The Source’s 16th Night of Hope Fundraiser “Zoomed” its way to Success
This year, The Source’s 16th Annual Night of Hope fundraising event changed to a Zoom format rather than the in-person event from previous years. This new approach just might stick for the future, since the more personal format allowed for less distractions during this informational, and extremely moving, and memorable evening.
In addition to the local attendees, who paid for the addition of a four-course meal prepared by The Source’s Dignity Catering culinary staff, complete with a bottle of wine hand-delivered that afternoon inside a keepsake food bag sponsored by Marine Bank & Trust, there were also many people outside our community who requested a link so they could watch the proceedings.
“In-person events draws over 100 people, and I am thrilled to report that we have matched or surpassed that with people able to sit in the comfort of their own home or office all over the country and watch the event without the food and drink we offered close by,” shared Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source. “This gave us the ability to spread the word about what we are doing here in Vero Beach, helping the homeless and needy in our own backyard. It was our hope that other communities could glean some ideas they could apply to their individual areas and all of us, as one large community, can help to provide critical care for physical, spiritual, civic, and social needs.”
The Zoom event intertwined an encompassing visual production with the sustenance of food and drink, while sprinkling this production with musical entertainment direct from Broadway, sung by those who represented what the loss of work, hopes, and dreams means to them through their approach in singing three very meaningful songs. The hand-picked words and photos included throughout this video, produced by Rowlinson Media Group and co-produced by Paris Productions, truly summarize what The Source is doing to benefit the homeless population.
“Along with my Assistant Executive Director Maureen Archer, we have traveled to other areas in need to help them following natural disasters that have left their areas helpless, hungry and homeless. We have built a long list of contacts throughout the country; those who have similar programs or are start-up operations in need of direction. These are some of the people who received the link to watch the event,” Zorbaugh claims.
If you were not able to be a part of the recent Zoom event, you still have the opportunity to request an emailed video of the event, free of charge by contacting The Source’s Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, 772-564-0202, Ext. 204 or by emailing him at tony.zorbaugh@iamthesource.org.
As first responders, The Source offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; emergency hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, showers, mail and telephone services, benefit referrals and cold weather refuge. The Source has also established five Dignity Programs; four of which are currently underway with the final initiative to be implemented within the next few years: Dining with Dignity, Dignity Caterers, Dignity Food Truck, Dignity Bus and Dignity Village.