YOUR TOWN

SMA Healthcare Foundation dinner and auction raises $215,000

The annual fundraising event honored Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood.

By Cyndi Hines, SMA Public Relations and Events Manager
| 10:00 a.m. September 24, 2023

Volusia County Sheriff Chitwood presents a check to SMA. Pictured are Ivan Cosimi, Rhonda Harvey and SMA team members. Courtesy photo

Ormond Beach Observer
Your Town

The SMA Healthcare Foundation raised $215,000 at its annual dinner celebration and auction, held Aug. 23 at the Daytona 500 Club.

The annual fundraising event honored Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood, featured two-time Daytona 500 Champion Mike Waltrip as emcee, and Ed Anderson on steel drums as entertainment.

“The evening was filled with an amazing show of support from our community with guests hearing inspiring stories of recovery shining a light on the reasons for the support of mental health and addiction services” said Jennifer Secor, executive director of SMA Healthcare Foundation.

With nearly 400 guests in attendance, the funds raised will go to SMA services and programs and the Kelly Scholarship Fund.

Presentations included $25,000 from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, $15,000 from 71MVP (and Race to Stop Suicide), as well as a Kelly family donation of $10,000 which was then matched and exceeded by guests.

“The Foundation and Dinner Committee are thrilled to have surpassed the $200,000 mark for the second year in a row," dinner co-chair Andrew Gurtis said. "We are proud this event annually rings the bell for awareness and support of SMA Healthcare and its programs. Thank you to everyone who contributed time, talent and treasure to the event.”