Anthony DeMeo and Roni Fuster with Mackie and Richard Duch [Photo: Mary Schenkel]

Jugglers tossing lighted clubs near the Moorings Yacht and Country Club entryway were an indication that guests were in for a treat at the Cirque D’Elegance Winter Gala to benefit the Hibiscus Children’s Center’s Vero Beach-based Hibiscus Village.

The circus-themed gala, co-chaired by Mackie Duch and Roni Fuster, included twirling acrobats who put on a show in the center of the bar area, where guests enjoyed cocktails and perused the large selection of silent-auction items amassed by members of the committee.

To lure them into the dramatically decorated dining room, Ringmaster Jacob Craig, director of music and arts at First Presbyterian Church, hopped up onto the bar to sing an Emerson Lake and Palmer song that began: “Welcome back, my friends; To the show that never ends. We’re so glad you could attend; Come inside! Come inside!”

“I am blown away by this event. Isn’t this fantastic?” said Matt Markley, HCC President/CEO, as guests feasted on a delicious surf and turf dinner.

Commenting that he sees the daily impact the organization makes on the lives of the abused, abandoned and neglected youngsters who arrive, often in the middle of the night, he added, “When they go to bed the next night, they are far better off than they were the day before.”

Markley said that fundraisers are important as the state funding Hibiscus receives does not cover the cost of daily operations.

“You’re not providing fluff; you’re providing care for kids,” said Markley.

Markley thanked the co-chairs and Henriette Churney, president of the Indian River Guild, which received the Outstanding Group Supporting Philanthropy Award at the recent National Philanthropy Day Awards Celebration.

Lou Boccabella, Hibiscus chief administration officer, spoke about the roughly 40 teens, ages 13 to 18, at the Village, many of whom have suffered severe trauma.

“What we try to do on a daily basis is reduce that trauma. We work with them to give them a sense of normalcy and love,” said Boccabella, noting that Hibiscus is recognized as the premier residential home in the state of Florida because of its compassionate staff and in-house ancillary services.

In addition to its therapists, medical staff and school district educational liaison, Hibiscus offers such programs as Career Pathways, where teens learn about scholarships, career opportunities and internships, a Graphic Design Center and a new culinary program with Chef Leanne Kelleher.

He shared the story of one girl who, like many of their residents, entered Hibiscus four grade levels behind. Rather than attending school, she had been taking care of her siblings while her drug-addicted mother roamed the streets. Today, thanks to the impact the staff and volunteers at Hibiscus made on her life, she is attending the University of Miami with a goal of becoming a therapist.

“That’s what I mean when I say we’re transforming lives here tonight,” said John Moore, master of ceremonies and auctioneer extraordinaire. “That’s why this charity is so important; that’s why the activities here mean so much.”