A coalition of local businesses calling itself the "Good Guys Cartel" has donated over a 1,500 lbs. of meat to the children residing at the Hibiscus Children's Center Village on 12 th Street in Vero Beach.

The meat was purchased by the Good Guys via auction at this year's 4-H Livestock Show & Sale held at the Indian River Firefighters Fair. Included are a 1,120 lb steer raised by 4-H member Amanda Rose, a 273 lb swine raised by Danielle West and Brittany Heinz's 259 lb swine.

The idea of purchasing the meat for Hibiscus children came from Indian River County Commissioner Wesley Davis's son, a 4-H'er, who approached Chuck Mechling of Pointe West with an invitation to bid on his steer at last year's 4-H Livestock Show & Sale. Chuck liked the idea, but thought that if he could get some of his business friends to join him, more meat could be purchased for Hibiscus. Thus, the "Good Guys Cartel" was formed and for the second year children who call Hibiscus Village home can look forward to many extra-special meals and cookouts.

Besides Chuck Mechling of Pointe West, the Good Guys Cartel include Leroy Heirs, United Irrigation; Steve Melchiori, OnSite Realty; Brad Schuh, Summit Construction Management; Joe Paladin, Atlantic Coast Construction & Development, and Black Swan Consulting; Ross Cotherman, Harris, Cotherman, Jones, Price and Associates; Ira Hatch, Hatch & Doty, P.A.; Perry Fulford, Orchid Island Property Management; and Sid Spaulding, Glacier Pool Service.

Hibiscus Children's Center is grateful to 4-H, Pointe West and all the members of the Good Guys Cartel for partnering with Hibiscus in our effort to care for the vulnerable and fragile children who reside at the Village.

Hibiscus has been providing abuse prevention and intervention services to children and families on the Treasure Coast for over twenty years. The Village, which opened its doors in spring 2004, provides services and care in a home-like environment to young children who have been removed from their homes due to egregious abuse or neglect.

For more information about Hibiscus Children's Center, please contact
Parris Westbrook at (772) 978-9313, ext. 314, PWestbrook@hhh4kids.org,
or visit www.HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.