Delray Beach, FL, 09/22/23 – Open Hearts for Orphans, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children announces the return of its “Smiles for Miles” event in coordination with the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce “Do Good Delray” initiative. https://delraybeach.com/delray-beach-chamber-of-commerce/dogooddelray/ “Smiles for Miles,” sponsored by Young Dentistry, a well-renowned pediatric dental practice in Delray Beach, will take place October 6, 2023 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Aloft hotel, 202 SE Fifth Ave., Delray Beach.
Event Highlights
“Smiles for Miles” will raise funds and create awareness for the overall mission of Open Hearts for Orphans. Attendees will receive two free drinks and hors d’oeuvres for the $25 admission fee (in advance/$35 at the door.) The event emcee will be Bill Hood II, Auctioneer with Bill Hood & Sons Art & Antique Auctions. The Hood family has resided in this area for over 50 years. Guests will hear from the CEO of Open Hearts for Orphans, Lisa Murphy, about the charity’s “Funding Hope, Funding Life, Funding Love” campaign. Open Hearts for Orphans is actively seeking community support through item donations for the silent auction and event sponsors: https://conta.cc/3r8iXas
Open Hearts for Orphans provides resources for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children around the world through medical intervention, meeting basic needs, and providing “Say Yes” grants for families in the adoption process. Jim and Lisa Murphy founded OHFO in 2016, six years after losing their two-year-old son Daniel, adopted from China, to congenital heart disease. Lisa shared their son’s life story in a memoir “With an Open Heart.” The Murphys returned to China three more times to bring children into their family. After their last adoption in 2016, they were given signs for a new chapter to begin, and founded Open Hearts for Orphans in Delray Beach. Follow the charity on Facebook and Instagram.
The highly acclaimed all-day cafe and lifestyle brand brings its health-conscious menu to the region, promising to establish itself as a community staple
(WELLINGTON, FL) – SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 – South Florida’s leading wellness and lifestyle brand, Pura Vida is excited to announce the debut of its third location in Palm Beach County in the village of Wellington, opening on September 15th. Originally founded in Miami Beach in 2012 as a side passion project by Omer Horev, the brand has since established itself as South Florida’s premier destination for healthy and wholesome eats with an extensive menu that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Pura Vida’s Wellington outpost fills the void for delectable and equally healthy foods in the area, and promises to establish itself as a neighborhood spot where friends, family and neighbors are eager to return to time and again.
“We are thrilled to be bringing our slice of tropical paradise to Wellington. It’s the perfect place to continue expanding our footprint in Palm Beach County and also gives us the opportunity to serve and connect with its neighboring communities of Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres, and Loxahatchee Groves among others. Wellington and its surrounding neighborhoods are the ideal family-friendly communities we wish to immerse ourselves into.”
– Omer Horev, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pura Vida
Omer Horev first introduced Pura Vida to Miami Beach in 2012. After meeting his wife and now business partner, Jennifer Horev in 2015, the pair began building the healthy menu being mindful of food allergies and dietary restrictions, as well as reimagining Pura Vida’s branding and chic interiors. In addition to making nutritious foods more accessible, the South Florida grown, family-owned and operated lifestyle brand has proven its commitment to making a positive impact within the community. Since 2012, Pura Vida has created over 550 real careers across the region, and continuing its commitment to a more sustainable world, the brand also regularly partners with different organizations to participate in quarterly beach cleanups. Moreover, and as part of their sustainability programming, Pura Vida also partners with local organizations for composting food waste and donates fertile soil back to local farmers in Miami.
Pura Vida’s extensive menu draws inspiration from family recipes and the Horevs’ travels. Customers can anticipate the brand’s acclaimed quality-driven menu which includes Pura Vida’s famed All-Day Breakfast offerings showcasing a range of avocado toasts, pasture-raised egg sandwiches, fresh bagels, and raw organic açaí bowls; clean chef-driven Salads that are customizable with the protein of your choice; Wraps & Sandwiches and Bowls featuring a variety of bases and proteins; as well as a wide array of gluten-free and vegan Sweet Treats; and a simple Kids Menu which includes gluten-free offerings like the Tiny Toasted Chicken, Cheesy Grilled Cheese, and Kid’s Acai. Additionally, Pura Vida’s menu includes a series of cold-pressed juices and shots, superfood smoothies, kombucha, and artisanal coffees and teas.
Pura Vida’s Wellington outpost features 3,100-square-feet of indoor and outdoor seating designed in the brand’s signature Instagrammable aesthetic. Pura Vida’s interiors are characterized by lush greenery, alluring floral accents, and light wooden finishes, as well as the brand’s signature blue umbrellas. Curated to feel like an extension of the Horevs’ home, Pura Vida’s Wellington outpost promises to become a cherished destination for locals.
“We’re really looking forward to tapping into this new market and having the opportunity to create something unique for the Wellington area. I lived in Wellington for a brief period, so this opening holds special meaning to me and feels like a homecoming. Wellington is an exceptional place with people from all over the world, and the equestrian season attracts some of the most vibrant people. I’m really excited to share our brand with both visitors and residents, and bring a touch of Miami’s tropical vibe to the area.”
– Jennifer Horev, Chief Brand Officer of Pura Vida
Pura Vida Wellington is located at 440 S State Rd 7 #200, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33414. Delivery and pick-up are available through the Pura Vida Miami app. For more information, please visitwww.PuraVidaMiami.com
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ABOUT PURA VIDA:
Pura Vida is an all-day cafe established in South Florida offering a balance of nutritious and delectable dishes, sourcing local and organic ingredients, and high-quality proteins. Founded by husband-wife team, Omer and Jennifer Horev, the Miami-based concept provides an extensive menu that showcases a range of raw, organic acai bowls, freshly squeezed juices, superfood smoothies, clean chef-driven salads, wraps, bowls and more. Since its inception in 2012, Pura Vida has evolved into a lifestyle brand, providing a nourishing all-day menu and refreshing dining experience that has quickly become the “go-to” spot for people in the wellness community in the area. Drawing inspiration from Omer’s and Jennifer’s travels, as well as recipes from friends and family, Pura Vida was designed to feel like an extension of their own home with a menu that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Serving enriching options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between, Pura Vida is a community of individuals who value health.
The wellness-minded concept strives to make an impact, not just by providing wholesome foods, but by creating a community of people who appreciate locally sourced ingredients, along with creating real careers for hundreds of people within South Florida. Moreover, Pura Vida is committed to making conscious decisions towards a more eco-friendly world. Composting food waste and donating soil to local farms in Miami is a big part of their effort for a better future. Further strengthening the wellness brand’s dedication to the environment, Pura Vida partners with different organizations in the community to participate in quarterly beach cleanups.
Pura Vida currently has 17 locations including outposts in South Beach, West Ave, Edgewater, Miami Design District, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Bay Harbor, Las Olas, Brickell, Sunset Harbour, Miracle Mile, South Miami, Doha, Qatar, Doral, Miami Shores, and most recently, West Boca and Wellington.
+ Awakening Hearts with Casa Rituals – October 15, 22
+ DIY Garden Design & Planning – October 28
+ Full Moon Release Ceremony with Casa Rituals – October 29
(West Palm Beach, FL – September 12, 2023) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 24 fun and informative workshops, classes, and special events throughout the month of October.
“As we transition from summer into fall, October 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.
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Watercolor at the Garden
With Carl Stoveland
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. Subjects will be chosen by the instructor with assistance from the class.
$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.
FREE for members of Mounts Botanical Garden and/or the Palm Beach Palm & Cycad Society. For nonmembers, admission is $15 (adults); $12 (seniors 65+, college students and military with ID); $7 (ages 6-17); free for children under 6. Purchase tickets at the gate (includes full Garden admission).
Join the Palm Beach Palm & Cycad Society for their annual fall sale. Talk to the experts and choose from a wide variety of palms and rare cycads, as over 500 will be available for purchase. A limited supply of top-rated fertilizer and palm and cycad reference books will also be available for purchase.
Mounts Botanical Garden & Tropical Orchid Society Present Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshops
With Mike Sands
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:15 am
FREE for West Palm Beach Orchid Society Members with proof of membership; $10 for Mounts members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited 30 adults.
Mike Sands, president of the Tropical Orchid Society, is the instructor for this ongoing series of Orchid Potting Workshops held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion located just inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center. Students may bring one plant from home to repot during the workshop. Potting media, plastic pots, and orchids will be available for purchase.
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.
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.
Note: Effective October 1, 2023, dogs are FREE for Mounts members and $5 for nonmembers.
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.
$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 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 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Do you have a lot of ideas for your outdoor space but don’t know where to start? Are you tired of staring at a blank lawn? Make the most of your yard and create natural beauty around you with this introductory class focused on garden design. The instructor will share best layout plans for an outdoor space to be both functional for your lifestyle, as well as revamp the home’s curb appeal. She will also discuss what is needed to get started: from analyzing site conditions, planning, and what to plant that will best fit the surroundings. The program will begin at Mounts’ front entrance with a tour through the gardens, focusing on the themes, structures, and design elements that make Mounts Botanical Garden the gem that it is. Attendees will then move into the Exhibit Hall to learn about the basic principles of garden design and how to apply them to their own yards.
Note: Please bring:
+ A note/sketch pad and a pencil/marker to practice and experiment with some design concepts during class and perhaps be inspired to apply some ideas to your garden when you return home.
+ A print-out of a Google satellite view of your property.
+ Water and sunscreen, mosquito spray, and hat, as needed, because the first part of the class will be outdoors.
Re-setting with Ceremonial Cacao and Sound Healing
With Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to Noon
$35 for members; $45 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.
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.
The Wellington Film Festival is reaching out to local and international filmmakers for its upcoming November 2023 film festival.
The curated festival is open to students, amateur filmmakers as well professionals. An informational meeting will take place during the early evening on September 25th, 2023 at the Wellington Branch Library, located at
1951 Royal Fern Drive
Wellington, FL 33414
We will collaborate with different venues and interested parties in Palm Beach County and can be reached by phone at:
WELLINGTON, FL – This October, The Mall at Wellington Green is hosting several exciting events, catering to all ages. Come shop, attend, and enjoy.
Fifth Annual Pink PartyandZumba Dance Party
October 7
1-3pm
Free
Grand Court
The Mall at Wellington Green is pleased to host its annual Pink Party in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Highlights will include student performances, bra decorating, face painting and airbrush tattoos, and a lively Zumba master class (a $10 donation will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk). Participants will hear inspiring stories from survivors and thrivers and learn about early breast cancer detection and prevention from Wellington Regional Medical Center and the American Cancer Society.
OneBlood Blood Drive
October 13, 14, and 15
11am-6pm
East Parking Lot
The Big Red Bus will be parked in the East Parking Lot and will be accepting blood donations on these three dates from 11am to 6pm. Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save three lives, and all donors will receive a Chick-fil-A gift card. For more information, visit oneblood.org.
Asphalt Angels Classic Car Show
October 14
10am-2pm
Free
East Parking Lot
Every car lover’s dream, the Asphalt Angels Classic Car Show is coming to Wellington. The family-friendly extravaganza provides a unique opportunity to see impressive classic cars, muscle cars, and other special vehicles.
Kids Club Mall-O-Ween Costume Party & Magic Show
October 20
6-8pm
Free
Grand Court
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Mall-O-Ween Costume Party & Magic Show! The event will include a magic demonstration, photo ops with the Hocus Pocus witches, holiday candy, and additional surprises. Costumes encouraged.
Kids Club Mommy & Me Costume Party
October 25
10:30am-12pm
Free
The District at Wellington Green
This fun-filled Halloween event is perfect for children under five years old. Attendees will enjoy music, costume parade, Halloween bingo, and pumpkin crafts. Yummy treats will be served.
Trick-or-Treat
October 31
5-7pm
Free
Mall wide
Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Celebrate a spooky Halloween with the kids and enjoy free treats from participating retailers.
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 features over 160 stores and a children’s indoor playground. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, and CMX Wellington. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
On Saturday, September 16th, family and fellow coders gathered at Code Ninas in Wellington to celebrate Jayden Hendricks’ transition to Black Belt as a coder. Jayden, 15, began at Code Ninjas at age 11 when the drop-in center opened. This was during COVID, but Jayden had a huge appetite for learning more and having classes via Zoom calls didn’t throw him off. He worked his way up through the nine different belts to Black Belt and built his own 3D video game, which was publislhed at www.codeninjas.com.
Rick Englelbart, who owns three Code Ninjas locations including Wellington, explained that Jayden took advantage of the high-quality, continuous curriculum that they offer and incorporated his sense of humor into his games. In his final game he created “Christmas Clicker”, which was displayed during the ceremony, Santa suffers a coma because he ate too many cookies. As the player of the game, you have to fill in for Santa and deliver thousands of presents to the right homes.
Below, you’ll find a video of Jayden’s Black Belt ceremony, as well as pictures from the event.
Wellington’s Council has declared Sunday, September 24, 2023, as the United Nations Day of Peace within the Village of Wellington.
During the month of September, International Peace Day is celebrated across the country and around the world. Wellington and the Wellington Rotary Club will hold the International World Peace Day Ceremony on Sunday, September 24th, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Rotary Peace Park, located at the intersection of Royal Fern Drive and Birkdale Drive.
The Ceremony commemorates and strengthens the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. The event includes awards presentations for local poetry, essay and drawing contests with the Wellington Rotary Club, and readings of the word “peace” in different languages.
For further information about the ceremony, or to sponsor the Rotary Peace Park, please contact Donald Gross with the Wellington Rotary Club at (561) 723-8461.
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
PALM BEACH, FL – Following a public voting period in which animal lovers from across the country participated, a field of 25 courageous canines has been narrowed down to five finalists. These five dogs now advance to the final round of the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®. It’s a nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs in five categories. The 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards® and Gala presented by Lois Pope and the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, will culminate with a nationally televised event broadcast on A&E on November 26 and fyi on Thanksgiving Day.
How did we get here? The four-legged contestants have gone through an extensive process, meeting strict standards and benchmarks along the way. Hundreds of dogs from across the country were nominated earlier this year and, from there, five semi-finalists in each of the five categories were chosen to meet the American public. And they were met with open arms and loving hearts.
The five categories for 2023 are: Therapy Dogs; Service and Guide Dogs; Military Dogs; Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs; and Shelter Dogs. Public voting concluded on August 24th and the 25 semi-finalists have now been whittled down to five finalists—all of which will be featured at the awards show taking place at The Breakers Palm Beach on November 10.
Meet the five remarkable American Humane Hero Dog Awards®finalists!
Buda (Oceanside, California): Military working dog Buda—a four-year-old German shorthaired pointer— bravely serves our country as one of only eighteen certified explosives-detection canines in the U.S. Coast Guard. Buda and his canine handler, Maritime Enforcement Specialist Chase Leamer, work together to protect their local community both on the water and on land. Since graduating from his elite training program in 2021, Buda has participated in over 185 operational deployments and engagements. His work includes responding to bomb
threats, performing safety sweeps of sea vessels, providing security at events like Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles, and more. This extraordinary hero dog is even trained to be hoisted in and out of helicopters.
Poppy (Columbia, South Carolina): Law enforcement canine Poppy (pictured at right)—a five-year-old black Labrador— courageously protects students and faculty as an invaluable member of the University of South Carolina (USC) Police Department. Poppy is an award-winning explosives and firearms detection dog who serves alongside her handler, Sgt. Mark Tevepaugh. Poppy is a regular fixture at school and community events, providing security sweeps, crowd screening, and safety presentations to help empower students. She can also be found roaming the sprawling USC campus, where she brings smiles and comfort to stressed and homesick college students. When this hero dog is off duty, Poppy loves to spend time at home with her handler’s son.
Raina (Perkasie, Pennsylvania): Emerging hero shelter dog Raina—a 13-year-old Australian shepherd—came into this world blind, deaf, and with a contagious sense of joy. Her owner Kristen Strouse adopted Raina from a shelter when she was six months old. Ever since, this 13-year-old hero dog has served as a beautiful advocate for people and pets with special needs. Raina and Kristen are passionate about using public education, awareness events, and fundraisers to help rescue blind and deaf dogs, who often struggle to find their forever homes. At home, Raina offers comfort and inspiration to Kristen after an autoimmune deficiency forced her into early retirement. Her owner credits Raina with saving her life and keeping her going during that traumatic transition.
Moxie (Ballwin, Missouri): Lifesaving service dog Moxie—a five-year-old mini goldendoodle—helped her handler, Katie Harris, find hope and purpose again when a rare disease robbed her of her ability to walk, leaving her suicidal. Moxie’s unconditional love and dedication have since helped Katie get through countless hospital visits, surgeries, and painful medical episodes. She provides invaluable assistance on a daily basis, performing tasks like picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors, and alerting her handler to impending seizures and other medical crises. This hero dog lives up to her name, bringing spirit and courage to everything she does.
Maverick (Saint Robert, Missouri): United Service Organizations (USO) therapy dog Maverick—a six-year- old European Blue Great Dane—brings comfort and solace to our nation’s military heroes and their families. His unconditional love uplifts the spirits of the military community stationed at the Fort Leonard Wood Post base in Missouri, where he supports service members on suicide watch, escorts children to military funerals for their parents, and helps men and women cope with trauma, injuries, and stress. When not supporting our troops, this 150-pound hero dog—who is a canine cancer survivor—offers snuggles and strength to his owner, Kelly Brownfield, in her own ongoing battle with cancer.
During the past 12 years, Americans have cast millions of votes for more than 1,000 dogs, all seeking the coveted title of American Humane Hero Dog. The program reaches billions of people each year and draws the support and participation of top celebrity dog lovers from all over the world. Hosts, judges, award presenters and entertainment acts have included Jay Leno, Billy Crystal, Betty White, Ariel Winter, Vivica A. Fox, Rebecca Romijn, Alison Sweeney, James Denton, Beth Stern, Faithe Herman, Marcus Scribner, Bindi Irwin, Derek Hough, Richard Marx, Katharine McPhee, Michelle Beadle, Whoopi Goldberg, Denise Richards, Lisa Vanderpump, Chelsea Handler, Martin Short, Jewel, Wilson Phillips, John Ondrasik, Carson Kressley, Miranda Lambert, Pauley Perrette, Kristen Chenoweth, Naomi Judd, Eric Stonestreet, Danica McKellar, Bailee Madison and many more.
“The Hero Dog Awards provides Americans the opportunity to come together and celebrate the strength, hope, and happiness that dogs bring to our lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane.“Like the voting public, we are captivated by the heartwarming stories of Buda, Poppy, Raina, Moxie, and Maverick, who all do extraordinary things. These awards help to give these four-legged heroes the
recognition they deserve.”
“The Hero Dog Awards celebrate America’s often unsung heroes,” said Palm Beach philanthropist and platinum presenting sponsor Lois Pope. “From those who defend our country to those who help us heal, guide us, protect us, and help find the lost, every single contender exemplifies the courage and heroism we seek to spotlight in this campaign. Our goal is not only to honor these magnificent dogs but to inspire America to reflect on the outsized contributions that animals make in our lives each and every day.”
Thank you to our sponsors, including Lois Pope Life Foundation, Lulu’s Fund, American Airlines, and the Brady Hunter Foundation. Without them, the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Awards® would not be possible. For more information about the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®, visit herodogawards.org. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected].
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization with offices in Palm Beach and Washington, DC. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit americanhumane.org. Follow us on Twitter,Facebook,Instagram and YouTube.
About Lois Pope and the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation
As one of America’s leading philanthropists, Pope has positively impacted the lives of individuals at the local, national, and international levels. She has established three separate organizations dedicated to helping those in need. These organizations are the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., Leaders In Furthering Education (LIFE), and the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation. For more than 20 years she has been the driving force behind the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, and a groundbreaking new program with American Humane in Palm Beach County. Pope recently donated to American Humane several Lois Pope Rescue Vehicles. Each rescue vehicle is a 50-foot-long response unit, complete with a Ford F-350 truck and trailer, which is specifically designed and outfitted to provide an array of animal emergency services and cruelty responses within a region.
On October 5, 2014, Pope saw the completion of a decades-long dream – the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which was dedicated by President Obama in Washington, DC. It will stand in perpetuity as a reminder to the public and legislators of the courage and sacrifices of the four million-plus living disabled veterans and all those who died before them, as well as the need to be vigilant in assuring their support and understanding the human cost of war. Through her advocacy, October 5 every year will serve as a National Day of Honor for disabled veterans. A mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother, Pope has trained for and completed five New York City Marathons.
About American Airlines Group – Our Heroes
American Airlines Group – Our Heroes – has a longstanding tradition of serving those who serve our nation dating back to 1926. Today more than 9,000 of American’s 130,000 team members are veterans or are still serving in the National Guard or Reserve components. Our initiatives include providing financial and in-kind support to several organizations, to include The Medal of Honor Foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, the
Honor Flight Network and the USO among many others. American supports those who have served our nation through mileage donations, providing charter flights for special missions and workforce development opportunities. For more information about the ways American Airlines supports members of the military, veterans, and their families, please visit aa.com/heroes.
About Lulu’s Fund
Lulu’s Fund, which is part of the Timothy T. Day Foundation, was founded in 2012. Named after the Day’s
beloved pug Lulu, Lulu’s Fund continues the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting organizations in the animal rescue community throughout the United States. Organizations that receive support from Lulu’s Fund are primarily those that rescue abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs. Their focus is to treat existing medical issues, provide spay and neuter services, place dogs in safe foster homes, and ultimately find forever homes for the animals. For more information about the Foundation, visit tdayfoundation.org.
About the Brady Hunter Foundation
The Brady Hunter Foundation is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operated by a group of philanthropists, humanitarians and animal lovers committed to ending animal cruelty, protecting wildlife, and making a positive impact in the lives of children. The Brady Hunter Charitable Fund was established in 2022, with The Brady Hunter Foundation formally launched shortly thereafter in early 2023. BHF is dedicated to creating sanctuaries all over the world to save animals from endangerment, abuse, and neglect, while also recognizing the importance of uplifting children and providing them with opportunities for a better future. For more information about The Brady Hunter Foundation, please visit bradyhunter.org.
The Wellington Art Society will feature Lori Charnow, who will lead a hands-on demonstration of reverse painting on acrylic, at their meeting October 11, 2023.
The meeting and demonstration will take place at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, second floor. The meeting will open with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by the member spotlight and a brief meeting. The event will conclude with a demonstration by Lori Charnow. For more information contact: Heather Bergstrom, [email protected].
Lori Charnow is originally from Brooklyn, New York. About ten years ago, Lori pursued her art professionally and began creating functional art pieces. This body of work, known as Living Art by Leah, is based on Judaic customs and principles, but the sentiments which are incorporated are universal. Inspired by Judaism and nature, Lori paints in reverse behind clear glass, blending color and abstract design with elements from our world and calligraphy to celebrate and convey universal concepts and themes.
Exploring reverse painting has been a challenging and rewarding process for Lori. The pieces are created using multi-surface acrylic on the reverse side of interesting, functional glass pieces. With the use of calligraphy, the written message is done in steps. Lori usually paints sketches of her designs on paper first and then deconstructs them to re-paint layers in reverse on the backside of the glass, so that the images in the foreground remain in the foreground when looking at the front of the piece.
This year Lori launched a new line of workshops to share reverse painting techniques while participants create their own piece of functional art. These classes may be paired with a showing of her work to raise funds for not-for-profit organizations or charitable projects.
For additional information and to see Lori’s work, visit her website, www.livingartbyleah.com
