Chris Bireley, Brian Connelly, Boo MacIntyre and Laurie Connelly [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Guests arrived wearing floral shirts, breezy sundresses and smiles as bright as the colorful leis they received upon entering the Oak Harbor Clubhouse, a new venue for one of Vero’s oldest running fundraisers – the 42nd annual Youth Guidance Tropical Night Luau. The crowd of nearly 250 flowed effortlessly between the bar, the silent-auction tables and the beautifully decorated dining room.

Their tropical libations in hand, attendees chatted excitedly as they perused the seemingly endless silent-auction tables, where more than 60 items were up for bidding, including everything from golf, vacation and spa packages to jewelry and wine baskets. Later, the live auction featured a ring and diamond earrings donated by John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry, as well as four exclusive resort packages to exotic destinations.

The elegant buffet included such savory favorites as coconut shrimp, teriyaki chicken, roast beef and tropical salad. After downing the deliciously satisfying meal, nearly everyone took to the dance floor to work off the calories, shaking and boogying to the lively sounds of the Gypsy Lane Band.

“We are so pleased with everything happening at Youth Guidance,” said Felix Cruz, executive director. “The excitement and energy in this room is contagious and exhilarating. We have expanded so many of our programs and we’re now able to house them in our own building which we recently purchased.”

Cruz said there are currently 300 children enrolled in their summer camp, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon weekdays.

“We serve them a healthy breakfast, give them a full morning of activities and a lunch before they go home,” said Cruz. “The best thing is that it doesn’t cost the family a penny.”

Local attorney Brian Connelly said he has a very special place in his heart for Youth Guidance, as he was its first mentee 41 years ago.

“My mentors helped shape me into who I am today,” said Connelly. “My wife Laurie is on the Youth Guidance board of directors and is tonight’s event chair, and we mentor two children in the program. We get so much pleasure out of helping children who are less fortunate. It’s an incredible organization. And, of course, this is the absolute best party of the year!”

All proceeds from the event support Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, which serves children from kindergarten through 12th grade from low-income, single-parent homes who might otherwise remain trapped in a cycle of generational poverty.

In addition to the summer camp, the organization offers individual and group mentoring relationships that help inspire trust, self-esteem and valuable life experiences to help foster a brighter future. Youth Guidance provides free programs such as cooking, vegetable gardening, horseback riding, boxing and volunteerism, as well as academics, including a Young Scientists Program and a S.T.E.A.M. Magnet Mentoring Program.

For more information, visit youthguidanceprogram.org.