- April 25, 2024
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by: Cyndi Hines
Public Relations and Events Specialist, SMA Healthcare Foundation
The SMA Healthcare Foundation announced receipt of a $25,000 lead matching gift for the newly-created Heebner’s Heroes for Recovery Fund, honoring long-time SMA and community advocate Peter Heebner.
The donation came from a close friend of Heebner, and fellow foundation board member.
“Pete continued to make a dedicated effort and continued to give back, even the last few years when he wasn’t feeling his best," Heebner's friend said. "I wanted to acknowledge Pete’s love of and commitment to the organization and I am sure that all of those in the community who knew Pete will want to make a contribution to Heebner’s Heroes in his memory.”
The Heebner’s Heroes fund will go to support clients receiving care at SMA’s DeLand Men’s Residential Treatment facility.
“Due to Pete’s personal ties to the DeLand area and his passion for SMA, which had its beginnings focused around helping men get well, the Foundation’s Board felt that DMRT was a great fit for donations in his honor,” said Jennifer Secor, executive director of the Foundation.
DMRT is a men’s treatment program focusing on recovery from substance use disorders and designed to effectively manage co-occurring mental health issues. In the last few years, the program has served over 500 men and their families.
One DMRT client shared his experience with the program.
“Going into rehab and getting clean has taught me that being a part of a supportive recovery network is not just about staying sober but about personal, emotional, intellectual, psychological and spiritual growth in order to become a better person, friend, employee, son, and definitely, a better father." he said. "I’m committed now more than ever to showing my daughters the true meaning of honesty, transparency and loyalty through my actions.”
Heebner was a founding board member of the SMA Healthcare Foundation, was instrumental in supporting a number of SMA’s programs and he led the Foundation’s board through the capital campaign for the Vince Carter Sanctuary. Over the last couple of years, Heebner served as a director emeritus, continuing to attend meetings and offering valuable input on Foundation business. He was a pillar in our community, voluntarily serving as president, chairman or in other leadership roles for more than 40 key business and civic organizations in Volusia County.
To make a donation honoring Heebner and to become a Heebner Hero, please visit www.SMAFoundation.com and click “Donate Now,” or call Jennifer Secor, executive director of SMA Healthcare Foundation at [email protected], or 254-1139.
