Amy Munson, Concie Fowler and Justine McGrory. PHOTO BY AMY SAVILLE

Hibiscus Children’s Center Guild members really amped things up during this year’s Jazz It Up Wine and Dine fundraiser at the Grand Harbor Club. Proceeds from the event will help support the youth living at the Vero Beach-based Hibiscus Children’s Village, which opened its doors in 2004.

The evening was not just about good food and music, but rather to make a difference in the lives of the abandoned and abused teens who are under the loving care of staff at the Village. Monies raised will go toward the medical, educational, mental health, and career training services offered to the residents so that they can move beyond recovery and truly thrive.

As she welcomed everyone, Justine McGrory, event co-chair with Amy Munson and Concie Fowler, said Wine and Dine is the second of three fundraisers hosted by the Indian River Guild each year to help bridge the gap between what the state provides to Hibiscus and what the children truly deserve.

“When I was thinking about where I wanted to donate my time, I had a very clear vision that I wanted it to be an organization that has a very clear mission, that has very effective management and administrative policies and practices and has a team that is dedicated to the work that they do and goes above and beyond. I can tell you firsthand that Hibiscus hits all cylinders,” said McGrory, adding that she and her co-chairs are all relatively new to the Guild.

During a night of delightful flavors and music, saxophonist and vocalist Billy Davis filled the air with smooth, sultry jazz, as guests embarked on a culinary adventure of iconic American jazz cities, sampling soul food from New Orleans, Harlem, Chicago and Kansas City. Gumbo, an Italian beef sandwich, smoked BBQ brisket, and chicken and waffles were among the diverse cuisines, all paired with a selection of lovely wines.

Founded 35 years ago, the Hibiscus Children’s Center has provided care to more than 3,000 abused, neglected or abandoned children in several locations.

The Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach, a 40-bed group home facility, serves 90 youth, ages 12 to 17, each year, providing them with a safe, family-like environment. In addition to care and educational advancement services, their Career Pathways to Independence Program encourages teens to learn life skills and participate in career preparation training. On-site internships provide marketable skills such as graphic design and culinary opportunities in preparation for when they age out of the foster care system at age 18 and transition to adulthood.

Their next fundraiser is the annual Blue Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion Show on April 2 at the Oak Harbor Club. For more information, visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.

Photos by Amy Saville