.”

With so many people hesitant to dine out during the coronavirus pandemic, the fundraiser benefited both nonprofits and local businesses. Pandemic closures have put financial and emotional strains on families and now more than ever there is an increasing need for the
services Camp Haven and the Women’s Refuge provide.

“The Women’s Refuge is blessed to collaborate with Camp Haven,” said Diane Ludwig, Women’s Refuge executive director. “Our main goal in 2020 has been to seek out other nonprofits and collaborate with them, and this was just a perfect fit.”

As cars pulled through the circular drive at Camp Haven to pick up their dinners, drivers couldn’t help but take a peek at what awaited them for dinner that evening. Camp Haven Board Member Timothy Longden was as eager as the others.

Later, he shared that the food was phenomenal, plentiful, and a great value. “The format worked well, given concerns about COVID-19. The drive-thru pick-up allowed for limited exposure. People are still fearful of going out to restaurants. This worked out extremely well.”

Longden noted that by teaming up with the Women’s Refuge, they could help more than just the men at Camp Haven. “People need food, and this is a way to do it. I can’t wait until we do this again,” he added, already planning to put his order in for the next delicious meal.

For more information about Camp Haven and the Women’s Refuge, visit camphaven.net and womensrefugevb.org.