“They’re all so creative and interesting!” was the sentiment heard time and again Friday evening at the unique new fundraising initiative Chairish the Children, to benefit the Hibiscus Children’s Center. The event, which took part at the Vero Beach Country Club, was a collaborate effort between the enthusiastic ladies of the Indian River Guild, the fundraising arm of Hibiscus, and our gifted local arts community.
The assignment for artists was a simple one; the results were anything but. More than 40 artists had been charged with finding and embellishing in their own creative fashion a used seat of any type – chairs, benches rocking horses, stools – whatever they desired. Friday evening was the culmination of their efforts, with their exceptional works of art sold through a silent auction.
Entries included numerous children’s chairs, as well as an adorable fairy tea table and chairs, a child-sized Beatrix Potter upholstered chair, an old-fashioned school desk and several rocking horses, which were snapped up quickly by doting grandparents. There were also lots of functional adult-sized chairs, rockers and benches, beautifully ornamented with paints, shells and in one case even pool cues. Artists had replaced seats in a couple of the chairs with planters, and there was even a ‘crabby’ lifeguard chair.
“I love it; I think it’s amazing,” said artist Emily Tremml as she glanced about the room.
The items were placed all throughout the club’s lobby and dining room, and guests periodically checked back on their favorites as they grazed at the various bountiful buffet stations and chatted with the various artists, instantly identifiable by their paint palette nametags.
“This is our inaugural Chairish the Children event, and isn’t it a wonderful event?” said Hibiscus CEO Paul Sexton, briefly addressing the crowd to thank co-chairs Sue Sharpe and Julie Otto, the talented artists, hardworking guild and generous sponsors. “It’s about our children; you’re here because of these those kids.”
“This is more than we ever envisioned,” said Otto. “The turnout has been tremendous for an inaugural event; it’s phenomenal. I’m so grateful to the arts community because they made this event. We just hope that we can do it again next year.”
Admitting that she had her eye on a particular chair, Sharpe added, “The truth of the matter is, every chair here is a treasure and could become a family heirloom. I can’t say enough about the artists in this community. They have been beyond generous with their time and talent.”
Hibiscus Children’s Center is a non-profit agency that provides a safe nurturing environment to abused, abandoned and neglected children of all ages. The Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach, which opened its campus in 2004, currently houses teens from 13 through 17 years old, helping prepare them to live independent lives through education, guidance and career readiness programs.