Mariner Sands Charity Week
As we come together for this year’s Charity Week, we are faced with a moment that truly matters. Right now, families and seniors in Martin County are struggling to meet their most basic needs—food on the table, a safe place to live, and access to essential healthcare. They need our help, and they need it now.
Food banks across our community are experiencing unprecedented demand following government cutbacks to critical programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Housing costs have skyrocketed beyond the reach of many, and rising healthcare expenses are forcing heartbreaking choices. Too many of our neighbors are deciding between buying medicine or buying food—for themselves or for
their children.
During the recent federal government shutdown, we learned that 12,000 Martin County residents rely on SNAP for their daily food needs, and 6,000 to 7,000 of them are seniors living on fixed incomes. We have approximately 2,100 children experiencing homelessness in Martin County. This is happening in one of the wealthiest counties in Florida—a reality that should move us to action.
Your participation matters. Your generosity matters. What you do during Charity Week makes a real, measurable difference in people’s lives. Because of you, children eat, seniors are cared for, and families find hope instead of despair.
These are the moments Charity Week was created for—to come together as a community and lift up
our neighbors in need with food, clothing, housing, and education. We may not be able to solve every
challenge, but together we can ease suffering, restore dignity, and change lives when it matters most.
Thank you for standing with our neighbors. Thank you for changing lives and keeping hope alive.
Over $4,100,000 Granted To Our Community
Mariner Sands Charity Week is seven packed days in March of special events that raises approximately $300,000 worth of hope and help for seven Martin County charities. Our residents give their time, talents, and treasure during Charity Week and their time and talents during the rest of the year when they volunteer at the “Focus Charities”
Thousands of children and adults will be fed, sheltered, protected, and have a chance to do better in school this year due to the generosity of the Mariner Sands residents.
Charity Week Grants committee works diligently to identify the leading non profits in Martin County to carry out the Charity Week mission to:
- Provide EDUCATION for pre-school children and at-risk teens
- Improve HEALTH by providing free dental care to uninsured children
- Alleviate HUNGER by supporting Martin County food banks
- Provide HOUSING for homeless families.
In 2025 through the generosity of our Mariner Sands neighbors, our grants were able to fulfill our mission. See our grants at work in the following photos.
Representatives from Mariner Sands Charity and
Safe Space joined CEO Jen Fox and CW President Jack Flanagan to receive a $25,000 grant for security and computer equipment. Safe Space provides emergency housing for mothers and children in Martin County who are victims of abuse. MSCW is proud to support this vital service.
MSCW continues to fulfill our mission for HOUSING by supporting ARC of the Treasure Coast, Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged. THE Charity Week 2026, $25,000 grant will make a group home handicap accessible so that residents can age in place.
L-R Jack Flanagan, Keith Muniz, CEO-ARC, Judith Carlson
Bob Zacchio CEO of Project Lift accepted a $25,000 grant from Charity Week board and Grant committee members. This 2026 grant will provide funds to hire an instructor/ mentor to provide job skills for Martin County at risk youth.
MS Charity Week represented by Jack Flanagan, CW Board and Friends of Charity Week presented an $18,000 2026 grant to Little Lights Dentistry. Nicole King and Lori Sang accepted the grant on behalf of LLD. This grant will provide free dental care for 72 uninsured Martin County children.
Family Promise of Martin County received a 2026 Charity Week grant in the amount of $21,000 for transition housing for homeless families. Representing Mariner Sands
L to R Carmen Stalder, Kathy McGowan, Judith Carlson, FP Director Madeleine Bozone, Jack Flanagan and Karen Rojeski.
Karen Ripper President and CEO of the. Council on Aging of Martin County accepted a $25,000 Mariner Sands Charity Week grant. Martin County senior citizens who are at risk of becoming homeless will receive assistance from these funds. .
Judith Carlson and Karen Rojeski were proud to present a $25,000 grant to Brenda Dickerson, Exec Director Of
LAHIA ( Love and Hope in Action). This grant will support their primary mission to feed the homeless.
What our Neighbors Say....
List of Services
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Anne & Rick CasaliList Item 2
Mariner Sands Charity Week is making a meaningful difference in Martin County. Looking at how our resident-supported program has a positive impact on homeless residents, the youth in our community, feeding the hungry, and providing a helping hand to the less fortunate, we are heartened that Mariner Sands is making a huge difference. Having private-citizen organizations help fund these deserving organizations seems like a more efficient and effective way to support our community. We urge all of our fellow members at Mariner Sands to give of their time and treasure to support Charity Week.
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Terry & Gregg Anderson
Everyone can experience the joy of generosity! Charities use our collective economic gift to make the lives of those less fortunate easier and more fulfilling. That joy is our ultimate reward.
Our fundraising does make a difference!
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Steve Buck
I was very impressed with the Little Lights Dentistry facility in Stuart when I visited last winter. But I was more impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the entire staff including the Executive Director, the staff dentist and all the personnel. They are addressing an important need for an underserved local population. Not only are they treating dental disease in children but also they are educating children and parents about proper nutrition and prevention of dental problems. Little Lights Dentistry is very deserving of our continued support.
What our Neighbors Do....
Dan and Mary Gescheidle, long-time residents of Mariner Sands, have lived lives dedicated to volunteering and charity. They often worked as a team offering help, guidance and a caring ear to many of the needy in our surrounding area.
Together they worked tirelessly to benefit Samaritan House for Boys. Mary, a librarian at heart, developed and established the Samaritan Library. Dan, along with his son Tom, established the Great Chef’s Adventure Luncheon Fundraiser to raise funds for Samaritan House.
As members of the Mariner Sands Chapel, they were very involved in supporting the chapel’s mission. Mary served on the Board of the Chapel and was President of the Chapel’s Library. She and Dan were active supporters of LAHIA, a foundation established to help the homeless and the hungry in our area.
Mary’s most recent passion was as an active member of Impact100 Martin, an organization dedicated to supporting charities in Martin County through female philanthropy.
Sadly, Mary recently passed, but her legacy lives on. The world needs more Dans and Marys.
Want to get involved?
Mariner Sands Charity Week is busy all year long and welcomes all of our neighbors to participate! We have a variety of needs and many opportunities to participate. You may also donate at any time of year! Choose too Donate or Volunteer below and we will be forever grateful!
