VERO BEACH — Large pink and black tote bags at the ready, approximately 450 ladies got a jump on their holiday shopping at the Third Annual Girls Night Out shopping extravaganza to benefit the Hibiscus Children’s Center.
The event took place once again at the Holy Cross Parish Hall, but the space was laid out slightly differently this year, which greatly helped with the flow. “One of the owners of a new shop on Miracle Mile called Soirée Kitchen to Table came up with the design,” said committee member Linda Teetz, crediting Eric Lahaise.
The majority of the two dozen or so merchants were local, offering everything from clothing, jewelry and accessories, to cosmetics and spa treatments.
Hibiscus committee members also had a few tables to support their cause, including mystery bottles of wine, valued at $20, which they were rapidly selling at $10 each.
“We did something different with the raffle prizes this year,” said enthusiastic event chair Carole Casey. “You buy an envelope and can win something on the spot, or just get a card thanking you for your donation. That way, people don’t have to wait around to hear their name called.”
“We’re just getting a wonderful response,” said committee member Peg White. “The vendors, the layout, the food; they love everything.”
Gail Lulley and Maggie Creelman, organizers of the recent High Healin’ fundraisers, said that this was their first Girls Night Out event.
“It’s great; there are a lot of interesting things here,” said Lulley. “We bought things within the first five minutes.”
Noting her own overflowing bag of purchases, Suzanne Bertman laughed, “I’m supporting Hibiscus. It’s a wonderful evening. People can do some Christmas shopping and it’s a great friend-raiser for Hibiscus.”
“It’s also a good way for us to pay back some of the vendors who help us with donations throughout the year,” she explained. “We only charge for the table; we don’t get a percentage back from sales.”
As she commenting on the tempting assortment of complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres, all donated by local restaurants and clubs, Bertman added, “It’s a lovely thing for them to do for us.”
“Vero Beach is so good in regard to charity,” said Don Casey, who had been pressed into service as a cashier. “They work hard at these events, they contribute – they do everything.”
“I think it was over the top this year,” said his very pleased wife Carole. “Everybody had a great time.”
Funds raised help the Hibiscus Children’s Center mission to prevent child abuse, neglect, and abandonment in our community. HCC provides residential care facilities, foster care licensing and training, a state-of-the-art Child Development Center, mental health services and family support programs. {igallery 302}
