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Palm Health Foundation Invests Over $2 million in Building a Culture of Health in Palm Beach County

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February 11, 2023

Palm Health Foundation Invests Over $2 million in Building a Culture of Health in Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, Fla.– Palm Health Foundationgranted over $2 million during its 2022 fiscal year, investing in innovative, long-term solutions that are building a culture of health in Palm Beach County. The foundation collaborates with community partners and donors to lead change for better health across areas vital to a healthy, thriving, community, including advancing brain health and strengthening the healthcare workforce. Grants support programs and initiatives that are pioneering new ways to improve conditions impacting residents’ ability to be well and live into their fullest health potential. The foundation has invested over $91 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001.

“Over my years of service to the foundation, I’ve witnessed our definition of health expand to include the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact our neighbors,” said David Wisehaupt, Chair, Palm Health Foundation Board of Trustees. “With community leading the way, we are embracing this broader idea of health and co-designing solutions with residents, grassroots organizations, system partners, and donors, resulting in national funding and recognition, including our role in Palm Beach County winning the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize.”

Palm Health Foundation’s grant funding is paving the way for everyone, from residents to leading health and academic institutions, to contribute to long-term impact. Examples include:

Cultivating Activated, Healthy, Resilient Communities

Pahokee resident Josie Hernandez had a vision for bringing the Hispanic community together in the Glades around health and wellness through a shared cultural experience – soccer. But the community had no soccer field. Palm Health Foundation’s Healthier Glades initiative invested in Hernandez to take advocacy training to be a catalyst for positive change. She utilized her learning to work with the City of Pahokee to create an agreement for the field and asked teachers and coaches to volunteer their services. Healthier Glades assisted with purchasing equipment and uniforms. When registration opened for the very first youth soccer club, 66 kids signed up immediately. The field is a permanent place for health and well-being, bringing together the Hispanic community.

Advancing Brain Health

The foundation granted $1 million from The Brain Health Innovation Fund to the Florida Atlantic University Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute to help launch its new Program in Computational Brain Science and Health. The gift supports new technologies, treatments, resources, and educational tools, including a fellowship program, to advance local brain health. Research fellows funded by the foundation’s gift will target data-intensive investigations underlying Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, depression, among others, contributing important knowledge and discoveries that will help to address some of our most pervasive and debilitating brain disorders. The foundation’s significant investment is one way they are working with partners to develop a brain-forward ecosystem in Palm Beach County that connects science, research, community, youth, health professionals and donors.

Addressing the Healthcare Workforce Crisis

Palm Health Foundation awarded $400,000 in scholarships for nursing and behavioral/mental health professions during 2022 to address the healthcare workforce crisis. The Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida is predicting a catastrophic nursing shortage in the state by 2035 and data from Kaiser Family Foundation shows the current supply of Florida’s working mental health professionals meets only 21% of the state’s need. The foundation’s scholarships address several needs for growing and diversifying the workforce pipeline, including increasing faculty and graduating health professionals with cultural competencies.

“Together with donors, residents, and community partners, we are growing a culture of health for all in Palm Beach County where new ideas and opportunities can flourish,” said Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation. “As we look ahead to the next five years, we see ourselves as a health innovation hub, building connections and networks where everyone who is passionate about leading change for better health is welcome.”

Palm Health Foundation’s grant and scholarship funding is made possible by the generosity of donors who contribute in a variety of ways, including through donor advised and endowed funds. The foundation works closely with donors to help them connect deeply with the local organizations and causes that resonate with them now and in the future. To learn more about giving at Palm Health Foundation, contact Carrie Browne, Director of Stewardship & Strategic Partnerships, carrieb@phfpbc.org, 561-837-2281.

To learn more about Palm Health Foundation’s community impact, visit palmhealthfoundation.org/stories-of-impact.

About Palm Health Foundation
Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $91 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.

Hanley Foundation Launches Suicide Loss Support Group

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Jason Miller

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February 11, 2023

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Hanley Foundation Launches Suicide Loss Support Group

West Palm Beach, FL (February 8, 2023) In an effort to provide a safe space for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to suicide, Hanley Foundation has launched a specialized therapeutic initiative, ‘Project Hope: Suicide Loss Support Group.’

The support group will be facilitated by the Foundation’s ‘Zero Suicide Initiative’ Program Specialist Tiffany Gordon, MS, MHC. The virtual sessions will meet on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of every month from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. To register, visit https://hanleyfoundation.org/project-hope/

Participation is designed around each person’s comfort level. Group members can go at their own pace and engage as much or as little as they like. The sessions will entail open-ended conversations with no set agenda. Through shared reflection, the goal is for each person to feel whole again, heal and overcome their isolation.

“Grief, denial, shock and despair are just some of the emotions that survivors feel when a loved one dies by suicide,” said Gordon. “Project Hope will allow participants to decompress and share with a group who have also experienced such loss. It’s important people know they are not alone.”

The launch of the Suicide Loss Support Group is the newest peer-to-peer initiative Hanley Foundation provides, along with its ‘Project Cope Support Group,’ which helps family members of those with active opioid addictions.

For more information, visit hanleyfoundation.org/help call 561-268-2355 or email help@hanleyfoundation.org.

About Hanley Foundation

Hanley Foundation envisions a world free of addiction, leading the way as the largest provider of grant-funded prevention education programs in the State of Florida. Hanley Foundation’s mission is to eliminate addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support. In addition to offering recovery scholarships to those in need and facilitating trainings to identify the signs of substance misuse, the Foundation works to reduce stigma and inform policy through its advocacy efforts. Hanley Foundation educates, changes minds, and saves lives with its evidence-based programs proven through research to prevent and delay the use of alcohol and other drugs. For more information about Hanley Foundation, please visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 561-268-2355. Follow on Instagram and LinkedIn @HanleyFDN, and on Facebook and Twitter @HanleyFoundation.

Mounts Botanical Garden in WPB to Host 23rd Annual Spring Benefit in the Garden, April 2

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Jason Miller

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February 11, 2023

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Mounts Botanical Garden in WPB to Host 23rd Annual Spring Benefit in the Garden, April 2

This Year’s Theme Celebrates ‘The Joy of Orchids’

(West Palm Beach, FL – February 8, 2023)Friends of the Mounts Botanical Gardenwill be hosting their biggest annual fundraising event – the Mounts 23^rdAnnual Spring Benefit – at the Garden itself on Sunday, April 2, 2023, from 5:30 to 8 pm. Funds raised at the Benefit will directly support maintaining the Garden’s 20-acre tropical oasis, youth programs, and community outreach.

“Themed The Joy of Orchids, the annual Spring Benefit will be an enchanting event that will feature an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and a lavish silent auction featuring a diverse array of rare and exotic plants, orchids and eye-catching arrangements,” promises Mounts Curator-Director Rochelle Wolberg. “This will be our first Spring Benefit actually held in the Garden since 2010 and will take place on the Great Lawn.”

Highlights of the Mounts Spring Benefit will include:

+ Another wow-worthy botanical art exhibition by Lisa Waud, who creates ephemeral works with living florals and an array of botanicals that immerse and engage visitors, just as the Detroit-based artist did for Mounts at a recent promotional event in New York City done in collaboration with the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County and Discover The Palm Beaches. Whimsically titled Too Much All At Once, Waud will create several floral installations throughout the Garden for Spring Benefit. Striving for zero waste throughout her practice, the artist sources from local flower farmers, growers, and nurseries, while also utilizing found and foraged natural objects. The construction materials are then composted or recycled. Previous installations include Flower House Detroit; FLORA Festival in Cordoba, Spain; Hiberna Flores; the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall; and Christo’s posthumous L’Arc de Triomphe Wrap.

+ A return visit to Mounts by DiVine, a character from Disney’s Animal Kingdom that is heavily dressed in vines and plants to be camouflaged in the plant life and walks on high stilts, so her height is between 7 and 16 feet depending on what she is doing with her hands and legs.

+ Michelin Star quality cuisine by Chef Philippe Gudet.

“Tickets to attend the 2023 Spring Benefit are $200 each and can be purchased by calling 561-233-1757 or by emailing rlucas@pbcgov.org. Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are also available. All proceeds from this event will support maintaining the Gardens 20-acre tropical oasis, youth programs, and community outreach,” says Rebecca Doane, new Board President of Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden.

Spring Benefit Council and Patrons includeRuth Arneson and Rodney Johnson, Gretta and John Curry, Rachel and Steve Docekal, Kim and Robert Frisbie, Julie and John Kime, Jeff Koons, Christina and Raymond Kramer, Polly Reed, Alison and Charles Sieving, Sandy Smith and Raymond Tollman, Paton White, and Elaine & Michael Zimmerman.

Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects

Explore Anytime, Anywhere with Mobile Garden Guide

Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies 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.

Attached Images:

1. Lisa Waud (Photo Credit: Lisa Waud)

2. Rebecca Doane (Photo Credit: Mounts Botanica Garden)

Available for Interview:

Rochelle Wolberg, Curator-Director

Mounts Botanical Garden

561.233.1730 / rwolberg@pbcgov.org

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart

PR-BS, Inc.

561.756.4298 / gary@pr-bs.net

Health changes that stick: Grants help 13 organizations make sustainable changes for better community health

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Jason Miller

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February 11, 2023

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Health changes that stick: Grants help 13 organizations make sustainable changes for better community health

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., (Feb. 8, 2023) – Four hot button topics in the health world are getting special attention this month: blood pressure, tobacco, nutrition insecurity and cardiac response times. The American Heart Association Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast knows these four topics are directly tied to heart health and recently funded 13 organizations through grants to make policy, system or environmental changes to improve these issues. The 13 grants were sponsored by HCA Healthcare Foundation and Palm Health Foundation.

“Our goal is to make adoption of healthy habits easy and accessible for every member of this community so we can prevent heart disease and other chronic illnesses,” said Sheree Wolliston, Vice President of Community Impact for the American Heart Association Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast. “These local organizations can make simple yet sustainable changes through the grants that set community members up for success and foster a culture of health.”

The organizations being funded stretch from Port St. Lucie to central Palm Beach County.

“We are excited about the wide reach of this project,” said Ellice Martinez, Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement for HCA East Florida Healthcare. “Some of these organizations will be purchasing cold storage so they can store more fruits and vegetables for clients, some will be incorporating robust CPR and AED trainings for staff and members – the changes are varied but the result is one healthier community.”

The grant recipients are Federation of Families of Florida, Inc., Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department,

Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County (in partnership with the Guatemalan Mayan Center), Police Athletic League – West Palm Beach Inc., Living Hungry Coalition (in partnership with Foundcare), United Against Poverty – St. Lucie County, Vita Nova, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County, Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, WiseTribe (in partnership with United Farmer’s Alliance, South Tech and Carver), Mustard Seed Ministries, Inc. and Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center.

“Palm Health Foundation proudly supports this mini-grant offering, which represents the county-wide efforts emerging from a growing Culture of Health Network,” said Abigail Goodwin, Executive Vice President of Palm Health Foundation. “Through this network, we are collaborating with fellow funders, health organizations, nonprofits, and residents to support better health, opportunity, and equity for all.”

The American Heart Association Palm Beach County serves the residents of Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties. Staff members, volunteers and donors assist the organization in guiding efforts to reduce the incidences of heart disease and stroke, the first and fifth leading killers, respectively, of American men and women.

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, Instagramand Twitter.

For Media Inquiries:

Nina Barbero, APR

nina.barbero@heart.org

(860) 987-8179

Tire Kingdom Sponsors Family Day at The Honda Classic

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Jason Miller

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February 11, 2023

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Tire Kingdom Sponsors Family Day at The Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – February 8, 2023 –For the 14^th year Tire Kingdom® Service Centers, aTBC Corporation company, will once again sponsor Family Day at The Honda Classic on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The family-friendly full day of events include giant souvenir golf balls distributed to the first 1,500 children who attend, an autograph zone, concessions, games and when the sun sets an unforgettable Tire Kingdom Firework Spectacular. With children ages 15 and under able to access the grounds for free, Family Day will provide the perfect way for families to experience the PGA TOUR.

The ultimate mission of the event is to positively impact youth in need and create a brighter future for the community. Through its sponsorship, Tire Kingdom has the opportunity to give back to organizations that advance and enhance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood diseases and disorders and to support family-friendly events which aligns with their purpose to keep families moving on the road ahead.

“Family is extremely important to Tire Kingdom and to all TBC’s subsidiaries and our exclusive sponsorship of Family Day shows, in just one small way, the importance of family to our organization,” said Don Byrd, EVP, Chief Marketing & Procurement Officer. “As a Children’s Healthcare Charity Board of Directors Member, I am grateful to be involved and assist in the growth and positive impact of the tournament on the health and well-being of our community.”

Since 2009, Tire Kingdom has been a Founders Club Partner and a Military Appreciation Program Pillar Partner for the Honda Classic. In recognition and appreciation to those men and women who have served or are currently serving our country (Active Duty, Reservists, Retirees, their registered Dependents and Non-Retired Veterans), receive complimentary tickets.

“With more than 400 associates with military service, TBC values veteran experience across our multi-channel strategy spanning wholesale, retail, and franchise,” added Byrd.

Tire Kingdom proudly offers military and first responders discounts every day including 15% off on all services and 5% off tires along with oil change discounts of up to $15 off full synthetic. In addition, more than 1,200 tickets will be disbursed to Tire Kingdom customers through various online and in-store promotions, for more details on this and other discounts, visit www.tirekingdom.com.

ABOUT TIRE KINGDOM® SERVICE CENTERS

Tire Kingdom® Service Centers, founded in West Palm Beach, Florida in 1972, provides a broad range of automotive maintenance and tire services in more than 200 retail locations throughout Florida. A brand of TBC Corporation, Tire Kingdom is known as a trusted name in the automotive aftermarket due in large part to trained and certified ASE technicians, exceptional customer service, and state-of-the-art equipment. To locate a store near you, visit TireKingdom.com.

ABOUT TBC CORPORATION

For more than 65 years, TBC Corporation (TBC), one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through a multi-channel strategy, has been a tire company ahead of the curve. Through worldwide operations spanning wholesale, retail, and franchise, TBC provides customers top tier brands and automotive maintenance and repair services with the underlying mission to exceed customer expectations. TBC serves wholesale customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico through TBC Brands, National Tire Wholesale (NTW), TBC International, and TBC de Mexico. Additionally, TBC responds to the needs of consumers in search of total car care at more than 600 company-operated tire and automotive service centers under the brands Tire Kingdom® Service Centers and NTB® Tire & Service Centers. TBC, through a subsidiary, also owns the Big O Tires® and Midas®franchise systems.

ABOUT THE HONDA CLASSIC

The Honda Classic is a PGA TOUR golf tournament that brings the best players in the world to compete at PGA National Resort & Spa, while creating endless outside-the-ropes entertainment options for all attendees. The ultimate mission of the event is to positively impact local charitable partners via Honda Classic Cares. To date, over $61 million has been distributed, impacting over 100,000 kids and families each year. For more information on tournament tickets, special events or philanthropy, visitthehondaclassic.com.

Heidi Creates Presents . . .

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February 11, 2023

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The 2^nd Annual Read It Write It Festival at

The Mall at Wellington Green

WELLINGTON, FL – Heidi Creates is pleased to announce the 2^nd Annual Read It Write It Book and Writing Festival on Saturday, February 25, from 11am–4pm, at The Mall at Wellington Green.

The day-long event will transform the Wellington-based mall into a literary heaven where local authors, poets, up-and-coming scribes, and kindred spirits of all ages will celebrate the art of the written word.

The free, family-friendly book festival will feature book and poetry readings, open mic, children’s activities, as well as writing panels and pop-up workshops dedicated to literary genres like nonfiction, self-help, cartoons, short stories, blogging, and more. The public will also have a chance to meet and mingle with local authors, poets, and publishers, who will share trade secrets, answer writing-related questions, and help pave the way to getting published.

O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Make great literature come alive by dressing up as your favorite book character at the Literary Costume Contest. Exciting prizes will be awarded for First and Second Place.

For more information, contact Heidi Hess at heidicreates01@gmail.com or visit heidicreates.net/events.

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 Heidi Creates

Heidi Creates was established in 2018 by Palm Beach County native and author Heidi Hess. Since its inception, Heidi Creates has been committed to showcasing the literary and arts community. Heidi established the annual Read It Write It Book and Writing Festival in 2022 to celebrate the written and spoken word, and to encourage a love of reading and writing for people of all ages and from all walks of life. For more information, visit heidicreates.net.

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 it features over 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass, Cask + Shaker, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

New Shows by the Wellington Art Society

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February 9, 2023

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Photos by Krista Martinelli

On January 31st, local artists launched two exhibits of their works, on display in the Wellington Community Center and Village Hall.

The Symphonia’s Family-Friendly ‘Meet the Orchestra’ Returns After Two-Years

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Jason Miller

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February 5, 2023

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The Symphonia’s Family-Friendly ‘Meet the Orchestra’ Returns After Two-Years

Boca Raton, FL (January 31, 2023)— The Symphonia’s most popular, interactive program for kids will return for the chamber orchestra’s 2022-23 concert season, after a two-year hiatus. Meet the Orchestra, a hands-on, education program for children ages 6-12, will be held the day of rehearsals for three of The Symphonia’s four concerts. The program will take place on Saturdays – March 25, and April 29, between 11AM and 12:30PM.

Families and their children are invited to attend the orchestra’s Saturday rehearsal to meet musicians and play various instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo. Children attend free of charge, and adults are $5 each. Meet the Orchestra is held at Roberts Theater at St. Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton.

The theme of The Symphonia’s upcoming season is ‘Inspired Naturally,’ based on Terra Nostra, an award-winning multimedia symphony by Christophe Chagnard and produced by Earth Creative that combines mind-blowing visuals with the power of symphonic music and explores the impact and challenges of climate change. The December concert featured the film, by Charlie Spears, as a backdrop to the live performance in a powerful, sensory experience. It was the world premiere of Terra Nostra, re-written for a chamber orchestra.

For additional information on Meet the Orchestra or for season tickets, flex passes, or individual tickets, visit thesymphonia.org, or call 561.376.3848.

About The SYMPHONIA

The mission of The Symphonia is to inspire, educate and engage the lives of our diverse South Florida community through extraordinary musical experiences. Founded in 2004 and recognized as the region’s premier chamber orchestra, The Symphonia’s annual concert series features a repertoire blending classic and contemporary works, showcasing compositions from diverse composers that can best be brought to life by a chamber-size ensemble.

The Symphonia takes great pride in its longstanding community partnerships, including its ‘Building a String Orchestra and Self-Esteem’ children’s program at the Boys & Girls Club in Delray Beach, and with the City of Boca Raton. Additional outreach programs include ‘Meet the Orchestra’ for kids 12 and under, and ‘Box Lunch It,’ a program that allows adult patrons to meet and learn from The Symphonia’s featured soloists and conductors in an intimate, casual environment. This past year, The Symphonia also launched a program to provide complimentary tickets to service organizations such as Boca Helping Hands, Lighthouse for the Blind, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, and Schwedelson Special Need Department of the Jewish Community Center.

For more information, visit thesymphonia.org; follow on Instagram @TheSymphonia and on Facebook @SymphoniaBoca.

Contact: Emily Alperstein

emily@thebuzzagency.net, 561.706.0221

Florida BMX State Championship Series

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February 5, 2023

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Photos by Alan Fabricant

Held from January 20^th through the 22^nd at the Okeeheelee BMX Park, approximately 1,000 riders participated in this event.

Competitors from ages 7 and under through 21 and over as well as professionals packed this venue along with hundreds of family, friends and fans of the sport.

The Okeeheelee track is considered #1 in the East and one of the top BMX tracks in the country.