“I love you more than my luggage.”
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center educates and empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their full potential. For over 55 years, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center has provided innovative programs that focus on independence, dignity, and quality of life. The students at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center develop skills through art, culinary arts, gardening, fitness, and vocational training programs, all designed to foster confidence and self-sufficiency. Beverley Ireland AIFD is a vendor and friend of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and Sophie’s Gallery.
#1 Beverley Ireland grew up in the Central San Joaquin Valley, Guam and Omaha, Nebraska. I was a singer in the band in high school.
#2 Of all my travels so far, my favorite trip was to Africa. It is on my bucket list to visit Italy and Greece.
#3 Hobbies: Reading and traveling.
#4 Favorite movie: “Steel Magnolias”.
#5 Favorite Book: “The Thornbirds”. I am also a fan of the writer Particia Cornwell’s Scarpetta series.
#6 I have a grey cat named Grace and an Australian Shepherd named Andi.
#7 My biggest hero is my father. He helped my mother raise my brother and myself, taught us the value of reading and travel throughout our lives, and took excellent care of my mother during the last years of her life when she was very ill. That expression of love and caring shall be my model forever.
#8 Beverley Ireland blessed by the support I have from my community in my business and my relationships. I have found many great friends in my community interactions. It seems like the natural thing to do is to pass on those good fortunes to others around me in business, personal or social situations.
#9 I was introduced to St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center by Debra Emerson, CEO of St. Madeleine’s, about 25 years ago when she asked me to visit the Center’s Garden and give a floral demonstration. From the beginning, I was enchanted by the garden and Debra’s vision of what it could become. Over the years my participation grew to include the “The Arts Alive” display, which paired artwork from students of Sophie’s Gallery with floral interpretations made by me and my staff. I also participate with the yearly Haute With Heart Fashion Show by creating a dress made entirely with fresh flowers and greenery which follows the theme of the show and is used as a focal point in the hotel lobby greeting guests.
#10 When you see our students walking the runway, you are witnessing the heart of our mission. Their joy and pride on the runway is just a fraction of the heart that is present each and every day on the St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center campus.
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center
“Haute with Heart Fashion Show”
August 2nd, 2025
Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd, San Diego
www.HauteWithHeart.org
