On the evening before Hurricane Milton made landfall, the Vero Beach Veterans Inc. clubhouse was severely damaged by a tornado, leaving the community in distress. The clubhouse, a cherished gathering place for local veterans, was left condemned and in need of significant repairs, prompting a fundraising effort to restore it.
Key Takeaways
- The Vero Beach Veterans clubhouse was destroyed by a tornado during Hurricane Milton.
- Estimated repair costs are around $100,000, and the building was uninsured.
- The community is rallying to raise funds and support the rebuilding efforts.
Tornado Damage Overview
The tornado struck the Vero Beach Veterans clubhouse located off 15th Avenue, tearing off the roof and allowing rain to flood the interior. President and Commander Marshall Van Doren described the aftermath, noting that ceiling tiles were hanging down and the floors were stained from water damage.
Van Doren recounted, "Our shed took off and was thrown into a tree with all its contents. It was anchored down and everything."
The clubhouse, affectionately known as "The Club" by its members, has been a vital part of the community since its establishment in 1984. However, the nonprofit organization struggled financially, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it difficult to maintain the building and afford insurance.
Financial Challenges
The Vero Beach Veterans organization faced a significant hurdle as the clubhouse was uninsured, and the estimated cost for repairs is around $100,000. Van Doren explained that the organization could barely afford the $10,000 annual premium for property insurance, which they had not needed in the past.
Currently, the organization is exploring various options to fund the repairs, including:
- Small business loans
- Equity lines of credit
- Donations from the community
Fundraising Efforts
To aid in the rebuilding process, the Vero Beach Veterans are actively fundraising. Donations can be mailed directly to the organization, as Van Doren prefers this method over online fundraising platforms due to associated fees.
Excess funds raised will be allocated towards properly insuring the clubhouse in the future, ensuring that the organization is better prepared for any future disasters. Van Doren emphasized the importance of securing the clubhouse, stating, "I cannot accept all these donations and then leave us exposed again."
Community Support
While the clubhouse is undergoing repairs, the Vero Beach Veterans are utilizing the Vero Beach Elks Lodge for their meetings, which occur on the first and third Monday of each month. Additionally, the local American Legion and the Italian American Civic Association have offered to recognize Vero Beach Veterans’ memberships at their facilities.
In a show of solidarity, the Vero Beach Veterans will participate in Veterans Day celebrations at the Elks Lodge on November 11, featuring a cocktail hour, various programs, music, and a complimentary dinner for veterans.
A Place for Veterans
Vero Beach has long been a haven for veterans, with nearly 9% of its population having served in the military, surpassing the state average. Before the tornado, the clubhouse was a popular spot for veterans from surrounding areas, hosting events such as steak dinners, dances, game nights, and karaoke.
Van Doren reflected on the significance of the clubhouse, saying, "It wasn’t much, but it was our little veterans’ club. It was our little home. We’re trying our best to come together."
The Vero Beach Veterans organization has a history of collaborating with other local charities, and now they hope the community will rally to support them in their time of need.
As the rebuilding efforts continue, the spirit of camaraderie and resilience among the veterans remains strong, showcasing the unwavering support of the Vero Beach community.
Sources
- Vero Beach Veterans fundraising for clubhouse destroyed in tornado, Treasure Coast News.
- Vero Beach Veterans fundraising for clubhouse destroyed in tornado, Treasure Coast News.
