Finances are tight for foster families.
That’s why a Palm Coast based group of pirates star in murder mystery shows and participate in a bunch of other fundraisers.
They are called the Seawolf Privateers and they are 40 members strong in less than a year of existence.
“We just want to help ‘foster’ some bonds between all the kids living in a foster family,” Cayti Brinegar, a member of the group, told Palm Coast Magazine. “We want to include everyone — the foster kids, the biological children in the family and the parents or guardians — to spend time together just having fun and making memories together.”
Trouble is that goal isn’t easily achieved for foster families. At least not from an economic perspective.
“Just the expense a foster family faces in trying to plan an outing for the entire family is many times too much,” Brinegar said.
That’s why the Seawolf Privateers are doing a “fun day” for foster families this month. On tap are of course, appearances by the members of the group dressed in their appropriate garb, plus appearances by members of the Sirens, a St. Augustine based mermaid group. Bounce houses, face painting, treasure hunt, a magic show, carnival games and of course food and shaved ice to help beat the heat. Every child also receives pirate-themed souvenirs, Brinegar said.
Brinegar said social service agencies that assist foster families throughout the year are encouraged to set up a booth as well. The Privateers want the event to not only provide foster families with a memorable experience, but also provide a “one-stop shopping” opportunity for foster families to sign up for the varied programs available to help meet their needs.
“Instead of having to run around to all these different agencies, we hope that having the agencies present there will help reduce the amount of effort and stress families have to go through to get the assistance they need,” Brinegar said.
The entire event is free to foster families and Brinegar estimates the event will cost a total of $6,000. Much of that has been raised via two murder mystery shows in July.
The group still seeks help from the community — particularly from businesses that can donate food or drink items or take home items for the children in attendance, she said.
You can learn more about the Seawolf Privateers online at www.seawolfprivateers.org. Monetary donations also accepted at that website.
— Amy Armstrong
