The Exchange Club of Indian River Foundation’s Black and White Masquerade Ball was the hottest ticket in town last Saturday night, as a sold-out crowd converged on the exquisitely decorated Vero Beach Country Club for the third annual fundraiser.

To ensure its success the committee, chaired by Jessica Hawkins, began planning for the event immediately after the 2016 ball, which raised roughly $11,000. The funds enabled the club to award grants to its various community partners, such as the Children’s Hibiscus Center and others who support the organization’s primary mission of preventing child abuse.

“There are eight people on the committee,” said Jaime Klekamp. “Every year we brainstorm on what worked the year before and what we can do to make the event better to help the children who need our help.”

Guests had been encouraged to dress in black-and-white attire, augmented with extravagant masks in a nod to Halloween. Among the many attendees who had added flamboyant touches, George Blythe was the talk of the party, sporting flashing neon sneakers.

Guests enjoyed a scrumptious buffet, dance music by DJ Fuzzy and a dazzling live and silent auction, which included items such as a Flight Package, a full bar cooler and a tour of the Flight Tower at Vero Beach Regional Airport. And for the ladies, a stunning pair of $3,000 diamond earrings designed by Victoria Kerkela was donated by John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry.

Bidding for the fabulous items was fueled to a frenzy by guest auctioneer IRC Commissioner Peter O’Bryan, still sporting pink hair as a Real Men Wear Pink participant in the morning’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

The elegant affair was a treat for guests who enjoyed trading their business and casual attire for tuxedos and gowns.

“I think it is wonderful because you don’t get to see people dress up anymore. It is so nice seeing everyone so chic and fancy,” said Kim Taylor.

The 47-year-old Indian River chapter is one of several Exchange Clubs in the area, which includes two other chapters in Vero Beach and one each in Sebastian and Fellsmere.

“I think the best way to describe our group is that we all enjoy being together to support the mission we have,” said Jonathan Rose, club president. “The time we get to spend together socially is just a bonus to the time we get to work on our mission.”

“We do lots of social events to raise money but our next big one is a cornhole tournament March 10th at Walking Tree Brewery,” said Nancy Gollnick, president-elect. The club also partners with the April 21-22 Vero Beach Air Show, which features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

For more information, visit exchangeclubofindianriver.org.