VERO BEACH — Event chairs Nadja Ricci and Sybille Ludwig promised an evening of Viennese elegance for the Hibiscus Children’s Center Winter Gala, A Night in Vienna, and they certainly delivered.
Saturday night’s deluge might have delayed a few guests, but it certainly couldn’t keep the stylish crowd from attending.
As guests pulled up to the portico at The Moorings Club, delivering their cars to quick-footed valets dashing through the raindrops, they were met by a living statue of Mozart on the violin. And inside, two lovely showgirls in sequined silver gowns stood gracefully all during the cocktail hour, balancing towering crystal chandelier headdresses.
The tone of a party is often set by the way women dress and in this case it was spectacular, with an abundance of gorgeous gowns and glittery jewels.
“It’s such a great mix of people from all over town,” said Susan Kamer, a longtime supporter of the organization.
During the cocktail hour, guests mingled and perused a large selection of donated silent auction items, collected by members of the creative gala committee. Showing the spirit of the event was truly all about the kids of the Hibiscus Children’s Center, one table featured sponsorship gifts at various levels, from $100 for a year’s worth of baby diapers to $1,000 to sponsor a child for a month.
“I’ve been to the Opera Ball in Vienna,” said Elke Brockway, looking lovely in a champagne colored gown set off with a stunning pearl choker and white stole. “The music is beautiful, and with the way people are dressed, they’re really trying to replicate the atmosphere. I think they’ve done a wonderful job. I’m looking forward to dancing all night long.”
Event designer Fé Domenech of The Event Firm International had beautifully decorated the dining room in subtle sophistication, with gold tablecloths and chargers, set off by high crystal chandelier centerpieces topped with flower balls of white hydrangea and red roses.
After a gourmet dinner that featured a veal chop “Wiener Schnitzel” followed by a luscious chocolate Sacher Torte, Tom Maher, Hibiscus CEO spoke briefly to the 275 guests.
“The mission of Hibiscus was truly worthy,” said Maher recalling its founding in 1985. “Still today, sheltering children is our greatest mission. Because of you their lives have gone from horrific to terrific.”
Maher gave special thanks to Nancy and Mel Goodes as the event’s premier underwriter and to the event chairs exclaiming, “They did this under budget!”
Ron Rennick presided over a list of must-have live auction items that included extravagant trips, including a stay in the former home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, fabulous jewelry, and a set of Callaway clubs.
Margaret Evans, who just recently joined the organization’s Foundation Board, was surprised to learn that her husband Emmett was top bidder for the diamond tennis bracelet. “I came back to the table and asked what item we were on and he said he had bought the bracelet.”
Diners were entertained by ballet dancers from Orlando’s Private Stock Productions, who also provided an outstanding band that had people out on the dance floor at every opportunity.
Sean O’Haire enthusiastically hopped an Irish step dance with partner Kay Brown, who he confided later had been his 6th grade English teacher at Saint Edwards.
As guests began to depart, Maher said, “It’s another example of a great job by our guild; they’re dedicated to helping children in need. We have to raise $2.5 million every year, so we have to run between 15 and 17 special events all across the Treasure Coast. Without that, the quality of services for kids would be far less than it is today.”
Proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services of the Hibiscus Children’s Center including the Hibiscus Children’s Shelter, which provides a safe environment to children infant to age 12 who have been removed from their home because of abuse, neglect or abandonment, and the Hibiscus Children’s Village, which offers a safe haven for children up to age 17 where they can live in a family-like environment and interact with other children and teens.
