Roughly 200 supporters of the Hibiscus Children’s Center were given a culinary tour of the world, tasting gastronomic delights from several countries, all expertly paired with just the right wines, at the recent Wine and Dine Around the World fundraiser at the Grand Harbor Golf Club.
There was no need for planes, trains or automobiles – all the guests needed to do was move about the room to partake of one tasty delight after another, from creative appetizers and signature main courses to decadent desserts.
The festive evening also served up a full-bodied selection of auction and raffle items, including wine packages from two private collections, and an elegant dinner at the Tides.
Co-chairs Jan Harrell and Carole Casey welcomed guests as they arrived, offering flutes of champagne and big smiles.
“We love this fundraiser because it is the one where we invite people who don’t know much about Hibiscus,” said Harrell. “What people don’t realize is that every 10 seconds a child is reported as abused in the United States and that five children die every day from abuse and neglect. We are just trying to make a small dent in those numbers.
“These kids who come to us have a lot of baggage,” Harrell continued. “They are behind in their medical care, behind in their education and behind in social development. They didn’t get wonderful parents when they were born so we try to be like family and change the path of their life. They need a lot of love.”
Children’s lives are dramatically changed when they come to Hibiscus, where the staff provides a home-like environment, including chores and curfews. Professional therapists provide services specializing in the treatment of trauma-based disorders and work to heal victims of sexual abuse. The children also get much needed on-site educational and career training by Hibiscus staff as well as a dedicated group of volunteers who assist with homework and activities.
“Children are brought to the Hibiscus Children’s Center by the Department of Children and Families,” said CEO Matt Markley.
“If they don’t have a family member or relative to care for a child, DCF calls Hibiscus, and we take care of them for a certain period of time. It might be a few days, months or in some cases, even years,” Markley added.
“The Hibiscus Children’s Village in Vero Beach houses youths (ages) 12 to 17 in eight cottages on the campus and they are cared for by a group of caring staff and volunteers. The younger children, from birth to age 12, are cared for in our Jensen Beach location.”
Last year, he said that 65 children found a safe haven at Vero’s Hibiscus Children’s Village. The three high school seniors living there all graduated with post-graduation opportunities, and 99 percent of the others were promoted to the next grade level. Through the Hibiscus Career Pathways Program, which provides training in the culinary and graphic design fields, youth receive guidance for future career opportunities, learn independent living life skills, and participate in self-esteem building activities that engage critical thinking and problem solving.
For more information, visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org or call 772-299-6011.
Photos by Mary Schenkel
