The Women’s Club of Vero Beach recently transported guests down the rabbit hole for a whimsical and highly impactful cause during their annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Stepping into the beautifully decorated venue, attendees were greeted by characters straight out of Alice in Wonderland. However, the true magic of the afternoon was rooted in the organization’s real-world mission: raising vital funds to support local youth scholarships and to restore their historic, 111-year-old community building to its former glory.
Guests enjoyed a delectable tea service expertly prepared by Adrienne Drew Catering while perusing an impressive selection of raffle and auction items. Adding a touch of elegance to the affair, talented young musicians from the Gifford Academy for the Performing Arts filled the room with beautiful melodies.
During the event, speaker Tara Maher reflected on the enduring legacy of the Women’s Club, which first opened its doors to Indian River County residents in 1915. She drew touching parallels between the courageous women who founded the organization and her own grandmother, who emigrated alone from Ireland at the age of 16. Maher highlighted the incredible historical journey of women’s empowerment, touching upon the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920—while noting the delayed timeline for women of color to secure the same rights—and the vital community support roles women assumed during World War II.
“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,” Maher shared with the attendees.
The afternoon also cast a spotlight on the promising futures of local youth, proving that the club’s century-old philanthropic spirit is alive and well. Community leaders and students took the floor to share inspiring updates:
- Elizabeth Thompson, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River County, proudly introduced the 2026 Youth of the Year, Peyton Cooper, noting it is the highest honor a club member can achieve.
- Peyton Cooper shared her remarkable academic trajectory. Alongside her diploma from Vero Beach High School, she is simultaneously graduating with an associate’s degree in biology from Indian River State College. She plans to attend the University of South Florida to major in medical biology, with dreams of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon and fighting for healthcare equity.
- Casey Lunceford, executive director of the Gifford Academy for the Performing Arts, announced that the organization has officially broken ground on a new permanent location. He emphasized how their arts programs teach students crucial life skills like poise, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
- Janelle Lormil, a Charter High School junior and aspiring nurse, shared her joy in playing the violin for the past six years. She expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to learn about and perform for diverse local causes through her four years of involvement with the academy.
Cooper perfectly summarized the uplifting, resilient spirit of the event with a powerful reminder to the audience: adversity strengthens rather than defines young people. By blending fellowship, fun, and philanthropy, the Women’s Club of Vero Beach continues to passionately uphold its commitment to local community enrichment and education.
