Bethy Petito, Matt Markley and Linda Teetz. PHOTO BY MARY SCHENKEL

An air of elegance and sophistication set the tone at the Hibiscus Children’s Center Candlelight Ball at the Oak Harbor Club to benefit the Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach, which assists abused, neglected and abandoned youth.

Guests mingled during cocktails while perusing auction items before moving into the dining room for a gourmet dinner and dancing to the music of the New York Connection Show Band.

The annual Winter Gala, hosted by the ladies of the Hibiscus Indian River Guild, was co-chaired this year by Linda Teetz and Bethany Petito.

“Your support of Hibiscus is much appreciated and never taken for granted,” said Matt Markley, HCC president/CEO, thanking guests, event sponsors, board and guild members, noting that approximately one-fifth of the agency’s budget is derived from such fundraisers.

“We would not be able to operate the agency without you. So thank you very much. Your support enables Hibiscus to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

We can accept a kid at 3 o’clock in the afternoon or 3 o’clock in the morning,” said Markley.

“Thanks to your support, 50 kids will go to bed tonight at the shelter in the village knowing they are loved, nurtured and taken care of.”

In addition to providing a safe haven, their hopes and dreams are also being developed, said Markley. He related the story of Christopher, who came to the village in 2013 at age 16, “angry, confused, scared and traumatized,” having been removed from his home due to his mother’s substance abuse problem.

“It took a while for Christopher to acclimate to the village setting,” said Markley, adding that Christopher was about a year behind in school, left the village without permission more than once, but always came back, eventually staying for two years.

“A few weeks ago, a young man in his mid-20s showed up one day at the village unannounced. At first no one knew who he was or why he was there. It quickly became apparent that he was on a mission,” said Markley.

“He was the same young man who had showed up at the village 10 years earlier. This time he wasn’t angry or confused or scared. He just stopped in to see one of the staff members to thank them,” said Markley, introducing Sheryl Overcash, now director of operations.

“But there was another reason Christopher stopped by,” he added. “He made it a family affair. His wife and two young sons were with him. He said he wanted to show his young sons where he’d lived for two years and where he was cared for and kept safe until he turned 18.”

By the time he ‘aged out’ of Hibiscus at age 18, Christopher had a diploma, a job and was enrolled in IRSC. He would eventually earn an associate degree, and today works in marine construction.

“That’s why we do what we do. That’s why you do what you do,” said Markley.

“Christopher is the story of one kid. Hundreds of kids like him are the reason you support this amazing organization. And if you and I help save one kid, one child, I think it’s not hyperbole to suggest that we’ve helped save many others. Thank you, dedicated supporters of Hibiscus, for helping us live out our unofficial motto, ‘Every child, every day, for a better tomorrow.’”

For more information, visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.

Photos by Mary Schenkel