Smyrna Cares

10/23/2024

What a night!!! The gala was an amazing success. Mayor Fred Cleveland was the EMMCE and did a wonderful job keeping the program moving. Laubster Catering provided the food and bartenders, Mon Delice provided the deserts, and the Saxman kept everyone dancing. Most importantly however 320 people showed up to honor two amazing citizens, Jack Travis and Buddy Davenport. As if that wasn't enough, an anonymous donor agreed to match every dollar up to $50,000. Due to everyone generosity we are only $5828 away from getting the entire $100,000. If I missed someone that would like to donate you can either call me at 404 934-9161 or go to https://givebutter.com/galamatch

10/22/2024

Denise Crutchfield always there for me!

10/22/2024

Sometime, someone comes into your life, that is so special. Someone who makes you a better person. Denise Crutchfield is that person for me. Denise made our Gala a night to remember. As one of the attendees said, "I lived in big cities - Chicago and New York. The gala rivaled events I attended in those locations". Thank you Denise for being the person you are.

09/27/2024

New Smyrna Beach is a community of care, compassion, and generosity. We are a town that loves its people, a community that gives.

That’s why we’re hosting The Smyrna Cares Community Gala. Every dollar raised will help local families in need, and we’ll be honoring our community—those who give, those who volunteer, and those who receive.

All proceeds go directly to helping individuals and families here in New Smyrna Beach. We are a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Register at the link in the comments to be part of this incredible event!

08/20/2024

A young mother’s partner suddenly left, leaving her to care for three children, ages 6, 5, and 1 on her own. Shortly after, she lost her job, and despite her best efforts delivering meals through Instacart, the bills have piled up, threatening her home and her car - essentials for her family’s stability.

This young mama is close to securing a full-time job, but the financial pressure is overwhelming, and the fear of losing her car, her only means of income, is growing. Smyrna Cares is committed to helping her and others like her. Please consider donating today. Every dollar makes a difference!

08/13/2024

If you’re familiar with the music scene in New Smyrna Beach, you’ve likely heard of the Cyclones. They regularly perform at venues like Peanuts, JB’s Fish Camp, and Outriggers, to name a few.

The lead singers, Jason and Linda, are not only gifted musicians but also incredibly generous individuals. They contribute to multiple charities and have even opened their home to foster children.

Now, it’s our turn to show Jason and Linda some support. While continuing to work through the debt they incurred after fixing their house that was damaged during Hurricane Ian, Jason suffered a heart attack on stage. This has left him unable to work for a while. Their savings is used up and they have no safety net. Unfortunately, their situation has worsened. Jason’s heart condition appears to be related to a severe oral infection, a critical issue for someone whose livelihood depends on singing. The treatment is costly and needs to be addressed immediately. Smyrna Cares has coordinated with the dentist to ensure that the necessary work can begin.

This is what makes New Smyrna Beach so special—everyone knows and cares for one another. We are deeply grateful to those who reached out to us and to our generous donors, who enable us to say “Yes” when help is needed.

07/23/2024

In the 18 months that Smyrna Cares has been in operation, philanthropy is thriving in New Smyrna Beach. So many individuals have set an example of the community's willingness to support those less fortunate.

One man stands out for his unwavering dedication to the community over many decades—Buddy Davenport. He sponsors numerous events and his commitment extends to improving the town's infrastructure, serving as Chairman of the Board for the Utility Commission and commissioner of Florida Inland Navigation District.

Family and friends describe Buddy as a force of nature. Dr. Jan McGee, former principal of Burns Science and Technology Charter School, recalls meeting Buddy when she had no kitchen to prepare lunches for the children. Buddy promised to get one for her, and despite her initial skepticism, a fully-equipped kitchen appeared a few months later, demonstrating Buddy's big heart and tenacity.

Stories like this exemplify why we honor Buddy Davenport for a lifetime of philanthropy.

07/16/2024

After Hurricanes Ian and Nicole destroyed nearly 1,000 homes in New Smyrna Beach, Smyrna Cares had the pleasure of meeting Jack Travis from Habitat for Humanity. Jack has been a dedicated volunteer with Habitat for many years. Jack not only rallied a team of volunteers to swiftly help families return to their homes, but the quality of work was exceptional.

Thank you, Jack, and a heartfelt thanks to our generous donors. Thanks to incredible volunteers like Jack and the contributions to both Smyrna Cares and Habitat for Humanity, families have been able to rebuild their lives. This month, all donations will go directly to our hurricane relief fund.

07/08/2024

With Hurricane Beryl threatening early in the season, we are reminded how vulnerable we are to the devastating effects of hurricanes.

In 2023, New Smyrna Beach experienced the devastation of two hurricanes, Ian and Nichole, that destroyed close to 1000 homes. Smyrna Cares was founded as a result of these disasters, as it was impossible not to drive past the devastation without doing anything.

We were not prepared in 2023, but we came together as a community and were able to get people back on their feet. Let's come prepared this year!! Every dime collected over the next month will go to an established fund for hurricane victims in New Smyrna Beach.

Click Here To Donate: https://givebutter.com/smyrnacareshurricane

06/13/2024

Some people always step up to the plate to help. Randy and Angie Baretta Herman hosted a gourmet brunch at their home to support Smyrna Cares. Mayor Fred Cleveland, Amy Strausbaugh and Lindsay Michaelis from The Upward Trend, TL Nelson and Paul Brennan, along with Susan and Jim Neylon were in attendance. The food was amazing, the conversation stimulating, and a good time was had by all.

Please feel free to or to us; the summer is the hardest for some.

Remember-even the summer is a !

06/06/2024

Happy Dance Time! Smyrna Cares was presented with a $2000 check from Volusia County Women Who Care with matching funds from Cydney Reagan.

05/21/2024

https://mailchi.mp/6e5f00673728/it-only-take-one-person-to-make-a-difference

The starfish story is the inspiration for our charity. We aim to inspire and enable people to become volunteers to use their time, talents or finances to impact people and communities.