Hats and entertainment! Women’s club “Par-Tea” funds scholarships

Adorned in everything from fascinators to full Easter bonnets, the ladies showed off their individual fashion style during the fourth annual Mad Hatter Tea Party, held at the Vero Beach Women’s Club, whose purpose was to fund scholarships for local students.

The historic building gem, which dates back to 1915 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, provided the perfect setting for the delightful afternoon tea.

The tables were decorated with pretty mismatched teapots and cups, and tulips as centerpieces heralded the arrival of spring. Guests nibbled on delicious sandwiches and petit fours during the whimsical event while listening to a performance by members of the Gifford Youth Orchestra.

“Our focus is on music education,” said Casey Lunceford, executive director of the GYO, noting that the orchestra, founded in 2003 by Rev. Dr. Crystal Bujol, currently has 79 students ages 4 to 18.

“We use music education to help students improve their lives and opportunities,” Lunceford said, explaining that students also learn attitude, dedication and self-confidence.

Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for young women at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center to help them advance toward a college education. It’s all part of the Vero Beach Women’s Club’s commitment to preserving heritage and empowering future generations of women through education.

Angelia Perry, Executive Director of GYAC, noted that GYAC celebrated its 26th anniversary of “Changing Lives. Changing Futures” and said, “We are more than an after-school program.”

She said that in addition to afterschool and summer programs for children in preschool through 12th grade, they now offer paid internship programs, an engineering program, college scholarships and services for adults and seniors.

Several students spoke about the impact GYAC has had on their lives, including Tyjah Warner, who said it has helped her feel more confident and comfortable interacting with others, and Melania Warner, who spoke about her activity and involvement in the various clubs she is involved in.

“GYAC has helped my life a lot, not only in school but also at home,” said De-Arrah Swoope. “If you had told me five years ago that I would be speaking publicly now, I would have giggled.”

Afterwards, in true Alice in Wonderland style, guests competed in a tough competition for the title of the most beautiful hat, decorated in a kaleidoscope of colors.
The Mad Hatter Tea Party was an example of the women’s club’s commitment to celebrating its rich history while actively participating in philanthropic projects that make a difference in other people’s lives.

For more information, visit VeroBeachWomensClub.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis