Celebrating 25 years of helping kids be kids during difficult times
Palm Beach Gardens, FLA. – (November 6, 2024) – The Little Smiles 19th Annual Stars Ball, held on October 5, 2024, transformed the Hilton in downtown West Palm Beach into a magical circus “Under the Big Top.” This year’s event, attended by 450 guests, celebrated twelve incredible children who were nominated as “Stars” by the facilities where they receive treatment. It was a night of festivities and community, all to support Little Smiles’ mission of helping kids be kids during difficult times.
The evening blended circus magic with Hollywood glamour, beginning with the grand entrance of the Stars, announced by Virginia Sinicki, Kevin Rolston, and Jason Pennington of the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF. Dressed to impress, the Stars were escorted down the red carpet, basking in the spotlight and signing autographs as fans cheered them on. Accompanied by music from Digital Vibez, they made their way to center stage, where the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF hosts celebrated each Star with enthusiasm.
The ballroom perfectly captured the “Under the Big Top” theme with a flowing fabric canopy draped from the ceiling creating the illusion of an authentic circus tent. Tables were adorned with imaginative circus-inspired centerpieces, featuring playful elements like elephants, circus wagons with lions, and carousels, complemented by vibrant red and white floral arrangements.
The night was filled with entertainment, including aerialists, a stilt walker, a juggler, and a mime. Guests indulged in classic circus treats like popcorn and ice cream, and the kids enjoyed a candy cart. The silent auction featured over 130 items, adding to the excitement and charitable spirit of the event.
Brittany Perdigon, Executive Director of Little Smiles Florida, reflected on the event: “The Stars Ball is about celebrating these brave children and showing them the love and support they deserve. It’s a reminder that, no matter the challenges, they are not alone and their community is here for them.”
Another highlight was the presentation of awards that were given to Little Smiles founder Chip Donohue and to nurse Judy Martyak who received the Amy A. Reilly Humanitarian Award. Their dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on the organization and the children it serves.
The evening would not be possible without the leadership of co-chairs Samantha Shepherd and Virginia Sinicki and the generous support of sponsors, including Ameriprise Financial The Nickler Group, Bronx House Pizza, Cataldo & Son Plastering, Inc., Debt Helper, David S. Feldman, MD, Ernst Young, FPL Home, Frank & Herta Suess, Garage Living, Gioia Family, Good Greek Moving & Storage, Ideal Nutrition, Jackie & Bert Klawonn at BWG Realty, Joseph Lubeck, The Donohue Group at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, The Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation, Ocean Properties, Platinum Title Insurers, Reilly Foam Corporation, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Vertical Bridge, and Waferworld.
Little Smiles Florida has been making a difference in the lives of children throughout South Florida for 25 years. In 2023 alone, the organization brought smiles to over 55,000 local children, working closely with 34 pediatric facilities, including hospitals, shelters, medical daycare centers, foster homes, and local law enforcement.
For more information about Little Smiles Florida and their ongoing efforts, visit littlesmilesfl.org.
About Little Smiles Florida:
Little Smiles is a not-for-profit organization operating in Palm Beach County and the greater Southeast Florida region. The charity was founded in 1999 by local businessman Paul L. Donohue, who saw a need and inspired the community to bring comfort and joy to children and their caregivers at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Little Smiles now partners with thirty-nine pediatric facilities from Daytona Beach to Miami that include hospitals, medical day care centers, hospices, shelters, foster care homes, and medical support facilities. Their mission is to help kids be kids during difficult times. They provide smiles to children and their support staff with fun events, including movie night, arts and crafts, and snack breaks. They fulfill individual needs and requests, such as providing a toy to help distract a child after surgery, pajamas to stay extra comfy during their time at the facility, or even a cake and a present to celebrate a birthday during their time at one of the facilities.