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GULFSTREAM GOODWILL INDUSTRIES RACING TO END HOMELESSNESS WITH BENEFIT ON FEB 16

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Goodwill is Second Annual Beneficiary for Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America’s “Drive to Provide” event

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Start your engines! The second annual The Gulfstream: Drive to Provide will take place on February 16 at The Lake Pavilion in downtown West Palm Beach at 5 p.m. Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America will host the waterfront fundraiser that benefits Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ homeless prevention services. Stephen Grossman, General Manager for Braman Motorcars, will be the 2024 Honorary Chair.

The evening’s festivities include 40 Porsches on display from private collections, silent and live auctions, entertainment and culinary creations from Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ Career Academy of the Palm Beaches. Guests can also bid on one-of-a-kind artwork speed painted that evening by world renowned artist, Michael Israel (pictured below). Prior to the event, Israel will also be speed painting the hood of a Porsche Cayenne at the event’s pre-party, taking place on January 24 at Braman Motorcars. The vehicle will be on display in the Braman showroom for three weeks, before it is auctioned at The Gulfstream main event.  

“Gulfstream Goodwill Industries is changing lives through housing, training, education and employment, while assisting people with disabilities, who are homeless and have other barriers to employment to become self-sufficient, working members of the South Florida community,” said Keith Kennedy, President and CEO for Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. “Every night, we have over 300 individuals in our four shelters who would otherwise be on the streets. By supporting us on February 16, you will be helping more individuals in our community facing homelessness. We hope to see you there!”

Gulfstream Goodwill Industries is a private, non-profit agency serving Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties for over 55 years. It is the largest homelessness provider in its five-county region and the largest health and human services organization in its territory.

“Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America not only has a passion for cars, but also for meaningful ways to give back through philanthropic endeavors,” said Kyle Rathbun, President of Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America. “We are proud to have Gulfstream Goodwill Industries as our charity of choice. It’s incredible how they are helping the homeless community and providing them with a better life.”

Sponsors for the evening include Braman Porsche West Palm Beach, Gardens Wealth Management, Gunster, Abaco Automotive, One Digital, Peter and Suzanne Krones, Joan McCabe and Karl Eisleben.

Tickets for The Gulfstream: Drive to Provide are $100 per person or $356 per couple for VIP access. The VIP tickets are limited and have pre-party benefits including access to balcony lounge, upgraded cocktails and champagne, a private hors d’oeuvres station, premium view of the Michael Israel painting performance and a Michael Israel collectible artwork with certificate of authenticity. The main event benefits include champagne and whiskey upgrade with open bar, meet and greet with Michael Israel and leadership of Porsche Club of the Americas, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries and an exclusive VIP gift bag.

For more information on Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, the pre-party at Braman or to purchase tickets to The Gulfstream, please visit goggi.org or call 561-848-7200. For more information on Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America or to become a member, please visit gulfstreamregion-pca.org.

ARMORY ART CENTER’S LATEST EXHIBITION CELEBRATES LOCAL HISTORY WITH ART DECO BUILDINGS IN THE PALM BEACHES

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The Armory Art Center is pleased to announce that its latest exhibition, Art Deco en Plein Air will honor the vibrant, unique history of Art Deco buildings and places in The Palm Beaches. The exhibit is free and open to the public now through January 11, 2024.

Presented in partnership with Plein Air Palm Beach,the exhibition will showcase notable, historic Art Deco buildings including the Armory Art Center, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, the Delray Beach Pharmacy, and much more.

“We can’t wait for our community to see this fantastic exhibition,” said Lianna Slater, Armory Art Center exhibition and events coordinator. “Palm Beach County’s history and rich architectural heritage is showcased beautifully by 40 accomplished artists. More than 40 different areas around the country are represented across various mediums.”

The exhibition comes at an exciting time in the Armory Art Center’s rich history. Earlier this year, the organization announced that it had begun restoring its historic Old Armory building. The restoration includes a new roof, windows, and doors, followed by interior renovations to offices, jewelry and metalworking studios, galleries, and a new Armory Art Center Shop—none of which will impact classes or major events.

“Art Deco en Plein Air” will be located in the East Gallery at the Armory Art Center’s historic campus. The public is invited to enjoy a complimentary closing reception for the show on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. A special lecture with the Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches will also take place that evening from 7:30-8:30 pm. 

For more information about the exhibition, visit https://armoryart.org/event/art-deco-en-plein-air-exhibition-2024/.

If You Go (Calendar Item)

Art Deco en Plein Air

Now – Thursday, January 11, 2024

Closing Reception: Wednesday, January 10, 5-7 p.m.

East Gallery, Armory Art Center

811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, 33401

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About the Armory Art Center:

Having served the community for over 30 years, the Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from pre-school to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics and sculpture are held in twelve state-of-the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries. The Armory’s exhibitions, lectures and special events are open to the public. 

The Armory is proud to have been the recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.

For information, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.

Wellington Art Society to Feature Board Member Kim DiGiacomo for their January Meeting – “Instagram for Artists”

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The Wellington Art Society is pleased to host Kim DiGiacomo as featured Artist and Speaker at their January meeting at 5:30pm on Wednesday, January 10 at the Wellington Community Center. For more information please contact presidentofwas@gmail.com.

Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the process, and dive into the mess! As students become confident in their own creative choices and ideas, they gain skills and become changemakers in life.” Kim DiGiacomo

Armed with a BFA in Computer Animation and a lifetime of lessons learned as a color blind artist, Kim DiGiacomo is a rare gem in the art world. In love with art since childhood, she has been teaching for almost 25 years, and currently has her own mobile art studio business StudioFive6.com. Facing and overcoming challenges as an artist with colorblindness has given her a unique perspective on life. Her motivation to bring the two together in her students propels them towards having confidence in using their own unique voice and expression in art and when making choices in life. 

In our rapidly changing social media universe, Kim has learned how to navigate some of the more important apps to her advantage as an artist. She has graciously offered to join us and share some of her experiences and give us some tips on how to make the best use of Instagram, one of the more popular tools available for marketing, sales, and showcasing your work as an artist. She will also talk about how you can use your own unique voice to make your mark as an artist on social media.

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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year.  It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org

Wellington Art Society Announces New Exhibitions 

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“Joyful” and “Thankful”

The Wellington Art Society (WAS) is thrilled to announce their new municipal art exhibitions, “Joyful” and “Thankful.” “Joyful” is running now through February 20, 2024, at the Wellington Village Hall located at 12300 Forest Hill Blvd in Wellington. “Thankful” is running now until March 12, 2024, at the Wellington Community Center at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. Both exhibitions are free and open to the public on weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

The public is invited to the opening reception celebrating both exhibitions on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Enjoy the original artwork of 27 artists with over 100 works of art. Two venues – one great night! Meet the artists and vote for your favorite artwork. There will be door prizes and refreshments to enjoy. 

Most of the artwork in the exhibition is for sale and a portion of the proceeds goes toward WAS Scholarship and Outreach Programs. To arrange the purchase of artwork hanging in the exhibition, or for more information please email presidentofwas@gmail.com

Featured Wellington Art Society Member Artists are:

Hartley Barnes ⋅ Emily Bergstrom ⋅ Betty Brodie ⋅ Lisa Campbell ⋅ Kimberly Clark ⋅ Ayesha DeLorenzo

Kim DiGiacomo ⋅ Nancy Fried ⋅ Cynthia George ⋅ Jan Gmitter ⋅ Jay Harmon ⋅ Lou Ann La Bohn 

Maureen May ⋅ Dinah Mirson ⋅ Susan Mosely ⋅ Charles Moses ⋅ Susan Oakes 

Lucille Pallante ⋅ Leslie Pfeiffer ⋅ Monica Postell ⋅ Marion Roberts ⋅ Lois Spatz

Karen Stern ⋅ Carl Stoveland ⋅ Cindy Taylor ⋅ Elaine Weber 

For more information about the featured artists and the exhibition, please visit the Wellington Art Society’s website at www.wellingtonartsociety.org

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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to visual artists of all mediums and art enthusiasts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries and venues, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org or email presidentofwas@gmail.com

The 39th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade

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Photos by Carol Porter

The Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and the Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, returned on Sunday, December 10th. This year’s theme was “Holidays Around the World”. 

Churches make sustainable health changes with help from American Heart Association

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‘Go Red Sundays’ series sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company provides resources for five churches across the state in 2023

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., (Dec. 20, 2023) – The American Heart Association brings heart health resources to community members in many ways to meet people where they are. That includes sharing resources at schools, offices and even churches.

Through the Association’s Go Red Sundays program sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company, the American Heart Association offices in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County and Pensacola worked with five area churches in 2023 to host heart health events, and three of those churches have launched sustainable health changes. These projects have so far reached an estimated 3,650 people.

“The opportunity to connect our local communities with health resources in a way that engages and brings them together is vital,” says Kate Cotner, director of community engagement for Florida Power & Light Company. “We are proud to be part of these changes that are helping people live longer, healthier lives.”

These changes have included providing blood pressure training and equipment so congregants can get their blood pressure checked for free through their church and get connected to medical assistance if the pressure is high, implementing nutritional guidelines and providing cold storage for churches with on-site food pantries, and putting cardiac emergency response plans in place so community members know what to do in case of a medical emergency.

“One of the focuses of our work is to ‘meet people where they are,’” says Kayla Fox, executive director of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County. “For example, we estimate that 1 in 3 Palm Beach County residents has high blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. If we can make checking your blood pressure more accessible by having stations at churches, we can help people recognize high blood pressure and go see a doctor early, before they ever have to experience a heart or stroke-related event.”

The Go Red Sundays program was launched in 2021. To learn more, contact Sheree.Wolliston@Heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

FAU Harbor Branch Announces 2024 Ocean Science Lecture Series

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FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2023) – Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute announced the lineup for its annual “John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series.” All lectures begin at 4 p.m. at FAU Harbor Branch, Johnson Marine Education Center Auditorium, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce.

The free public education events provide a forum for the community to learn about the most recent discoveries and innovations at FAU Harbor Branch directly from the scientists and engineers who make them.

“Our speakers are all experts in their fields and enjoy sharing their work with the public,” said Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., research professor and director of education at FAU Harbor Branch. “They will share their diverse experiences on ocean science that help solve practical problems and make informed decisions for the better management of our ocean and coastal waters.”

The 2024 lecture series schedule is as follows:

  • Jan. 10: “The Quest for a Marine Sponge Cell Line: A Retrospective of Sponge Biotechnology at FAU Harbor Branch,” presented by Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D.
  • Jan. 17: “Clam Culture in a Changing Environment,” presented by Susan Laramore, Ph.D.
  • Jan. 24: “Stealing Sharks and Ravaging Rays? A Scientific Delve into Their Impacts on Florida Fisheries,” presented by Matt Ajemian, Ph.D.
  • Jan. 31: “A Bath Sponges Fable: Sponge Painting and the Lobster Season,” presented by Andia Chaves Fonnegra, Ph.D.
  • Feb. 7: “Coral Exploration, Conservation and Restoration,” presented by Joshua Voss, Ph.D.
  • Feb. 14: “Remembering Mark Littler and His Contributions to Marine Plants and Coral Reef Ecology,” presented by Brian LaPointe, Ph.D., and M. Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D.
  • Feb. 21: “Health and Disease in Bottlenose Dolphins Inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon,” presented by Annie Page, DVM, Ph.D.
  • Feb. 28: “Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery at FAU Harbor Branch,” presented by Esther Guzman, Ph.D.
  • March 6: “Celebrating the Queen Conch: A Journey of Restoration with Caribbean Communities,” presented by Megan Davis, Ph.D.
  • April 3: “FAU’s New Environment School, ECOS: Building Bridges to Advance Research and Teaching,” presented by Colin Polsky, Ph.D.
  • May 1: “Fishers Know More Than You,” presented by Aaron Adams, Ph.D.

Attendance is free and open to the public; however advanced registration is required. This one-time registration provides a pass for the entire season.

To register or for more information, visit fau.edu/hboi/osls.

– FAU –

About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit 
www.fau.edu.

Experience the Magic of Paris at the 21st Annual JustWorld Gala

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Wellington, Florida – December 11, 2023 – Equestrians from around the world are invited to embark on a journey to the glittering avenues of Paris, as they attend the 21st Annual JustWorld Gala. This highly anticipated event will take place on Friday, January 26th at the beautiful Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington, Florida.

Dubbed ‘A Night in Paris’, this year’s gala promises an enchanting experience like no other. As the premier social event of the Wellington Equestrian Festival (WEF) Season, attendees can expect an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, world-class entertainment, and the opportunity to support a worthy cause.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by the famous blue carpet, leading them into a world that transports them to the heart of France. The Parisian skyline will unfold with the enchanting colors of Monet’s garden and the dreamlike visions of Van Gogh’s life in Montmartre.

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary delight, as Palm Beach’s Laura Ashley caters the gala dinner. Indulge in the savory notes of truffle, caviar, and crème fraiche, as well as the sweetness of fig, brie, strawberry crepes, and more. The cuisine is reminiscent of a chic “restaurant gastronomique”, promising a dining experience that won’t disappoint.

In addition to the exquisite cuisine, guests can look forward to exclusive items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences up for grabs during the live and silent auctions. The dazzling entertainment throughout the evening will captivate and delight attendees, ensuring that their dreamy Night in Paris is truly unforgettable.

The JustWorld Gala presents an opportunity for attendees to make a difference in the lives of children. By exploring the distinguished sponsorship opportunities, individuals and organizations can contribute to painting a beautiful future for JustWorld’s children. Options range from becoming a Cézanne sponsor, offering an inviting table of 10 and recognition on the JustWorld International website, to elevating to a Monet sponsor, with prominent recognition, a table-top champagne tower, invitations to special events, and exclusive gifts from JustWorld’s four project partners. Learn more about Sponsorship. 

For those who desire an even more exclusive experience, the Event Chair private cocktail at Belle Herbe Farm awaits the Degas sponsor. Alternatively, the Matisse and Gaugion packages offer the chance to make a colorful splash. For the ultimate recognition and opportunities, becoming the title Louvre sponsor is the way to go.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the JustWorld International website. For ticket purchases, click here. Additional information can be found in the 2023 Gala Sponsorship Report.

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JustWorld International

Established in 2003, JustWorld International was created to connect equestrians with a direct way to help fracture the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, nutrition, and leadership programs benefiting children around the world. Thousands of Ambassadors from more than forty countries have since committed to “Ride for the Cause” and transform the lives of children through equestrian sport. JustWorld has united the international equestrian community and become the Official Charity Partner of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport. Envisioning a more just world, the non-profit organization cultivates strategic, project partnerships in a collaborative approach to impact the lives of nearly 10,000 children around the globe annually.

To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.

NEW DIRECTOR AT WEST PALM BEACH’S CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION

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Dr. Chana-Kay Pommels Joins the Center as Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Photo by David I. Muir

(West Palm Beach) – The Center for Creative Education (CCE) has expanded its leadership team, announcing the addition of Dr. Chana-Kay Pommels. With over three decades of experience in the educational field, Dr. Pommels brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to the CCE team.

CCE’s mission is to transform teaching and learning through creativity and the arts. In addition to providing extended learning opportunities across Palm Beach County, CCE also operates The Foundations School, a K-5 independent school that focuses on improving literacy and breaking the barriers of traditional education through the arts for students from underserved communities. The school uses a sliding-fee scale to determine how much the family contributes to their tuition and applies significant scholarships to cover the balance.

“We are extremely privileged to have an individual as distinguished as Dr. Pommels join our team,” stated CCE President and CEO Robert Hamon. “Her extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of education resonate deeply with our mission, championing a supportive learning atmosphere for our students.”

Dr. Pommels possesses a blend of practical teaching experience and robust academic qualifications, including a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and over 30 years teaching at all levels. Her unyielding commitment to education and excellence makes her a great asset to CCE.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Center for Creative Education and contribute to the impactful change they’re leading in our community,” expressed Dr. Pommels. “I’m eager to collaborate with the organization’s leadership and board of directors, playing my part in the Center’s ongoing achievements.”

To learn more about CCE programming or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Center for Creative Education, a 501(c)(3), please call Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla at 561.805.9927; extension 106.

WinterFest 2023

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Photos by Carol Porter

WinterFest, with headliner Vanilla Ice, took place on December 8th at the Wellington Amphitheater. Brought to the community for free by a a partnership of the Wellington Chamber with the Village of Wellington, unwrapped new toys were collected for Little Smiles.