WESTLAKE, Fla. — The nation’s largest indoor padel club is set to open in Palm Beach County on Sept. 20, 2025, introducing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to South Florida.
Xcel Padel’s flagship facility in Westlake will feature 10 AI-powered courts, along with a French casual restaurant, a wellness recovery room and spa-style locker rooms. Designed as a hub for both athletes and families, the club blends competitive play with luxury amenities more often found at high-end fitness centers.
Padel, a racket sport combining tennis and squash, is played on enclosed glass-walled courts with solid paddles in doubles format, using tennis scoring. The sport originated in Mexico in 1969, took off in Spain and Argentina, and now counts international stars such as Lionel Messi, Serena Williams and David Beckham among its fans.
Xcel Padel leaders say the new facility will give players of all levels opportunities to experience the fast-paced, social game while also creating a community destination for dining, wellness and recreation.
Boca Raton, FL (September 11, 2025) – Boca Helping Hands (BHH), in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Athletics and Cereal4All will commemorate September’s Hunger Action Month by hosting the Fifth Annual Tackle Hunger Cereal Drive at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton on Saturday, September 27. Memphis will be playing FAU.
Those who donate one or more unopened cereal boxes will get into the game for free, with donations going to assist families in need in our community. At last year’s event, Boca Helping Hands received 548 boxes of cereal, equating to 5,480 bowls of cereal and 603 pounds of food.
“Cereal is one of the least donated items to Boca Helping Hands, which means underserved kids and families do not always get to start their day with a nutritious breakfast,” Andrew Hagen, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands.
Cereal4All was started by 17-year-old twin brothers Jett and Luke Justin of Boca Raton when they were just eight years old. After volunteering at Boca Helping, Jett and Luke organized their first cereal drive for BHH at their elementary school in 2016. Over the last nine years, the boys have expanded the program to 20 schools in Palm Beach County as well as to schools in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Washington to benefit their own local food banks.
“Lots of other students share our love for cereal,” said Luke Justin. “It encourages them to connect with the hunger and well-being of others on a more personal level.”
About Boca Helping Hands
Boca Helping Hands (BHH) is a community-based nonprofit that provides food, medical, and financial assistance to help individuals and families improve their quality of life and build financial stability. Through its various programs, BHH assists nearly 35,000 people annually.
Boca Helping Hands is a partner agency of The Town of Palm Beach United Way. Since 1945, the Town of Palm Beach United Way has been committed to improving lives and building strong communities throughout Palm Beach County by focusing on programs and priorities that promote education, health, and financial stability.
Boca Helping Hands holds accreditation for Sound Nonprofit Management from Nonprofits First, has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, and has been a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity for 18 consecutive years. Boca Helping Hands is located at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, please visit BocaHelpingHands.org.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 10, 2025) – Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is pleased to announce a major milestone in the growth of its business programs. Effective today, the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business will become the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business, and its new home will open as the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall this spring.
The elevation to “college” status enables PBA to position its business programs for long-term scale and strategic growth. All AACSB-accredited programs will now be housed within the newly formed Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business, which will encompass two distinct academic schools:
The School of Free Enterprise, which reflects the University’s historic embrace of American free enterprise, will include programs in Accounting, Business Data Analytics, Economics, and Finance, along with the Raney Center for Free Enterprise and the Center for Financial Literacy.
The Catherine T. MacArthur School of Management, which will include Business Administration, Business and Law, Entrepreneurship and Franchising, International Business, Management, and Marketing programs, as well as the Titus Center for Franchising.
“These changes reflect the University’s continued trajectory of academic excellence and its increasing stature within the growing business landscape of West Palm Beach,” said Provost Dr. Stephen P. Johnson. “As Fortune 500 companies and major industry players continue to relocate to the region, the transition to college status positions PBA as a premier destination for Christ-centered business education and leadership development.”
Undergraduate enrollment in the Rinker College of Business has increased 58 percent over the last three years. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the College served 844 students, with 26 full-time faculty. The College offers 14 unique undergraduate degrees, seven graduate programs, and two minors.
“This milestone stands as a symbol of what’s possible when we align strategic vision with a rigorous, Christ-centered business curriculum,” said Dr. Brian Strow, dean of the Rinker College of Business. “As we grow alongside the South Florida region, we remain dedicated to preparing the next generation as they learn to lead with integrity in today’s global market.”
The renaming of the College and new business hall honors the legacy of Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker, whose generosity and vision have helped shape PBA for decades.
In 2023, the College received AACSB accreditation, placing PBA among the top six percent of business schools globally—and one of only 10 Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) to earn the accreditation. The AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide.
“We are grateful to the Rinker family for their continued support of PBA and its students,” said President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn. “Thanks to their partnership, we are equipping the next generation of leaders to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly. The renaming honors the legacy of the Rinkers but also elevates our business school, which is AACSB-accredited, with its recognition.”
To learn more about the Rinker College of Business, visit pba.edu.
About Palm Beach Atlantic University Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has two campuses in West Palm Beach, Florida—19-acres downtown and a 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The University is dedicated to equipping students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly. For more information about future events, please visit pba.edu.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Advanced Surgical Physicians held its Second Annual Obstacle Course 5K Race this past Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. The event brought together the community to raise awareness and support for Sojourners With Healing Hearts, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping African American women and women of color navigate their breast cancer journeys.
Led by Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Dr. Kyle Eldredge and the entire Advanced Surgical Physicians team, the event featured a challenging yet fun obstacle course with 10 unique stations, including a Balance Beam, Double Sand Bag Carry, and Wall Climb and participants of all fitness levels ran, walked, climbed, and crawled their way to the finish line.
“We are incredibly pleased with our Second Annual Obstacle Course Race,” said Dr. Andrew Shapiro. “It was inspiring to see so many people come together to support this vital cause. On behalf of everyone at Advanced Surgical Physicians, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants, volunteers, and vendors who made this event a success. We are proud to support Sojourners With Healing Hearts, an organization that provides such crucial support to women in our community.”
Dr. Shapiro’s team is dedicated to the idea that treating breast cancer goes beyond medical procedures and that support is crucial for women navigating this challenging journey. The event was a testament to that philosophy and the ongoing commitment to community support.
About Advanced Surgical Physicians:
Advanced Surgical Physicians provides expert breast, hernia, gallbladder, and general surgical care. Experience what makes the practice different: an in-house phone line and friendly voice to take your call, self-scheduling available for your convenience, insurance transparency, minimally-invasive options designed with your healing in mind, and physician leaders that hold honorable appointments in their specialty. Advanced Surgical Physicians offers large institute options delivered with a small-town feel. Learn more at www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians or call us at (561) 333-1335.
An Interview with Scott and Jenell Harris of SPARKED
By Krista Martinelli
Jenell and Scott Harris of SPARKED
AW: Where did the idea of SPARKED come from?
SPARKED really grew out of our everyday lives. For more than 20 years we’ve been working with schools through our spirit wear business, and as parents of five kids in the Palm Beach County school system, we’ve seen just about every kind of fundraiser out there.
After COVID, we started hearing the same thing over and over from principals and PTAs: “We don’t need another product to sell. We just need money for our school.” That really hit home for us.
So we built SPARKED — a simple, digital platform that puts more money back into schools without adding stress for families. We didn’t reinvent fundraising… we just made it easier, smarter, and a whole lot better for the people who need it most.
AW: Where does traditional fundraising for schools fall short?
Traditional fundraisers — selling candy bars, wrapping paper, and going door to door — just don’t fit families’ lives anymore. Parents are busy, and most want something easier and more hands-off.
That’s where SPARKED comes in. By using technology, schools can reach more people, more quickly, and with far less effort. It’s simpler, faster, and a lot more effective than the old way of fundraising.
AW: How does SPARKED remedy that problem?
SPARKED makes fundraising simple and stress-free. Instead of selling products or going door to door, families get a personal link they can easily share by text, email, or social media. It’s quick, it’s digital, and it puts more money back into the school with less effort.
In short — SPARKED takes the hassle out of fundraising and makes it something parents can actually enjoy being part of.
AW: Tell us about a successful campaign and what made it successful.
At Binks Forest Elementary, the school needed $20,000 for a playground shade. With SPARKED, they hit their goal — and then some — in just two weeks.
Not every fundraiser has to be that large to make an impact. At Emerald Cove Middle School, the band raised $6,500 to cover buses and travel, which was a huge relief for families.
The key is having a clear, tangible goal. When people understand why a school is raising money, they’re far more willing to give.
AW: How small or big can the campaign be? For example, can it be for a small robotics class or for a whole high school?
SPARKED works for just about any size fundraiser. It could be something small, like raising money for a robotics club, art program, or music group, or something bigger, like a project that supports the whole elementary school. Because everything is digital, families and supporters can participate from anywhere — geography doesn’t limit you.
There’s no cost to sign up, and schools only benefit from what they raise. The only thing we don’t do is individual fundraisers — SPARKED is designed to support groups, teams, and entire schools.
AW: What percentage of the funds go to the actual cause? You mentioned that many competitors allow you to keep only 25 – 50% of the funds.
At minimum, 70% of what’s raised goes right back to your school. The more people who participate, the more your school earns. And if you’d like an extra boost, we can add a spirit wear option too.
AW: What are the challenges you have faced running SPARKED?
SPARKED may be new, but we’re not. For more than 25 years, we’ve been working in schools, creating spirit wear and supporting PTAs. It’s funny — sometimes the hardest part is reminding people that we’ve been here all along, helping schools raise money and build community.
SPARKED is simply the next step. We’re not asking parents to sell candy or wrapping paper — we’re giving them an easy, modern way to support their kids’ schools. We built our own system from scratch, with one goal: make fundraising less stressful for families and more rewarding for schools.
AW: How do you get the word out about SPARKED?
We’ve been spreading the word in a few ways. Locally, we advertise with AroundWellington.com, but what really makes a difference are our partnerships. We’ve teamed up with the Florida PTA, Broward County PTA, and Palm Beach County PTA — and as these campaigns grow, we will be giving funds back directly to them.
Even more powerful than advertising is the word-of-mouth. Parents, teachers, and PTA Presidents are sharing their own success stories, and that kind of first-hand experience is what truly builds trust and excitement.
AW: Tell us about your primary businesses PYRA Promotions and Eleven30Apparel too.
PYRA Promotions has been our foundation for years — we create promotional products, printed materials, and custom apparel for a wide range of clients. A lot of our work is with hospitals, medical groups, and nonprofits, helping them bring their brands to life.
Eleven30Apparel grew out of that same expertise but focuses just on schools. We handle the same things — spirit wear, printed items, and branded products — but with a school-first approach that makes it easy for PTAs, teachers, and administrators to get exactly what they need.
AW: Tell us about your family.
Our kids definitely keep us on our toes. Palm Beach County really has our heart — all five of our kids have gone through the school system here. Two are already graduated, and three are still enrolled.
We actually lean on them for ideas. We’ll ask, “What would you like to see?” and they always have opinions. Our eleven-year-old is full of suggestions, and our fourteen-year-old has even started talking about joining the business one day.
Family is close by too — our parents live right across the street — and between school and sports, our schedules are always full. But honestly, that’s what makes this all feel so connected to what we do every day.
AW: Do you live in Wellington? If so, what do you love about Wellington?
Yes — what’s not to love? Wellington is such a close-knit community. Our neighborhood is full of kids, and the high school is right next door. We’ve built strong connections here with groups like the Boys & Girls Club and our local hospitals.
It’s truly where we’ve chosen to put down roots. We’re even moving our office back to Wellington next year, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.
AW: Anything else?
At the end of the day, we’re all about creating wins — for schools, for parents, and most importantly, for kids. We have so much respect for teachers and the incredible work they do every day. Fundraising, when it’s done right, can help make their classrooms and campuses an even better place for students and staff alike.
Seventeen local artists have their art on display at Wellington Art Society’s new exhibition, Dreamscapes.This is completely free to see, with an upcoming reception on Sept. 16. The exhibition will be available until Nov. 10 and can be seen at the Wellington Community Center.
Dreamscapes has over 40 artworks to look at, from photography, to acrylics, watercolors, mixed-media works, oil paintings, and alcohol inks, the exhibition has plenty to see and appreciate.
“We have such a wonderful variety of mediums and subjects in this showcase,” said Heather Bergstrom, the president of WAS.
“As I was brainstorming a theme, I kept coming back to the overall mood of the work. Many of the pieces have an ethereal quality—flowing lines, subtle color shifts, whimsical figures, and dreamlike narratives. The name Dreamscapes seemed to perfectly capture the feeling of this exhibition.”
Imagine…with John Lennon Fernando by Dinah Mirson
At the reception, a panel of judges will be there to select their favorite artworks, with a first, second and third place winner. If you go, you can give your input, and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The artists include Kim A. Bailey, Rachel Robinson, Dinah Mirson, Elaine Weber, Halyna Albanese, Ida Perez, Susan Oakes, Ayesha DeLorenzo, Janine Gmitter, Kris Dru Hilles, Lanzhi Wang, Lou Ann LaBohn, Philip S. Rappa, Heather Bergstrom, Fred Stone, Raymonde Talleyrand, and Sue Slick Carlson.
Our September AW mixer was a success, despite the rainy weather. Thanks to all who came out. Special thanks to Bengala Ngobene of Chakalaka for providing the light bites and the Chakalaka sauces, delicious. Also thank you to Mary Marder/ Jodie Falcon for providing the raffle prizes. We raised $75 for The Giving Genie, a non-profit organization making a difference with young women in Mozambique, thanks to all who contributed. If you missed it, no worries, you can always come to our next mixer.
Wellington, FL—The Mall at Wellington Green has an exciting event lineup this October, with opportunities to celebrate National Crime Prevention Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Halloween and more.
Public Safety Night
Food Court Parking Lot
Saturday, October 4
5-8pm
FREE
In recognition of National Crime Prevention Month, the mall and The Village of Wellington invite the community to Public Safety Night. Attendees will get the opportunity to meet local heroes and first responders from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Plus, families and children will enjoy fun activities including bounce houses, face painting, music and more. For more information, visit wellingtonfl.gov.
Wine Tasting Experience – Fall Celebration
Lifetime Kitchen
Friday, October 10
7-8:15pm
$107
Enjoy an educational and interactive wine workshop led by a Riedel Crystal Brand ambassador, exploring how glass shape affects wine taste. Guests will try four wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Oaked Chardonnay and Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc. Plus, each attendee will take home a special set of Riedel glasses (valued at $179.99). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lifetime-kitchen.com.
Eighth Annual Pink Party
Grand Court
Saturday, October 11
11am-1pm
FREE ($15 donation required for Zumba)
The Mall at Wellington Green is thrilled to host the Eighth Annual Pink Party in partnership with Wellington Regional Medical Center. This year, the event will include a Thrive in Style fashion show, where trending looks from mall retailers will be modeled by beautiful and inspiring breast cancer survivors. Attendees will also hear from guest speakers and enjoy activities including bra decorating, glitter tattoos, raffles and giveaways courtesy of OneBlood and much more. During the second half of the event, guests will enjoy an upbeat Zumba master class ($15 to enroll), with proceeds benefiting the Promise Fund and The Sari Foundation.
Mommy & Me Costume and Dance Party
Grand Court
Wednesday, October 15
10:30am- 12pm
FREE
Children under five and their parents are invited to The Mall at Wellington Green for a Halloween party, where they will enjoy a themed craft, Halloween candy, dancing, decorations and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress in costume.
Mall-O-Ween!
Mall-wide
Friday, October 31
5-7pm
FREE
Children and families are invited to enjoy a safe, cool and dry trick or treating experience at the mall! Participating retailers will pass out Halloween candy to kiddos in costume. Plus, guests will enjoy activities in the Grand Court, including photo-ops with the giant skeleton on display.
Zumba Dance Party with Jaime
Every Saturday
10:30-11:30am
FREE
The District at Wellington Green
Livin’ La Vida Zumba! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s fun, dance fitness party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. All ages and levels are welcome.
The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About The Mall at Wellington Green
The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million square foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Wellington, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
inSIGHT Through Education Manager of Education and Outreach Participates in International Summer Academy
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — inSIGHT Through Education proudly supported three Palm Beach County educators who attended the 2025 Centropa Summer Academy, held July 9–16 in Budapest, Hungary, and Belgrade, Serbia.
This international professional development program convened 62 teachers from 16 countries to study 20th-century European history, the Holocaust, and Jewish memory. For more than a decade, inSIGHT has partnered with Centropa, funding over 20 local educators.
The program equips teachers with resources and firsthand experiences that bring Holocaust education and Jewish history vividly to life for students.
“This program is vital today as we work to ensure that the history of the Jewish people is understood, remembered, and honored,” said Kelly Warsaw, Board President of inSIGHT Through Education. “Centropa is uniquely suited to this task, using personal stories, survivor testimony, and archival materials to engage educators in ways that directly impact their students here at home.”
The Centropa Summer Academy combines lectures, films, site visits, and collaborative lesson-planning. Participants explored Jewish life and Holocaust history across Central and Eastern Europe while building connections with colleagues worldwide.
Educators visited the Great Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest and they met Holocaust survivors and in Belgrade, the group retraced the history of a local Jewish family on a walking tour and visited the Staro Sajmište concentration camp memorial.
The local delegation included Marla Topiol, inSIGHT’s Manager of Education and Outreach, along with two schoolteachers.
All three were fully funded by inSIGHT. “I had a meaningful experience learning alongside educators from across the U.S., Europe, and Israel,” said Topiol. “It was deeply insightful to see how teachers around the world are engaging with Centropa resources to teach about European Jews and the Holocaust. I had the opportunity to explore lesson plans shared by educators from around the world on teaching the Holocaust and European Jewish life. This will help me better support our local teachers.”
By investing in opportunities like the Centropa Summer Academy, inSIGHT ensures that every student, every year, benefits from educators equipped to inspire remembrance, resilience, and respect.
About inSIGHT Through Education
inSIGHT Through Education is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization with a mission to inspire and educate, encouraging kindness, acceptance, and respect for all, using lessons learned from the Holocaust and other genocides, to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. inSIGHT is the backbone of Holocaust Education in Palm Beach County Schools, which is mandated in Florida, along with the study of antisemitism. inSIGHT knows that education is the key to change and is committed to opening the hearts and minds of young people, our future leaders. Learn more at insightthrougheducation.org (https://www.insightthrougheducation.org/)
Mounts Botanical Garden’s Summer Plant Sale & Family Fun Weekend
September 20-21, 9 am to 4 pm
60+ plant growers and artisan vendors, gardening presentations, live music, fun activities, food and more
FREE for Mounts Members and Kids!
(West Palm Beach, FL – September 5, 2025) Mounts Botanical Garden is inviting flower fans, horticulture buffs, friends and neighbors to its Summer Plant Sale & Family Fun Weekend, September 20-21, from 9 am to 4 pm – with 8 am early admission on Saturday for Mounts members only. Palm Beach County’s largest botanical garden is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach.
Get ready for the ultimate seasonal celebration. Mounts Botanical Garden is combining the always popular annual Summer Plant Sale with a full weekend of fun and informative events for the whole family – and kids are FREE all weekend. For a complete list of vendors and activities, visit www.mounts.org.
Weekend Highlights:
60+ highly sought-after top plant growers and artisan vendors.
Shop a wide variety of rare, exotic, and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more.
Learn about South Florida’s plant culture by speaking directly with growers.
Fun and informative presentations by speakers and authors who are experts in their respective fields.
Horticultural ‘must-haves’ and unique treasures for your home and garden are also available in the Garden’s Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop.
PLUS:
Family Fun Activities, including arts and crafts and lawn games
Live Music
Food & Beverage Vendors
Special Presentations:
Saturday, September 20 at11 am Backyard Food Forest for Beginners With Jen Reelitz Author of Food Forest Revolution will share simple steps to transform a yard into a food forest, explore principles and plants that make year-round food growing possible, and offer practical guidance for both novice and experienced gardens.
Saturday, September 20 at 1 pm Orchids Made Easy: From Everyday Finds to Rare Treasures With Mike Sands The owner of Tangled Roots Orchid Nursery, certified horticulturist and Master Gardenerwill explain how orchids don’t have to be intimidating. He will provide simple secrets to keeping them healthy and thriving, introduce lesser-known orchids, and share tips on light, water, and growing conditions.
Sunday, September 21 at 11 am Composting 101 With Melissa (Mel) Corichi The certified Safe Compost Operator hailed as “The Worm Queen” is recognized as an expert in vermiculture and food waste reduction for sustainable farming and gardening. More recently, she has focused on creating pollinator gardens with native and exotic plants that support diverse pollinator species.
Sunday, September 21 at 1 m Using Native Plants With Amanda Pike, PhD, ATR-BC Board-certified therapist, Former Education Chair of the Native Plant Society, and owner of a Florida permaculture farm featuring hundreds of edible plants, quail, chickens, and honeybees, Amanda will speak on practical ways to use easily available native plants in the home landscape.
Admission:
FREE for Mounts Members & AHS Reciprocal Program Members
Kids FREE!
$20 adults
$18 seniors 65+, college students, military with ID
Annual Memberships starting at $60
Admission is by credit/debit card ONLY; no cash. Tickets are nonrefundable.
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. For more information, visit www.mounts.org.
