HANLEY CENTER FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION GIFT
Funds allocated for women’s treatment through ALEX AND ANI Butterfly Fund
(PALM BEACH) Leadership and supporters of Hanley Center Foundation celebrated the first gift from the newly established ALEX AND ANI Butterfly Fund at their recent Club Colette dinner dance on March 30, 2016. The fund was established thanks to the fulfillment of a $1 million pledge from eco-conscious jewelry and accessories brand ALEX AND ANI®.
“We have more than a million reasons to celebrate,” said Kae Jonsons, CEO of the Foundation focused on substance abuse education, prevention and recovery. “It’s significant that ALEX AND ANI, led by a team of strong women, will now benefit women throughout Florida. The ALEX AND ANI partnership and extraordinary funding from sales of their CHARITY BY DESIGN Butterfly Charm Bangle will allow Hanley Center Foundation to assist more women so they and their families may find the hope that comes with recovery.”
The pledge fulfillment was achieved through the donation of 20 percent of the purchase price of every “Butterfly Charm Bangle” ALEX AND ANI sold. The bangle is designed to remind the wearer to have faith in change and to move forward with a positive outlook on life, according to literature sold with each bracelet. Currently the bangle is sold through ALEX AND ANI stores nationwide, alexandani.com and authorized retailers. Sales will continue to benefit Hanley Center Foundation through the end of 2016.
The first scholarship award from the new ALEX AND ANI Butterfly Fund at Hanley Center Foundation totaled $50,000, and was presented during the celebration dinner to Gratitude House. The donation will fully fund treatment for two women at their local facility. Gratitude House is Palm Beach County’s only treatment center where pregnant and post-partum women can receive treatment, so they can give birth to drug-free babies and reside with their babies while in treatment. Going forward, the special fund will continue to fund treatment options for local women.
“It is really so gratifying to see the impact of ALEX AND ANI in action,” said Lia Moreggi, ALEX AND ANI partnership manager, who spoke at the dinner event and presented guests with ALEX AND ANI bangles as a favor for the evening. “It’s amazing to think that sales of one of our charm bangles helped to generate more than $1.2 million for such an important cause.”
To underscore the theme of the evening, butterflies fluttered everywhere in Club Colette. Strands of butterflies dangled from the cozy club’s trademark tented ceiling, evoking a shower of the colors of spring. Tabletops were decked with more butterflies, along with vases of spring flowers – including daffodils, tulips, crocuses and more. And to sweetly crown the themed evening, a colorful chocolate butterfly perched on top of the beautiful Baked Alaska presented to each guest for dessert.
The evening was chaired by David Fritz, chairman of the Hanley Center Foundation board, and Michael Hanley, board member. Sponsors of the evening included Gold Benefactors Hanley Family Foundation and Mr. Thomas Peterffy; Table Hosts Andrew Forsyth and Kelly Williams, Nievera Williams Design and Wilmington Trust, N.A.; and Media Sponsor Palm Beach Illustrated.
Michael Hanley presented a video from his mother, Mary Jane Hanley, who cofounded the Foundation with her husband Jack, as she was unable to attend the evening.
“My parents really pioneered the conversation about substance abuse in this community more than 30 years ago,” said Mike Hanley. “Your support means so much to our family and to other families who have the opportunity to experience the joy of recovery first-hand. Hanley Center Foundation started with a woman in recovery who wanted to offer hope to local individuals and families right here in Palm Beach County. It is fitting that we honor strong women here tonight and continue a tradition of providing the hope that comes with recovery from substance abuse.”
Hanley Center Foundation is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to give hope to individuals, families and communities affected by alcoholism and drug addiction through access to high quality treatment, education, family support and community prevention programs. In 2015, the Foundation took steps to expand its mission and it now has a more comprehensive opportunity to help those who could not otherwise afford the hope that comes with recovery. Other funding now gives the prevention and education teams the opportunity to work with even more school-age children, adults and caregivers throughout Florida to prevent substance abuse. For more information about Hanley Center Foundation please call 561-841-1212 or visit www.hanleycenterfoundation.org.