Festive lights adorned every inch of The Moorings Yacht and Country Club at the Hibiscus Children’s Center’s Winter Glow Gala last Saturday night. The annual Winter Gala is hosted by the ladies of the Hibiscus Indian River Guild and this year was co-chaired by relative newcomers Henriette Churney and Janice Stillings and longtime advocates Carole Casey and Linda Teetz.
Stillings said she got involved after hearing a presentation about the organization, adding, “When I heard everything they were doing for the teens, I just wanted to get involved. The success rate at Hibiscus is better than having these kids in foster homes. Having them live in their own environment is very effective.”
Hibiscus provides a wide range of programs and services to children on the Treasure Coast. The Hibiscus Children’s Shelter in Jensen Beach houses newborns to 12-year-olds, and the Hibiscus Children’s Village in Vero Beach accommodates youth from age 12 until they “age out” of the system at 18. In addition to counseling and education, their Career Pathways to Independence program helps teens reach their full potential in life.
“We’re changing lives one life at a time,” Churney agreed. “We see incredible results with the children in the Village.”
Glimmering lights were everywhere, reflecting brilliantly off the guests’ own sparkly jewels and elegant gowns. Guests passed by tall palm trees at the portico glistening with hundreds of white lights, and were greeted by Saint Edward’s students Tyler Peters and Richie Appen, looking sharp in white tails.
Having walked miles amassing and coordinating the gala’s huge assortment of silent auction items, Teetz happily showed off her sparkly Jimmy Choo flats, remarking, “And they were worth every penny; they are so comfortable!”
The festive décor in the cocktail area featured a colorful traditionally decorated Christmas tree as well as a stunning 9-foot white Christmas tree by Jennifer Killen of Vero Beach Florist, which later was sold during the live auction. Sophisticated touches in the dining room included high-pillared centerpieces filled with led lights and tall twinkling white branches, and “diamond” napkin-ring holders.
“Isn’t this fabulous, festive and great?” exclaimed Sue Sharpe. “Carole Casey thought of this theme of a winter wonderland and carried it through from the reception area and into the dining room. Once again, the Hibiscus Children’s Gala is the highlight of the social season!”
After the gourmet dinner, which featured a main course of filet mignon and crab-stuffed filet of sole, and a sinfully delicious chocolate tuxedo bomb for dessert, attorney John Moore elicited spirited bidding on an assortment of must-have live auction items that included getaways, catered dinners and an exquisite sea turtle sculpture by Ruth Ann Holt.
Hibiscus CEO Paul Sexton recognized the co-chairs, the ladies of the guild, sponsors and guests adding, “On behalf of the children that we serve, thank you for being here. Without your support, we would not be able to serve these innocent victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect.”
Government funding provides roughly two-thirds of the financial support needed, leaving an additional $2.5 million to be raised annually through donations, special events and grants.
