VERO BEACH — Bright spring colors predominated at the Catwalks & Cupcakes themed Blue Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit the Hibiscus Children’s Center, from the stylish ladies who support the organization, to the exquisite clothing and jewelry on the models. It was quite obvious that everyone involved had worked tirelessly to make the annual luncheon a truly impressive event.
The luncheon was held at the Oak Harbor Clubhouse, and as guests entered they were greeted by Hibiscus Children’s Center CEO Tom Maher, and Board President Stacey Barnett, and were then treated to mimosas and champagne, offered by several gorgeous guys dressed in casual fashions from G.T. Rhodes. There were several new additions to the Social Hour this year, including boutique shopping from The Dori Collection of Beverly Hills and the opportunity to have makeovers by several Chanel representatives. As an added incentive for some of the must-have items, all of the show’s participants were offering a percentage of everything purchased that afternoon to the Hibiscus Children’s Center.
As guests caught up with one another, perused the numerous silent auction items, and purchased some last minute raffle tickets for the fabulous prizes that had been donated, I chatted briefly with Dee Rotondi, who co-chaired the event along with Kolette Koch and Nancy Stewart.
Rotondi and her husband divide their time between Vero and Boston and while she has only been involved with the organization a little more than two years, she has obviously thrown herself into it wholeheartedly.
“This event is a great opportunity for people to see a professional show with beautiful fashions from Cooper and Company, right here in Vero Beach, while coming together for a common cause,” said Rotondi.
As guests continued to arrive, I ran into Suzanne Bertman who was admiring a lovely heart locket worn by Susan Kamer.
“I started collecting heart jewelry years ago; this one came from an antique shop in Philadelphia,” Kamer explained of the delicate gold and Persian turquoise piece.
Daisy Whitehill, looking exceptionally chic in her white feathered hat, laughed about it and said, “I wore it at the Kentucky Derby a couple of years ago when the Queen was there.”
I got to know Nikki Pfeiffer when we took a jewelry class at the Museum, and she excitedly showed me an intricate bracelet she made for the silent auction. “It’s free-form beading with pearls and a cameo,” she said with a great big smile. “Isn’t that cool?” And yes, it was.
Carole Casey, looking glamorous after her Chanel make-over, showed me the delightful centerpieces she and others on the committee had created.
“The challenge was to make centerpieces that looked like cupcakes, to go with the Catwalks and Cupcakes theme,” explained Casey. “We took flower pots, wound pleated silver paper around them to look like little cupcake wrappers, added 30 to 50 carnations to make each one look like a cupcake, and finished them off with a ribbon and proper bow.”
A true labor of love, the project took the committee more than six hours to complete. The centerpieces, and the cake-holders that displayed them, went home with one lucky guest from each table. Also in keeping with the theme, bottles of Sauvignon Blanc were at each table from Cupcake Vineyards.
Mistress of Ceremony Christie Knight welcomed everyone and introduced Angela Lowe of the Hibiscus Children’s Center, who spoke eloquently of the work done by the organization; providing a safe haven, care and support to severely abused and neglected children.
“They deserve an opportunity,” said Lowe of the children who live at the Center. “They have experienced what we cannot even imagine.”
The Blue Ribbon Campaign was initiated in 1989 as a way to raise public awareness and promote child abuse prevention efforts and this Blue Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion show is held annually in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Funds raised at the event help the staff of the Hibiscus Children’s Center to protect and care for the children who reside at the Center, for weeks, months or even years.
As guests began their meal, tearoom models went from table to table enticing guests with a stunning selection of jewelry from Veranda.
The delicious lunch included a mixed green salad, tender coconut shrimp and sautéed chicken breasts in a Frangelico sauce and, again keeping with the theme, decadent chocolate cupcakes with pretty little orchid shaped candied flowers.
The tall, willowy models, who then took to the runway for the main event, definitely looked like they’ve never eaten a cupcake in their lives. Cooper and Company’s Melinda Cooper presented a delightful mix of fashions that began with colorful, eye-catching resort wear in turquoises and bright sherbet-like corals and pinks off-set by white pants. A mixed selection of patterns and solids highlighted jacketed outfits suitable for work or play, and a dazzling assortment of elegant cocktail dresses and evening gowns completed the collection.
The co-chairs treated the guests to an additional surprise, bringing out three little children to walk the runway in fashions from Twirl.
Stacey Barnett thanked the sold-out crowd for their support and gave particular thanks to the event sponsors, vendors and to Melinda Cooper and Christie Knight for their help with the event, saying, “Every time we ask, they are there for us.” {igallery 175}
