Mackie Duch and Diane Wilhelm [Photo: Kaila Jones]

Folks gathered recently for a ‘Party at the Pointe’ Holiday Block Party hosted by several Royal Palm Pointe businesses, with a portion of proceeds to benefit the Hibiscus Children’s Center’s Vero Beach-based Hibiscus Village.

“Everybody is just tired of everything, and they want to do something fun,” said Darcy Dunbar, event organizer and Maison Beach owner.

She saw this as a way for people to start their holiday shopping early, while also raising awareness and funds for the Hibiscus Children’s Center. “It’s a win-win.”

Partygoers enjoyed music, food and drinks as the sun set, and balmy breezes carried the sound of happy shoppers. A few lucky winners took home raffle prizes provided by the shops.

Maison Beach, Rhonda’s Seafood, Level Yoga, La Tabla and Botanica donated 10 percent of sales from the evening to the nonprofit to support its mission to maintain a safe shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children through prevention, early intervention and advocacy.

The Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach serves more than 80 teens annually and has touched the lives of more than 1,000 children since opening in 2004. The residential program provides assessment and recovery programs, including mental health counseling, career preparation and planning.

“Hibiscus Children’s Center is very appreciative of all the local stores and supporters that have come together for the Party at the Pointe,” said Matt Markley, HCC President/CEO.

“We are all facing uncertainty and challenges during the COVID pandemic, which makes this wonderful community support even more heartfelt and appreciated.”

For more information, visit hibiscuschildrenscenter.org.