VERO BEACH — With a nod to the fashion industry, the ladies of the Hibiscus Children’s Center Guild asked the question, “Who do you hang with?” at its 14th annual Blue Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion Show.
Stores ask the question of designers to determine whether a line will fit their customer base, but these ladies were looking for additional friends to “hang out with us” to help save the lives of abused, neglected and abandoned children.
“We all hang with Hibiscus; we have a common cause,” said Debbie Bedell, who co-chaired the event with Suzanne Bertman.
The sold-out luncheon was one of the hottest tickets in town, with 265 stylish ladies converging on the Oak Harbor Clubhouse, eager to get a sneak peak at the season’s latest fashions.
“This is always such a great event,” said Susan Kamer as she stood by the door selling raffle tickets. “It’s a great way to get out our spring fashions and just have fun.”
Guests clearly were doing just that – the lobby resonated with laughter and clinking champagne glasses as they chatted, perused more than 100 silent auction items, and purchased chances in hopes of winning one of three fabulous prizes – a stunning Ippolita necklace and earring set donated by Veranda, a “Day at the Spa” donated by the White Orchid Spa, and a Michael Kors clutch donated by Nordstrom.
Fé Domenech, owner of the Event Firm International and Florals by Fé of Vero Beach, created a spectacular lobby display – a gowned mannequin topped with a white floral ‘head’ alongside an giant jeweled handbag and matching platform shoe.
“Wait till you see the tables; every centerpiece is different,” said Carole Casey of the floral centerpieces Domenech had artfully crafted into jewel-studded slippers, purses and mannequins.
“We left last night at 11:30 and she was still here working on them. She is so clever.”
Janie Gould, a newscaster and host of “Floridays” on WQCS, the Treasure Coast’s NPR station, was both guest speaker and mistress of ceremonies. Her involvement with Hibiscus goes back to its early Vero days when she took a course on foster parenting.
Gould remembered seeing a tiny 5-year old girl and her meager belongings being brought in by caseworkers. Gould agreed to foster her for a few months; with lasting results. Her adopted daughter is now 16-years old.
“Parenthood is a hard, hard job,” said Gould, adding that the experience gave her new respect for her own parents who raised six children.
“What’s really important is to teach them to become responsible, dependable, independent and loving.”
“What amazes me is that even in a down economy, we sold out and exceeded our sponsorship levels,” said Linda Teetz, a premier level underwriter, along with George E. Warren Corporation, Armund and Marie Ek and Susan and Dan Pfau.
“There is a great need at Hibiscus, so it’s nice to see the community stepping up to support that need. We are definitely getting more children coming in. We are working on one of the facilities now to increase our space for teens.”
Hibiscus Children’s Center operates a shelter in Jensen Beach for younger children and a village of group homes in Vero for teens up to age 18 when they age out of the system.
Twirl owner Mary Lavin started the show with fashions modeled by an adorable group of little girls. To the delight of the crowd, the pint-sized fashionistas struck practiced poses after strutting down the runway with sassy twirls.
Cooper and Company’s Melinda Cooper presented a lovely mix of fashions shown off by statuesque models in impossibly high heels. It was a return visit for many of the models, and audience members clearly had their favorites.
“I don’t care what that girl wears, she’s so adorable and she can work it!” exclaimed Lynn Blaisdell of a stunning redhead with a deeply dimpled smile.
The collection featured a rainbow of eye-catching colors such as resort wear in deep purples and muted lavender, royal blue and crisp white, and corals and hot pink. Flirty skirts with scalloped edges and soft summery dresses were paired with patterned jackets and flowing scarves.
A dazzlingly colorful variety of cocktail attire and evening gowns – from graceful and feminine to sleek and sophisticated – closed out the exquisite collection.
The annual Blue Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion Show originated in recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, to raise public awareness of child abuse prevention efforts.
