Vero Beach, FL – The We Care Foundation of Indian River is pleased to announce Tracey Zudans and Helen Shafer as Honorary Chairs for the 4th Annual We Care Mardi Gras Celebration to be held on February 17, 2018, at Oak Harbor Club. Event Co-Chairs Hala Laviolette, Vice President Commercial Relationship Manager at CenterState Bank and Elizabeth White, Home Health Coordinator with Nurse On Call are leading this effort with bold ideas, on a new date.

(L to R) Helen Shafer and Tracey Zudans are the Honorary Chairs of the 2018 We Care Mardi Celebration!
“Tracey and Helen are two of We Care’s biggest supporters,” said Shelley Stuven, Executive Director of the We Care Foundation of Indian River. “They have not only served on the Mardi Gras Krewe in year’s past, but they give their time, energy and financial support to so many deserving organizations here on the Treasure Coast. Their energy and enthusiasm for supporting people in need are unparalleled, and we are proud to call them friends and supporters of the mission of We Care to provide specialty medical care to qualified Indian River County residents.”
Gov. Rick Scott recently appointed Tracey Zudans to the Indian River County Hospital District Board where her passion for quality medical care for all patients will surely be felt. Zudans is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in advertising and the mother of four children ages 11 to 19. She grew up in Palm Beach Gardens and is married to Dr. Val Zudans of Florida Eye Institute. When she is not at work, Zudans is busy supporting local non-profits and schools.
Helen Shafer is Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Vero Beach Neurology and Research Institute and Marketing Director of Einstein Bros. Bagels Indian River and Brevard County Franchises. When she is not working, Shafer is volunteering for numerous organizations from the National Navy UDT – SEAL Museum/TRIDENT HOUSE to the Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Florida Foundation, the Education Foundation of Indian River County and many more. She is married to Dr. James Shafer of Vero Beach Neurology and Research Institute and has five children born and raised in Vero Beach.
“We are honored to support the We Care Foundation and the We Care Program,” shares Zudans. Shafer adds, “Tracey and I are looking forward to celebrating the success of the We Care Program and the We Care Volunteer Physicians with our community early next year.”
The We Care Krewe, the committee organizing the Mardi Gras Celebration, is livening up an already festive fundraiser that will feature some fun new components for guests. Highlights of the event include a culinary tour of New Orleans, a silent auction, music and entertainment, dancing, casino games, prizes and more!
The Mardi Gras Celebration is the We Care Foundation of Indian River’s signature fundraising event and is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2018, from 6-11 p.m. at Oak Harbor Club, Vero Beach. Proceeds return directly to the Indian River County community to help meet We Care program and We Care Clinic non-physician ancillary medical or medically related needs for We Care patients. Examples include after-care wound dressing, cataract lenses, emergency prescription assistance, and transportation for medical appointments.
For more information about the Mardi Gras Celebration, the We Care program, or the We Care Clinic, visit www.wecareoirc.org or call (772) 562-0123.