The SMA Healthcare Foundation (SMAHF) is pleased to announce they will be honoring Sheriff Michael J. Chitwood at their Annual Dinner Celebration and Auction scheduled for Wednesday, August 23rd, at the prestigious DAYTONA 500 Club.
Chitwood, Sheriff of the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and former Chief of Police with the Daytona Beach Police Department, has been a long-time advocate for behavioral healthcare in the community, ensuring law enforcement receives crisis training, building strategic partnerships with community organizations, and providing financial assistance for prevention and treatment programs.
“We are so pleased to honor Sheriff Chitwood at this year’s dinner, and to recognize his support of SMA Healthcare and other organizations in his community over the years,” said Andrew Gurtis, SMAHF board member and annual dinner co-chair.
The theme this year is Cruisin’ Into Victory Lane, and the event will be held on Wednesday, August 23rd with a reception at 6:00 p.m., and dinner and programming at 7:00 p.m. Over the years, SMAHF has been privileged to recognize at the event individuals from the racing community, as well as individuals who make a difference in our community. Honorees have included, but aren’t limited to, Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, the late Reverend Hal Marchman, Vince Carter, and most recently Mike Helton.
“We’re excited to publicly recognize Sheriff Chitwood’s work in our community and thank him for his continued partnership with SMA Healthcare. The opioid crisis has taken a toll on our community, and quite often the Volusia County Sheriff’s team is the first to respond. Thankfully, the Sheriff’s understanding of addiction and how our work intersects with theirs, has led to tremendous outcomes. Through our combined efforts, we have engaged many to seek treatment and find recovery. Together, we are making a difference,” said Ivan Cosimi, CEO of SMA Healthcare.
The dinner will also feature former NASCAR Champion Michael Waltrip as Emcee and steel drums by Ed Anderson.
The returning presenting sponsor is Brown & Brown Insurance. Sponsorships and tables are available starting at $2,000 and individual seats are $250. For more information about sponsoring the event or to purchase seats, please contact Jennifer Secor at jsecor@smahealthcare.org or 386.254.1139 or Cyndi Hines at chines@smahealthcare.org.