Designers and artists highlighted their unique creativity last Monday evening at Dress for Dinner: Turning the Tables on Homelessness, to benefit the Homeless Family Center. It was the organization’s ninth annual dinner, held this year at The Moorings Yacht and Country Club, and it featured a fresh new twist.
Inspired by a Dining by Design concept, each stylist had free reign to “dress” one 10-person table. And from lavish to whimsical, simple to stunning, each was absolutely spectacular.
“I want to personally thank every designer; they took a chance on us for this first ever event and I want to thank them very much,” said the indomitable Liz Mayo, chair emeritus.
Tables were displayed in their full, glammed-up glory during the cocktail hour, allowing guests to wander the room, snap photos, chat with the creators and vote for their favorite. Later, the elaborate place settings and glittering glassware was removed before guests sat to dine on an outstanding filet and lobster tail dinner.
“There are some incredible tables out there,” said Angela Morgan. “The designers went all out; there’s some amazing work.”
Each of the designers was donating a portion of sales to the Homeless Family Center in support of its mission to “change lives one family at a time.” Rather than auction items, this year committee members encouraged guests to purchase “Keys to Help Open the Door to End Homelessness” with the winning key opening the door to a multitude of prizes.
“This is amazing; I love this,” said Emily Tremml, of the incredible tablescapes, some even surrounded by lovely gazebos. “Oh my gosh, all of them are so beautiful.”
“Damn she’s creative,” said Helen Robertson of Fé Domenech, owner of The Event Firm & Florals by Fé. “I’ve never seen anything she’s done that I didn’t like.”
Robertson wasn’t alone – Domenech’s elegant crystal and floral confection was the top vote getter.
Suzy Mellott had scoured thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales, collecting a miscellany of tableware and decorations for her table to highlight the variety of beautiful items available at the HFC’s Second Chance Thrift Store.
One of the more poignant tables was created by Patisserie owners Mark Edmonds and Christian Garcia with assistance from Crystal Ploszay, owner of Your Personal Artist, who handcrafted the place settings and centerpiece featuring sculpted hands, holding up a breadboard with freshly baked bread.
“It tells the story of using helping hands to rebuild families,” explained Ploszay, who five years ago fled an abusive relationship with her then 3-and 4-year old children, living with them in her car. Relying on her own creativity and resolve, with assistance from community organizations, she was able to lift herself out of homelessness.
“There are all these levels, but this is really at the heart of it,” said Roger Sobkowiak, HFC board president, of individuals such as Ploszay, who despite unimaginable setbacks are able to regain control of their lives.
“We have stayed true to our mission; we are providing opportunities for self-sufficiency,” said Mary Ellen Maguire, HFC executive director.
She said there are 676 adults and 372 children reported to be homeless in Indian River County, but she added, “We know that number to be underreported. We have 21 rooms at Homeless Family Center. We remain at capacity all the time. We need to do more. It’s up to you, all of you. Parents have the right to raise their children with dignity in their own home.”
As they left, guests were given copies of a book of delightful poems and prose filled with sweet hopes and aspirations by and about children at the center entitled, “The Wonder I Am!”
The HFC will host an Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 19 to celebrate the addition of its Education Center and expansion of its Second Chance Thrift Store. For more information, call 567-5537 x 335.
