The oceanfront home of Jim and Tricia Calkins was the site of a dazzling “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”-themed reception to raise funds for the Orchid Island Habitat Home Building Fund. The elegant affair to support Indian River Habitat for Humanity was worthy of mention in the New York Post’s Page Six gossip column, a testament to its noteworthy sophistication.
The tone for the elegant affair was set by many of the women who channeled Audrey Hepburn, sipping on champagne while wearing versions of the iconic black dress from the beloved film, and adorning themselves in lustrous pearls and glistening tiaras.
Guests were invited to tour the exquisite home before gathering on the patio to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Many also happily indulged in a bit of shopping, purchasing mysterious gift bags in Tiffany’s signature robin’s-egg blue, and imagining window shopping along Fifth Avenue.
Mary and Mike Schwartz first initiated the connection between Orchid Island residents and Habitat, providing a pathway to assist local families to achieve their goal of homeownership.
As Orchid Island Habitat chairperson John Morrow welcomed guests, he thanked them for their contributions.
“Without the support like this, we couldn’t do what we do. This year, Orchid Island Habitat supported three homes in Vero Lake Estates. It’s the most we ever supported in one year.”
He added that it was through the generosity of donors and the Orchid Island Club’s participation in a sales tax rebate, that they were able to fund an additional home and help more people.
“It’s a heartwarming thing. We give people an opportunity, and they cherish that opportunity,” said Morrow, noting that Indian River Habitat has a 98 percent success rate with homeowners paying their mortgages on time.
“I see every day how just the smallest thing that we may do at Indian River Habitat serves a purpose: to provide affordable housing solutions, home repairs and scholarships,” said Joleen Garcia, a Habitat homeowner and employee.
“Working at Indian River Habitat, I’ve been able to help others, as well as work hard to be part of the Homebuyer Program,” she said, thanking everyone for “paving the path of many families’ futures.”
Indian River Habitat for Humanity CEO Trevor Loomis stressed that there is an enormous need for affordable housing in Indian River County.
“Last year, we did 124 homes total, between new homes and renovation work. We couldn’t even do a portion of that without support from folks like you that are in this room, who are so generous with not just their treasure, but their time,” he said.
He also commented on the critical role of the volunteers who work at the construction sites and in the ReStore.
“All of that is so important to what we do. It is essential. We’re so appreciative for this decades-long partnership,” said Loomis, adding that it has resulted in the construction of about 33 homes.
For more information, visit IRCHabitat.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
