The Vero Beach Country Club served as the elegant backdrop for The PEER (Parents/Families Educating & Exchanging Resources) Group of Indian River County at its fourth annual Breakfast at Tiffany’s High Tea Party, hosted in association with The Arc of Indian River County.
As guests arrived in their high tea finery, they perused a fine art show of works created by students at Indian River Charter High School, while listening to classical music by musicians Christian Shemo and Jason Street.
Later, friends and family members sipped international teas and nibbled on dainty finger sandwiches and sweets with their children while enjoying a fashion show of clothing and accessories primarily from Elizabeth’s Fine Consignments.
“The girls are so much fun,” said Elizabeth Johnson, who had provided the fashions last year as well. “I have done a lot of fashion shows over my 30-year career and these girls are such a delight to work with. It is amazing how they turn on their charm when they see themselves in the mirror and they start smiling. It is the greatest feeling to watch as it changes their whole attitude and demeanor.”
The show also included two unique designs by artist Katie Henderson, who has Down syndrome.
“I have seen Katie just blossom from these shows,” said her mother, Ruth Henderson, who works with her daughter to create the clothes based on Katie’s artistic designs. “She takes such pride in her designs and seeing the girls wear her clothes. Like all girls they just enjoy going out and showing off their fashions.”
The models for the show, all daughters of PEER members, relished sashaying through the dining room to pumped-up music, just like a New York haute couture fashion show.
“Everyone has a lot of fun,” said Nancy Moody, an originator of the group whose daughter Patricia is an active and visible advocate of The Arc. “The event also provides information and education to the families who are here and lets them know where they can go for useful resources. It also allows the girls like Patricia to feel included.”
“All of the models today have special needs and they just feel so beautiful when they are in our fashion show,” explained Pat Martin, event chair and PEER chairperson. “They get to pick out pretty dresses and become the center of attention for today. So many times they are shunned in the community so here they get to experience things they usually don’t get to experience in school. When they are in the fashion show it makes them feel wonderful.”
It was a special time for everyone as well as an occasion to raise money and awareness for The PEER Group, an educational, advocacy and support organization that assists the families of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
