Vero’s fashionable ladies were taken back in time to a Sweet 16 birthday party last Thursday at the 16th annual Blue Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit Hibiscus Children’s Center. The lobby of the Oak Harbor Clubhouse resonated as guests chatted and perused a vast array of silent auction items, and purchased last-minute chances to win desirable raffle items.
“Well, we had to have a birthday party for Sweet 16, and we had to have ice cream and cake,” said Andi Beck, who co-chaired with Debbie Bedell. “We wanted it to be fun, because it’s such a worthy cause.”
Fé Domenech, of the Event Firm International, worked her magic at the tables, creating delightful white carnation “birthday cake” centerpieces tied up with blue ribbons and glittery blue accents.
The event, held in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, has grown over the years from an original luncheon for 30, to this year’s 220 attendees.
“This is one of our best events; people love it,” said Bedell, an eight-year HCC Guild member.
Before lunch, guest speaker Suzanne Bertman, a 14-year supporter, was introduced by Master of Ceremonies Steve McDonald, Editor of Oxford Bond Advantage.
“It’s hard to imagine that this past year, 129 Florida children died from child abuse – some of them were strangled, some were burned to death, some were starved, some were sexually abused; terrible things. In fact, more than you and I can, thankfully, imagine,” said Bertman. “But that’s the reason why the Hibiscus Children’s Center organization exists. We want to give children a chance to live, to be able to prosper and to become better educated, and learn that they can trust people in this world – because they certainly don’t trust anyone right now.”
Hibiscus operates a shelter in Jensen Beach for younger children and a village of group homes in Vero Beach for teens aged 13 to 18.
“They learn all kinds of skills and they plan for a future,” said Bertman. “For the first time, many of them actually believe they have a future.”
She spoke of an emotionally scarred young girl whose life was enriched when a donor sponsored dance lessons, adding, “Those are the kinds of things that you and I do for our children; music lessons, dance lessons, sports programs. We didn’t think it was such a special thing to do. But it is special for our kids.”
Bertman noted that while the state provides some money, it doesn’t extend to the extras – a birthday cake, an Easter basket, Christmas presents, special outings or even just a haircut.
“And that’s why the Hibiscus Indian River Guild works so hard to raise funds, so that we can do these kinds of special things for our kids; to expand their horizons and experiences.”
The fashion show this year, “A Day in the Life of a Vero Woman,” began with fashions from Lily Pad modeled by adorable little children. Statuesque models next strutted lingerie from Very Fitting, active wear from The Moorings Club, resort wear from Sassy Boutique and Pineapples and day into evening wear from Frances Brewster, closing with flowing evening dresses and gowns from Cooper & Co. (see our Style section for more about the fashion show).
