Alice would have felt right at home at the annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party hosted by the Women’s Club of Vero Beach, which raised funds for scholarships and to restore its historic 111-year-old building to its former glory.
Arriving guests were greeted by characters from Alice in Wonderland, enjoyed music played by young ladies from the Gifford Academy for the Performing Arts, and perused a selection of raffle and auction items.
During a delectable tea featuring goodies from Adrienne Drew Catering, Tara Maher spoke of the history of the organization, one of the oldest in the county.
“I thought back to the year 1915 when the doors first opened and the first women got together and met here,” said Maher, adding that her grandmother had come to the United States by herself from Ireland at age 16.
“She was a strong, brave woman, much like our grandmothers and the women that started this organization,” said Maher.
She took guests through the decades, from the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 when women were granted the right to vote (adding it was another 45 years for women of color to secure that same right) to World War II, when women stepped up to support their families, communities and the country.
Members have continued to do good things, including providing scholarships for women’s education.
“I just want everyone to take a moment and reflect on that, and how important it is to continue that legacy of educating women, lifting women up, helping women, and giving back,” said Maher.
Elizabeth Thompson, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River County, introduced Peyton Cooper, a member of the Vero Beach Club and the 2026 Youth of the Year, the highest honor a club member can attain.
Cooper said that in addition to graduating with a diploma from Vero Beach High School, she was graduating with an associate’s degree in biology from Indian River State College.
“I plan to attend the University of South Florida with a major in medical biology in hopes of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. I aim to build access and fight for equity. I just want every young person to know that adversity does not define you. It strengthens you,” said Cooper.
Casey Lunceford, executive director of the Gifford Academy for the Performing Arts, said they recently broke ground at the site of a planned permanent location. He noted that through their studies and performances, students also learn poise, self-assurance, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
Janelle Lormil, a junior at Charter High School interested in nursing, said she has been playing violin for six years, including four with GAPA.
“One of the things I really enjoy about this program is having the opportunity to play at all these different organizations and events,” said Lormil, adding that she enjoys learning about the various causes.
The Women’s Club hosts programs and events that “promote fellowship, fun and philanthropy to support the needs of our community.”
For more information, visit VeroBeachWomensClub.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
