The ever-stylish supporters of the Hibiscus Children’s Center ushered in springtime with the 26th annual Blue Ribbon Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Oak Harbor Club, featuring keynote speaker Gretchen Scott, founder and CEO of Gretchen Scott Designs.
Scott, an accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, had also met with supporters the evening before at an exclusive VIP Party at the River Club at Carlton. She was here at the invitation of Cathy Cronin, event co-chair with Diane Wilhelm. Cronin and Scott had roomed together at the Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart in Albany, N.Y., when they were girls.
At the luncheon, the sold-out crowd sipped on champagne and mimosas while perusing a large selection of auction items, before settling down to enjoy lunch and the fashion show.
“I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the Guild to thank all of our sponsors and donors for their generosity and to thank all of you for sharing your time and being so supportive and loyal throughout the year,” said Hibiscus Guild member and event emcee Karen Loeffler.
Matt Markley, HCC CEO, reiterated thanks on behalf of the children and teens assisted by Hibiscus, before commenting that when Scott toured the Hibiscus Village, he had been impressed by her obvious interest and her probing questions.
Introducing Scott, Loeffler noted that her mantra is “Laugh More, Gripe Less, Ignore Critics, Say Yes, Order Dessert, Love Life.”
“As Gretchen says, ‘These words are sewn into everything we make. We imagine people smiling as they read these words while dressing.’ They live that mantra,” said Loeffler, adding that Scott’s lifestyle brand is influenced by her travels, while at the same time recognizing the realistic needs of her customers.
“Gretchen Scott raises money for many causes, donating 100 percent of the sales and covering all their costs, which Gretchen’s doing today for Hibiscus Children’s Center. And, on behalf of the Guild, we thank her for her overwhelming generosity,” said Loeffler.
Scott said that after visiting the shelter and learning more about the organization, she could see that it was a very special place.
“How can I not support you girls? No matter where I am, I will always be part of this,” said Scott, who later that day was made an official Guild member.
“I’m just very touched by what I’ve seen here. You should be really proud that you live in this community,” said Scott, before expounding on her life, from her childhood in Watertown, N.Y., to the entrepreneurial efforts that, despite all odds, resulted in her becoming a world-renowned clothing designer.
“I never was frightened, because I knew I was going to make it through. So any entrepreneurs out there, don’t get discouraged. Just keep on going. I’m living proof,” said Scott, adding that the most important thing is to never give up.
She offered any guest who donated $250 to Hibiscus that day a coupon to purchase $500 worth of Gretchen Scott clothes or accessories, with Scott underwriting the entire cost of the purchases.
Scott also showcased some of her colorful fashions, which were modeled by the leggy professionals from Sobol Fashion Productions, along with beautiful sundresses and other seasonal outfits provided by local shops Sassy Boutique, Johnny Was, Loggia, Frances Brewster and Cooper and Co., and men’s fashions from Vernon Scott.
The Hibiscus Village is a 40-bed group home facility for teens ages 12 to 17 who have been removed from situations where they were being abused, neglected or abandoned. Caring staff provide mental health, medical and dental services, educational assistance and skills training through its Career Pathways to Independence program.
For more information, visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
