Attendees encouraged to come in their best guise at The Colony
(Palm Beach, Fla) — As the sun sets and the moon takes its place, guests will engage in a night of elegance and intrigue for Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s Inaugural Black-Tie Masquerade Ball. On October 27 beginning at 7:30 p.m., guests will enjoy music, dancing, spooky science shows, Halloween-themed culinary delights, and “mystery” beverages at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. An air of mystery will fill the room as guests mingle, each donning their finest attire and a captivating mask. Supporting STEM Education has never been so alluring.
The event chairman is Alexandra Daniel with host committee members Katie Benjamin, Lulu Carter, Emily Coscia, Meredith Gregory, Judy Van der Grift, Heydyn Hernandez, Maddie Loeffler, Serena Mattson, Rosie Quick, Mimi Ryan and Allegra Garcia-Velez. Daniel, along with the host committee members, are part of the newly formed Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s Junior Committee, an engaged group of young individuals who share a deep appreciation of the science community, education, and an interest in advancing the mission and visibility of the Science Center.
“This event will be an exciting preview into the multimillion dollar capital campaign at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium,” said Kate Arrizza, President and CEO. “It will also drum up excitement for the Science Center’s signature event, the January 2024 annual gala, with the theme Oceans Alive! Exploring the Wonders of the Sea, with American oceanographer, Dr. Edith Widder.”
Sponsors for the Black-Tie Masquerade Ball include Margaret Coffey, Elizabeth Corbat, Lew and Kathleen Crampton, Tina Fanjul Associates, Taylor and Francesca Gerhardt, Kyle and Alicia Henry, Chris and Kelly Kempner, Bryan Mattson and Lucinda and Eric Stonestrom.
The event is for adults only. Tickets for the evening are $350 per person. To become a sponsor or purchase a ticket, please visit www.coxsciencecenter.org/masquerade
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” 18-hole conservation-themed mini-golf course and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail. One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows, and special event programming. The Science Center took on a new name at the end of 2021 when leadership announced a $20 million gift from Palm Beachers, Howard and Wendy Cox, to launch a transformative capital expansion campaign. Shovels will be going in the ground Spring 2024 with a target completion date of 2026. To learn more, visit coxsciencecenter.org/support-us.
THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY WAS HONORED AT THE KRAVIS CENTER AT THE ANNUAL HATS OFF NONPROFIT AWARDS
Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
Wednesday, October 18, 2023- Nonprofits First recently held their Lucky 7th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards at the Kravis Center in the Cohen Pavilion. This year’s first Honorary Chair was Mayor Danielle Moore (Town of Palm Beach), and the event chair was Christine Pitts of Toshiba; the sold-out event celebrated nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County who contribute and dedicate themselves to improving and strengthening our community. The ballroom had nearly seven hundred people in the room wearing hats of all shapes and sizes, from cowboy hats, hard hats, and top hats to hand-made themed hats. The emcee was Bill Bone, who inspired the audience with his eloquent presentation. Music from the nonprofit Digital Vibez set the tone with popular beats to move and shake as people made their way to the stage to accept their awards. The energy felt in the room was a true sign that the nonprofit community is back stronger than ever.
“The Nonprofits First Lucky 7th Annual Hats Off Awards were the best ever! With a record-breaking number of nominees (167), attendees (680), and sponsors (85), the event was nothing short of magical. I am so proud of our nonprofit community; they do so much good, and they deserve to be honored and celebrated. It is truly our pleasure to host such an important and significant event!” said Jessica Cecere, CEO of Nonprofits First.
The honorees are:
Nonprofit of the Year:
Small: Path to College
Medium: Promise Fund of Florida
Large: Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County
Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year: Kimberlyn McCoy, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Nonprofit MVP: Susan Christiansen, Junior League of the Palm Beaches
Nonprofit Professional of the Year: Lisa Greenwood, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County
Nonprofit Executive of the Year: Edna W. Runner, Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center
Lifetime Achievement: Robert Bertisch, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
Community Collaborators Award: FoundCare, RBHI Resident Advisory Committee, Community Partners of South Florida, Health Council of Southeast Florida, American Heart Association (Palm Beach County), the City of Riviera Beach
New Award-Arts and Culture Impact Award: Young Singers of the Palm Beaches
The Best Hat Award: Art Deco
People’s Choice: Best Foot Forward Foundation
Funds raised from the evening benefit Nonprofits First educational programs. These programs focus on professional development, leadership, and training that nonprofit community volunteers and employees need to lead and succeed.
About Nonprofits First, Inc.:
Since 2005, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants, and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of desired impact. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.
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Photos by Capehart Photography: 2023 Hats Off Nonprofit Awards
(West Palm Beach, FL.) – Attention all aspiring authors! The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts invites writers of all backgrounds to participate in its Writers’ Academy, led by Pulitzer Prize-nominated biographer, novelist, playwright and educator Julie Gilbert. The Writers’ Academy nurtures and develops creative writing skills in most genres of expression, offering participants four courses to refine their skills.
“At the Writers’ Academy at The Kravis Center, I’ve been privileged to witness the blossoming of immense talent,” says Gilbert. “The writers here are not just gifted but audaciously brave in their craft. Their ability to marry raw talent with a bold spirit makes me profoundly proud. Each session offers a unique outlet to delve deep, unearthing and expressing the emotions that often remain hidden.”
Students who have participated in The Writers’ Academy classes have found their own literary acclaim as a result of Gilbert’s teachings. Diane Bergner, local author and Kravis Center’s Vice President of Development, went on to write the novel“Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club,” published by Meridian Editions LLC. The Kravis Center has also published two books written by Writers’ Academy members: “Driving Woodie: Tales From the Home Front During World War II” by Martha McMullen and “Verbal Snacks” by Nancy Sims.
“At The Writers’ Academy at The Kravis Center, it’s more than just a class – it’s a community,” said Bergner. “As a former student, I experienced firsthand the magic of seeing my ideas take shape and breathe life. This academy is a place where experimentation is celebrated, and every writing style is not just accepted but enthusiastically encouraged. It’s where the seeds of imagination are cultivated and bloom brilliantly.”
Gilbert was nominated for a National Book Critic’s Circle Award for “Ferber: A Biography of Edna Ferber and Her Circle”and a Pulitzer Prize nomination for “Opposite Attraction: The Lives of Erich Maria Remarque and Paulette Goddard.” She has taught fiction writing and playwriting at New York University and Florida Atlantic University, as well as running The Writers’ Academy at the Kravis Center.
Classes with Gilbert are offered for every stage of writing, from beginner to advanced, starting January 9, 2024, at the Eunice and Julian Cohen Pavilion. The classes include Kickstart Your Writing Ability to Advanced Technique II,
Advanced Technique I – January 9 through March 19, 2024; by invitation
This course of six sessions of 2 hours each is by invitation only. It is for dedicated writers who have worked with Gilbert in establishing voice, technique, style, work habits, projects and durability. Advanced Technique I is for the writer who has decided upon the ‘writing life.’
Advanced Technique II (Virtual via the Zoom Platform) – January 16 through March 26, 2024; by invitation
This course has the same requirements and follows the same format as Advanced Technique I but is offered via Zoom.
Kickstart Your Writing Ability – January 11, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.; tickets $30
An experience for the curious and adventurous, Kickstart is for those about to take the exciting leap into writing. Learn how to release the writer within and how to unlock your very own muse with Julie Gilbert.
Writers’ Launch – January 25 through February 29, 2024; tickets $325
Writers’ Launch is just that – a pad from which to raise written expression. Within every person, there are unspoken thoughts and memories, there is buried treasure. This course is designed to alchemize this unexpressed bounty into a discipline of form, content, technique and style, resulting in a story. The focus and goal of this is toward a fictional story.
“We are deeply grateful to the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation for their generous support towards our education programs at the Kravis Center,” said Diane Quinn, CEO of the Kravis Center. “Through their invaluable contribution, we continue to ignite the spark of creativity, curiosity and love for the arts, fostering a future where these virtues are celebrated and cherished.”
The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by being an economic catalyst and providing community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. For general information about the Kravis Center, please visitwww.kravis.org.
Kick off the holiday season with a beloved ballet classic—featuring three full-length, magical performances
Oct. 16, 2023 (Jupiter, Fla.) — Just in time for the holidays, Paris Ballet will once again bring the spellbinding magic of The Nutcrackerto The Palm Beaches.
Three performances at the 750-seat Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens are slated for Saturday, November 18 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, November 19, 2023 (1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) Tickets start at $25 and are selling fast.
Set to the memorable score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the full-length production will feature thrilling choreography by the school’s founder and director Jean-Hugues Feray. It will also showcase the talents of young dancers ages 3 to 18—including five longtime Paris Ballet students with lead roles: Nicholas Bondar, Maia DeOreo, Endia Banks, Raelin Flanigan, and Isabella Gutierrez.
Don’t let their ages fool you. These award-winning advanced and pre-professional dancers bring a level of talent that seasoned professionals envy. There’s no need to hire out-of-town dancers. These young students are the shining stars, bringing high-caliber ballet skills to each performance.
“This is a unique chance to see many exceptional dancers perform before they launch their professional dance careers or continue their training in college,” said Feray, who has also performed as a principal dancer in many international companies, including Ballet Florida and the French National Ballet. “I am proud of the hard work our dedicated students put into their craft, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the show.”
The annual production has become a beloved family holiday tradition. With dazzling costumes, extraordinary sets (including a growing Christmas tree that doubles in height onstage), and phenomenal special effects, audiences will be transported to an enchanting winter wonderland of sparkling snowfall, colorful flowers and splendid sweets.
Based on the Alexandre Dumas adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the timeless ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who is given a magical Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. After encountering and defeating the Rat King, her beloved Nutcracker comes to life—as a real, handsome prince who guides her on an astounding journey through the incredibly bright and fantastic Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. Since the 1940s, the ballet has grown exponentially in popularity and now serves as an iconic holiday tradition worldwide.
Tickets start at $25. To purchase tickets, call (561) 207-5900 or visit the Eissey Campus Theatre Box Office. Guests can also purchase tickets online.
West Palm Beach, FL- Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, in collaboration with the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, will host, the annual Farm City Luncheon on Thursday, November 15, 2023, at 11:15am. The luncheon is presented by Baptist Health South Florida and will take place at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center West
The Annual Farm City luncheon was created to highlight the important economic contribution of the agricultural industry in Palm Beach County. This year’s theme is Farming Today for Tomorrow will feature a panel of young farmers who will be sharing the innovative ways that farming production has changed and evolved to ensure a sustainable future. Prior to the panel, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner, Wilton Simpson, will address the audience.
The attendees of governmental, community, and business leaders are given the opportunity to learn more about the agricultural community and the positive impact they have on Palm Beach County. All attendees receive a complimentary box of locally grown produce courtesy of local farmers.
The Farm City Economic Luncheon will take place at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo West, located at 9067 Southern Blvd. from 11:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Individual entry tickets are $50, and tables are $750.
For more information on this luncheon and future events, please visit the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce website at www.cpbchamber.com, or email: [email protected] call: (561) 790-6200.
+ Spirit Walk Imagery Board Game on the Great Lawn – November 11
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – November 12
+ Awakening Hearts with Casa Rituals – November 12
+ Heart Opening Cacao Workshop with Casa Rituals – November 19
+ Full Moon Release Ceremony with Casa Rituals – November 26
+ Building Strong Trees – November 30
Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 26 fun and informative workshops, classes, and special events throughout the month of November, including the always popular Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale.
“As we revel in the slightly cooler weather of fall, November is the perfect month for people of all ages to come out and enjoy many of the happy and healthy horticultural events at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach,” invites Mounts Curator-Director RochelleWolberg.
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Qi Gong
with Roxanne Cumberland
Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
$10 for members; $18 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; size of “inside” classes is limited to 20 adults.
Relieve stress and increase metabolism, flexibility, and strength. Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique. The exercises include simple, slow movements (which mimic nature), meditation, and focused breathing—similar to Tai Chi but less structured.
$25 for members; $30 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; size is limited to 30 adults.
This mat Pilates class focuses on building strength, increasing flexibility, and reducing stress. The class incorporates contemporary pilates repertoire with whole-person framework modalities. The exercises are low impact and excellent for enhancing mind-body connection. All levels are welcome, and modifications will be offered to ensure a pain-free experience. Class Supplies: yoga mat and water, exercise bands (optional), yoga block (optional), and hand/ankle eights (optional).
+ Saturday, November 4: members only preview 8:00 to 9:00 am; open to public 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry 3:00 pm)
+ Sunday, November 5: open to public 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last entry 2:30 pm)
FREE for members of Mounts Botanical Garden. For nonmembers, admission is $15 (adults); $12 (seniors 65+, college students and military with ID); $7 (ages 6-17); free for children under 6 and AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members.
Tickets are non-refundable.
This popular Fall Plant Sale features the highest quality of well-known plant growers and experts from across the State of Florida. Visitors have the opportunity to fully engage in the world of plants and learn new gardening techniques, discover what’s trending in floral design, and enjoy Mounts Botanical’s tranquil tropical oasis all at the same time.
+ 70+ sought-after top growers and 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.
+ Plus, additional horticultural ‘must-haves’ and unique treasures from your home and garden are also available in the Garden’s Nursery and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop.
+ Food and dessert trucks at the Garden throughout both days.
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
Join artist Carl Stoveland and share the love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring your pencils, pens, paints sketchpad or watercolor pad, (or journal) and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Some experience preferred. True newbies should consider the beginners class.Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants. Subjects will be chosen by the instructor with assistance from the class.
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
If you have always wanted to try watercolor but been overwhelmed by it then this is the class for you. Geared toward novice watercolor enthusiasts, this class will focus on the basics, focusing on a new technique and a simple painting each week. Join artist Carl Stoveland and share your love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring pencils, pens, paints sketchpad or watercolor pad, (or journal) and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants.
+ Saturday & Sunday, November 18 & 19: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers(includesfullGarden admission).
Registration isrequired; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Forest Bathing—also known as Nature Therapy—is an immersive experience in nature that gives participants an opportunity to reset their outlook on life and have an encounter with the nature in a way that they have never before experienced. It is a sensory practice away from phones, computers, and social media and back to what the body yearns for—a connection with nature, a sense of peace, a sense of relaxation, and a sense of being in the present moment. It provides the perfect time to become a human “be-ing” instead of a human “do-ing”. During a Forest Bathing experience, attendees will be invited to slow down and reconnect with nature’s perfect balance using their senses to see the sunlight playing through the leaves, smell the flowers, and feel and hear the gentle wind whispering to return to one’s native roots and discover a deeper self. The nature encounter concludes with a tea ceremony to connect with other like-minded nature lovers. Forest Bathing has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, lift depression, reduce stress, and improve sleep. But beyond these physiological changes, this contemplative experience demonstrates how important it is for well-being to take time in nature on a daily basis.
Note: Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before start time and bring a chair or yoga mat.
$25 for Mounts members; $35 for nonmembers; per session (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited.
Walking with spirit is a playful journey and playfulness is the new wellness. Take a mental break before the busy holiday season by focusing on one’s own inner joy. Experience a one-of-a-kind spiritual game where all choices are right, and everybody wins. The Garden makes a perfect setting for this outdoor journey of reconnection. Four people per game will sit together while playing individually. Others in attendance are invited to observe and hold space creating a sacred container. Participants will be guided through a series of choices involving the sense of sight, smell, touch, sound, and especially intuition. Each participant will arrange their own choices and determine its meaning, accompanied by live Native American flute music. The culmination of the game is a unique takeaway. Everyone will choose a special memory stone so that every time it is held, it will evoke memories of the moments, the messages, and the joy. Potential benefits may include:
+ Improving overall peace of mind
+ Reuniting a sense of playfulness
+ Stimulating and energizing well-being
+ Improving self-love and building confidence
+ Reducing anxiety and creating calming effect
+ Triggering release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemical
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $15 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Note: Dogs are FREE for Mounts members and $5 for nonmembers.
This dog-and-family-friendly monthly event is held throughout the Garden. Bring your favorite pooch and enjoy a relaxed garden stroll. There are many great spots to capture family photos for posting online with #mountsbotanicalgarden.
Guidelines:
+ Non-retractable leashes only; retractable leashes are not permitted.
+ No more than one dog per adult will be admitted.
+ Rabies vaccination must be current.
+ Visitors should bring their own water and treats for the puppies.
A New Moon Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience
With Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers(includesfullGarden admission).
Registration isrequired; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Under the guidance of instructors Marit Tuisk and David Lepp, participants will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing upon arrival to release the burdens of day-to-day life and will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. This will be followed by a Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which everyone will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat or blanket, and do not drink alcohol on the day of the ceremony or consume caffeine three hours before and after the event.
Registration is required; class size is limited to 2o adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Open to anyone who is curious to know more about cacao, start their journey with cacao, or who already work with cacao and want to reconnect with this heart medicine, this workshop will share the benefits of drinking cacao; the origin of cacao and a visit to the cacao tree at Mounts; how to make and drink cacao in a ritualistic way; a guided heart opening meditation; sharing circle and Q&A; and a closing a sacred space.
Notes:
+ Please bring a blanket/yoga mat to sit on, water, journal, and an open mind and open heart.
+ No alcohol on the day of the ceremony and no caffeine three hours before and after the event.
Re-setting with Ceremonial Cacao and Sound Healing
With Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to Noon
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers(includesfullGarden admission).
Registration isrequired; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Under arrival participants will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing to release the burdens of day-to-day life and will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. This will be followed by a Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which everyone will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat or blanket, and do not drink alcohol on the day of the ceremony or consume caffeine three hours before and after the event.
$15 for members; $25 for nonmembers(includesfullGarden admission).
Registration isrequired; class size is limited to 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Ever wondered, do I need to trim my trees? Can I trim them myself? What is hurricane pruning? Is there a difference between pruning palms and deciduous trees? When is the best time to prune trees? Find out the answers to these questions and learn how to make trees stronger and less likely to break in wind with ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Jonathan Frank from Bartlett Tree Experts. The pruning of trees will always have an impact on the way that trees respond in wind storms. Some pruning will reduce the risk of wind damage, while other types of pruning actually increases the likelihood of damage from wind.
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Recently launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org].
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. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
Palm Beach County, FL (OCTOBER 15, 2023) – Impact Next-Gen is proud to announce its mission to empower the youth of Palm Beach County while positively impacting the local community through a unique approach to philanthropy. As the youth-led chapter of Impact the Palm Beaches, Impact Next-Gen is committed to fostering a culture of giving, generosity, and social responsibility among young people.
At Impact Next-Gen, we believe that the future belongs to our youth, and we empower them to be changemakers today. Our organization operates on a quarterly grant cycle, where members contribute $30 four times a year, collectively forming a giving circle. These contributions enable us to provide much-needed support to local charities and nonprofits that are working tirelessly to improve the lives of underserved populations in our community.
We take pride in our personal approach to giving, as our donations are made in person during site visits to the selected recipients. This unique experience allows our teen members to witness firsthand the positive changes their contributions make. To date, we have donated a total of $2,350 to various local nonprofits, including the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County, Speak up for Kids, and Meals on Wheels.
Impact Next-Gen is a 100% youth-led initiative co-founded by Suncoast High School sophomore Alex Losquadro, and Oxbridge Academy senior Elena French-Nino. Together, they are leading a passionate team of young philanthropists from several other Palm Beach County high schools who are committed to creating lasting change in the lives of those less fortunate.
Our organization is open to rising freshman students through high school seniors, providing a unique opportunity for young individuals to develop their leadership skills, foster a sense of civic responsibility, and learn the value of giving back to the community. We believe that by educating the next generation about the importance of teen giving, we can create a brighter future for all.
If you want to become a member, sponsor our cause, or learn more about Impact Next-Gen, visit our website, impactnextgenpb.com, or contact us via phone or email.
When: 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. Ghost Prowl begins at 10 p.m.
Where: Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach
Details: Costumes & Cocktails is suited for those 21 and older who are looking for a place to strut their Halloween costumes, get in the Halloween groove with dancing, or simply want to have some fun with friends for a grown-up trick-or-treat experience. Cocktails and light bites also are part of the mix as is the chance to win a $500 cash prize for the best costume!
One $35 admission ticket includes one signature cocktail, trick-or-treating for grown-ups, a 360 Photo Booth, costume contest, and all-night dancing with DJ Kid Carter & DJ Matte Black. Cash bar and food trucks also will be available.
An optional Ghost Prowl begins at 10 p.m. Guests will be guided through Yesteryear Village structures that are said to be haunted for a unique, intimate and exclusive paranormal experience. Tickets are $60 per person and include admission to Costumes & Cocktails. Ghost Prowl tickets cannot be purchased separately.
64 12-and-Under Girls and 64 12-and-Under Boys descended on Wycliffe Golf & Country Club in Wellington, FL for this three-day Columbus Day weekend annual USTA event.
Though it rained every day for the week previous to the event, the weather cooperated, and the three days went on without any interruptions or delays.
For the girl’s event, Isabella Gonzalez of Boca Raton, the number 3 seed defeated the number 1 seed Isha Manchala of Hilton Head Island, SC 7-5, 6-1 to take home the first-place medal.
On the boys’ side, number one seed Luke Jones from Port Saint Lucie had a very strong tournament and beat unseeded Daniel Osipenko of Ft. Myers, who along the way defeated the #2 seed in the first round, 6-1, 6-0 in the finals.
As usual, Wycliffe hosted a great event for all of the players and spectators.
Michele Heary and Marco Chianese of Asprey and Melissa Sullivan honored major donors of the West Palm Beach Library Foundation’s Food for Thought Dinner with a Kick-Off Champagne Reception on October 5, 2023, at Melissa Sullivan’s home.
“Our Library Foundation is so grateful to Melissa Sullivan (pictured at right) for her inspired leadership and tireless work to ensure the success of our premier fundraiser, Food for Thought. We thank Asprey for the elegant reception and all of our donors for their continuing support of our work,” stated Steve Mayans (also pictured at right), WPB Library Foundation, Board Chair.
“It was Asprey’s pleasure to underwrite the champagne reception at Melissa Sullivan’s Palm Beach home,” said Michele Heary, Asprey’s Executive Vice-President. “This event was held to celebrate the generous donors of the Library Foundation and their mission to financially support the life-changing programs, services, and resources of the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach.”
Guests enjoyed a champagne toast and reception, and finger bites such as Shrimp with basil pesto; Grilled zucchini, cherry tomato, with basil oil; Saffron rice ball “arancini”; and Mini crab cake from Bice Restaurant of Palm Beach.
Host and Food for Thought chair Melissa Sullivan welcomed guests that included: Michele Heary; Marco Chianese; Diane Myers; Julie and Howard Rudolph; Trey and Lindsay Mahoney; Matthew and Adrienne Raptis; Jeff and Gina Sabean; Carissa and Daren Robinson; Corinne Dandeneau; Steve Mayans, Chair of the Library Foundation Board, and Terry Resk; David and Donna Dodson; Nancy Marshall; Dean Dimke, Library Foundation CEO; and Lisa Hathaway, Director of the Mandel Public Library.
The Food for Thought Dinner, to be held November 4, 2023, at the Norton Museum of Art, brings Foundation patrons and friends together with Table Hosts who lead lively conversations. Guests choose their table based on their favorite topics ranging from authors, entertainers, and community notables, while enjoying an evening of delicious dining and stimulating banter. Guest speaker will be award-winning journalist and author Carl Hiaasen.Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2023 event are available by calling 561-868-7717.
