Boca Helping Hands Needs Help Feeding 4,000 Families for Thanksgiving
Boca Raton, FL, October 8, 2025 – Boca Helping Hands is seeking support from the community to distribute meals to families for Thanksgiving. Its 21st annual Thanksgiving Box Brigade program, which provides a turkey, and a box filled with everything a family needs to prepare a holiday meal, will feed approximately 24,000 people. Members of the community can get involved by donating the cost of a box for $29.72 at bocahelpinghands.org/thanksgiving.
One in nine people in Palm Beach County are struggling to put food on the table.Rising food costs, housing expenses, and stagnant wages have only intensified the need for hunger relief programs in Palm Beach County. According to the 2024 Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Report for Florida, 46% of Palm Beach County households struggled to make ends meet, with 12% of those living below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and 35% earning above the FPL but not enough to afford the most basic budget.
“We recognize the difficulties many families are experiencing, and my wife, Anita and I are proud to once again support the Thanksgiving Box Brigade this year,” said east Boca Raton sponsor Bob Kriensky. Other Thanksgiving Box Brigade supporters include the Overall Sponsor, Dalfen Industrial. East Boca Sponsors are Bob and Anita Kriensky; West Boca Sponsor is Humana; Boynton Beach Sponsor is Purity Wholesale Grocers Inc.; Delray Beach Sponsor is Vertical Bridge Charitable Network; and the Lake Worth Sponsor is Avalon Bay Communities.
Boca Helping Hands will distribute the turkeys and Thanksgiving meal boxes to current Pantry Bag Program clients the weekend before Thanksgiving (Nov. 22 and 23) at its five drive-thru distribution locations in east Boca Raton, west Boca, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Lake Worth.
“We are deeply appreciative of the way that the community helps each year with their food drives and Thanksgiving box donations,” said BHH Executive Director Andrew Hagen. “Thanks to them, families who might not have had enough money to afford to celebrate can now share a holiday meal together.”
Although there has been tremendous community support for the Thanksgiving Box Brigade program, food insecurity remains a problem year-round – especially now with reductions in funding for food.
Any contributions that exceed Thanksgiving expenses will be used toward our food programs throughout the year, helping to support the 181,000 families in Palm Beach County facing food insecurity.
About Boca Helping Hands
Since 1998, Boca Helping Hands has grown from a humble soup kitchen into a lifeline for nearly 35,000 people each year, including families struggling to put food on the table, parents choosing between rent and childcare, seniors skipping meals to afford medication.
In 2024, we served over 64,000 hot meals and distributed more than 112,000 pantry bags across Palm Beach County. But the need goes beyond hunger. We help children through our Backpacks Program, sending weekend meals home with students at 15 local schools, because no child should go hungry when school is out.
We support families in crisis with emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and childcare. We open doors to affordable healthcare through our partnership with Genesis Community Health. At Boca Helping Hands, we are able to walk alongside people ready to rebuild, offering job training, mentoring, and life skills classes that lead to lasting independence.
Every meal served, student trained for a meaningful career, every bill paid, every handheld, it all makes a difference. At Boca Helping Hands, we don’t just meet needs. We restore dignity, inspire hope, and help people believe in a better tomorrow. We don’t only give a handout, we give a hand up.
Boca Helping Hands is a partner agency of The Town of Palm Beach United Way. Since 1945, the Town of Palm Beach United Way has been committed to improving lives and building strong communities throughout Palm Beach County by focusing on programs and priorities that promote education, health, and financial stability.
Boca Helping Hands holds accreditation for Sound Nonprofit Management from Nonprofits First, has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, and has been a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity for 17 consecutive years. Boca Helping Hands is located at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, please visit BocaHelpingHands.org.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Launches Second Annual Fall Pet Food Drive
to Support Local Families and Keep Pets Out of Shelters
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – October 8, 2025 – For many local families, rising costs mean making difficult choices. Some are forced to skip meals to afford food for their pets, while others face the heartbreaking possibility of surrendering a beloved companion simply because they can’t afford to feed them.
To help ease this burden, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has launched its Second Annual Fall Pet Food Drive, running now through October 31, 2025. The goal is to collect 20,000 pounds of pet food to stock Peggy’s Pantry, the League’s community pet food bank.
“A full pantry means thousands of healthy meals, fewer pets entering shelters, and families staying whole,” said Sue Berry, CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. “Every can or bag of food donated directly impacts a family in need and ensures pets remain in the homes where they are loved.”
How the Community Can Help:
- Donate Food – Drop off unopened dry or canned pet food at Peggy Adams or any participating drop-off location. (Note: expired, freeze-dried, or raw food cannot be accepted.)
- Shop Online – Purchase from the Amazon Wishlist to have food shipped directly to Peggy Adams. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1F22FJFHRG34U
3. Give Financially – Make a monetary gift online, by phone, or by check to support the Pantry.
Every donation, regardless of its size, makes a difference. A single bag of food says, “You’re not alone”—and means a pet in our community goes to bed with a full belly and a family that didn’t have to say goodbye.
Community members are encouraged to “grab an extra item” during their next grocery run and help Peggy Adams reach its goal by October 31.
Participating drop-off locations include:
· Gold Coast Federal Credit Union
o 2226 S Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
o 8895 N Military Trail Ste 101-D, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
o 10469 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
· Velocity Community Credit Union
o 2801 PGA Blvd #120, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
o 563 N State Rd 7, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411
o 6779 W Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458
For more information, visit peggyadams.org/help/fall-pet-food-drive/
About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League:
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is an independent nonprofit organization, operating continuously since 1925. Peggy Adams provides critical services to more than 35,000 animals each year and collaborates with local area organizations to expand the lifesaving work in Palm Beach County.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. For more information and to make a donation, please visit PeggyAdams.org
Annual Tropical Fruit Tree & Edible Plant Sale at South Florida Fairgrounds
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 3, 2025) The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and further cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in South Florida and around the world, is hosting its annual Tropical Fruit Tree & Edible Plant Sale on Saturday, October 18. The popular event will be held from 9 am to 4 pm in Concourse Buildings 6-10 on the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach.
Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds through Gate 8. Both admission and parking are FREE.
At this year’s Tropical Fruit Tree & Edible Plant Sale, vendors from all over the state will offer a wide variety of delightful and delicious fruit trees, including Avocado, Banana, Barbados Cherry, Black Sapote, Canistel Citrus, Dragon Fruit, Fig, Guava, Grumichama, Jackfruit, Jaboticaba, Longan, Lychee, Macadamia, Mamey Sapote, Mango, Miracle Fruit, Mulberry, Papaya, Peach, Persimmon, Soursop, Sugar Apple, Star Apple, Tamarind, herbs and spices, plus specially formulated fertilizer, and more.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a wagon to help carry purchased plants. Also available will be educational information on the planting and growing of fruit trees, along with knowledgeable volunteers and vendors to answer any questions.
About The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc.:
Established in 1970, the Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council (RFC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and furthering the cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in south Florida and throughout the world. RFC has several hundred members interested in learning about, growing and enjoying tropical fruits, and is currently holding in-person meetings on the second Friday of each month at 7 p.m.
Membership is $30 yearly, and benefits include:
+ Monthly newsletter – filled with informative articles about growing rare fruits and related topics.
+ Propagation classes – members learn how to graft & air-layer tropical fruit trees.
+ Organized field trips to regional fruit tree collections and plantings.
+ Periodic field trips to member yards and local orchards.
+ Volunteer opportunities for many interesting & exciting committees and events.
In addition, specially formulated fertilizer is offered at a discount for RFC members.
For more information about the Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc., please call 855.732.7273 or visit www.pbrarefruitcouncil.org.
Dinosaurs, Art, and Adventure at Palm Beach Museum of Natural History
WELLINGTON, FL – This October, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History located at The Mall at Wellington Green invites families, young explorers, and curious minds to discover a full month of interactive, educational programming.
From archeology nights and dinosaur encounters to hands-on art workshops, the museum is bringing history to life through immersive events for all ages, including:
Day at the Museum
Thursday, October 2
9am-4pm
$75 per child
Bring the kids for an all-day camp experience featuring educational activities and history exploration.
Archeology Day
Friday, October 3
5-7pm
$10 per person
Bring the family out for a presentation of the history of Florida and the life of its earliest people. Activities and light refreshments provided.
Paleo Art Series
Saturday, October 11
2-4pm
$10 per person
Join us for a hands-on workshop where guests will craft their own papier-mâché masks inspired by the elaborate ceremonial masks of the Calusa people of Florida.
Dinos and Donuts
Sunday, October 12
11am-12pm
$15 per child
The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History invites families to Dinos and Donuts: a morning of refreshments and activities, designed to educate the community about dinosaurs and other elements of natural history.
Dino Nite Drop-In
Friday, October 17
5-7pm
$15 per child
Bring the kids for a fun-filled evening featuring food, games, arts & crafts, and activities.
Museum Family Day
Sunday, October 26
$10 per family
Enjoy museum tours, kid-friendly activities, and dinosaur photo opportunities.
Pre-registration is required at pbmnh.org.
The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History is located at The Mall at Wellington Green at 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 729-4246 or visit pbmnh.org.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Unveils Two New Exhibits
DELRAY BEACH, FL – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is proud to present Zodiac Animals and Japanese Roof Tiles. These limited-time exhibits offer visitors an immersive exploration into two unique aspects of Japanese art, tradition, and culture. Both exhibits are on view now through November 30.
Zodiac Animals
Enter a whimsical world in the Kohnken Gallery, where a fascinating menagerie of creatures both real and mythical bring to life the 12 animals of the Asian zodiac. This enchanting exhibit showcases a variety of artistic expressions including origami, toys, prints, votives, statuary, carvings, and papier-mâché, offering a playful and thought-provoking journey through time and symbolism. Rooted in the Chinese lunar calendar, the zodiac cycle assigns an animal and one of five elemental traits (water, fire, earth, metal, or wood)to each birth year. The full cycle spans 60 years, culminating in a return to one’s original zodiac animal and element, making the 60th birthday a momentous and symbolic occasion in East Asian tradition. Discover what your zodiac sign reveals about you in this vibrant and educational exhibit.
Japanese Roof Tiles
Step into the Yamato-kan and explore the timeless beauty and function of Japanese roof tiles, or kawara, through an extraordinary selection from the Morikami Museum Collection. Tracing their origins to 7th century Japan, these tiles were initially reserved for Buddhist temples before becoming a hallmark of residential and public architecture due to their durability and elegant craftsmanship. Crafted from clay and finished with a smoky gray sheen, kawara tiles are more than just architectural elements: each design incorporates folklore motifs, charms for good fortune, or safeguarding to ward off demons and bad spirits. With over 1,000 symbolic tile variations still in use today, this exhibit offers a unique glimpse into kawara’s rich history of artistry and symbolic protection.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, Florida. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
New Wellington Regional Medical Center ER Opening In Hypoluxo
Lantana, FL — October 1, 2025 — Wellington Regional Medical Center proudly announces the groundbreaking of its newest Emergency Room at Hypoluxo, an Extension of Wellington Regional Medical Center. The ER at Hypoluxo will be a freestanding facility designed to bring high-quality emergency care closer to residents in southern Palm Beach County.
The ER at Hypoluxo will offer 24/7 emergency services, staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and supported by advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. This expansion reflects Wellington Regional’s ongoing commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the community with accessible, patient-centered care.
“We are excited to bring this new emergency facility to Hypoluxo,” said Pam Tahan, Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center. “This project is a testament to our mission of delivering exceptional care where and when our community needs it most.”
The groundbreaking ceremony included remarks from hospital leadership, local officials, and community partners, celebrating the beginning of a project that will enhance emergency care access and reduce travel time for patients in need.
Key Features of the ER at Hypoluxo:
• 24/7 emergency care
• Board-certified emergency physicians
• On-site imaging and laboratory services
• Modern, patient-friendly design
• Seamless integration with Wellington Regional Medical Center
The facility is expected to open in Fall of 2026 and will serve as a vital extension of Wellington Regional’s comprehensive healthcare services.
About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is located in Wellington, Florida. It is a 235-bed, acute care hospital, owned by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc., a highly respected healthcare management organization. Wellington Regional is proud to have provided high quality healthcare services to the residents of Palm Beach County since 1986. As a community hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, Wellington Regional prides itself on its continued commitment to remain on the forefront of advanced technologies and expand programs and services to meet the needs of the growing community it serves.
PBC Boys & Girls Clubs Announces Date of 38th Annual Wellington Dinner Dance
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County proudly announced that its 38th Annual Wellington Dinner Dance will be held on Friday January 9th, 2026. The Black and White Soiree theme dinner will be held at the prestigious Wycliffe Golf and Country Club from 6:30pm to 11:00pm. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Clubs of Wellington.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme and black and white attire is required. The evening promises a night of elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy. Attendees will be able to bid on an array of exclusive items to benefit a great cause, dance the night away to a mix of classic and contemporary hits provided by the incredible DJ, and capture timeless memories in their state-of-the-art photo booth.
“This iconic event gets bigger and better each year. Thank you to the amazing Wellington community for supporting this event for nearly 40 years. The support from fundraisers like this allow us to provide the vital programs and services that empower the youth in our communities to achieve great futures,” said Jaene Miranda, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
This year’s event is co-chaired by Julie and John Kime, Dr. John Hinson and Dr. Jonathan Shaw of Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, and Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Dr. Kyle Eldredge, and Dr. Michael Shockley of Advanced Surgical Physicians. Sponsors include Julie and John Kime, Advanced Surgical Physicians, Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, Wellington Florist, The Wellington Agency, Pyra Promotions, Laura Hanson, and Dr. Martin and Heidi Harland.
Alongside the event’s co-chairs and sponsors, a distinguished committee of community leaders is lending its support to ensure the success of this year’s celebration.
The event is supported by committee members April Berube, Lily Berube, Maddie Binford Wiggins, Kristi Fioravanti, Shanell Foster, Kathleen Gannon, Dr. Elizabeth Gonzales Bruno, Katya Kariman, Devi Khanna Ramprasad, Julie Khanna, Jason L. Kimbrell, Julie Kime, Melissa Lawler, Luc M. Limbourg, Moira MacLean, Sonali Mendiratta, Tonya Notaro, Kayla Roderman, Candice Shaw, Nataliya Stepanets, and Marta Weinstein.
The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Clubs of Wellington provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. With a focus on academic success, good character, and healthy lifestyles, the Club’s programs and services inspire and empower young people to reach their full potential.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.bgcpbc.org or contact Mary Coleman at 561-706-3357 or mary.coleman@bgcpbc.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
Founded in 1971, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for-profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health, leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun, and constructive alternative to being home alone – they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The 20 Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 31,000 children ages 6-18. For more information, please visit www.bgcpbc.org or call 561-683-3287
In Memory Of Joan O’Connell and Patti Hadden
Grandma’s Place Luncheon held in Memory Of Patti Hadden and Joan O’Connell Amy Considine and Manda Galin, Co-Chairs of the 10th Annual Grandma’s Place Holiday Luncheon, announced that this year’s luncheon is being held in Memory of Patti Hadden and Joan O’Connell. Both of these ladies were very active board members, generous supporters and champions of Grandma’s Place. Joan was the current President of the Board while Patti was a major sponsor of the luncheon. They are deeply missed and will be in our hearts forever.
The luncheon committee is already hard at work planning this event. Committee Members include: Susy Burrowes, Angelica Cimminella, Margaret Donnelley, Sunny Hawkins, Barbara Hollender, Jourdan Isasi, Brittney Jones, Eleanor Jones, Mary Lewis Moews, Rossanna Mora, Elizabeth Nunez, Madison O’Connell, Amy Quattlebaum, Dina Rubio, Jodie Schmitz, Kim Proenza Smith and Lindsay Welch.
The luncheon on Tuesday, November 18 th at the Sailfish Club starts at 11:30 am with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch there will be a small live auction while local CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes serve as the celebrity emcee.
The auction proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provides housing, compassionate loving care, educational opportunities and support to the most vulnerable children and families in our community – including emergency shelter for foster children and respite care to the caregivers of children with special needs.
Tickets are $225 per person or tables for $2,250. To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket, place an ad in the event program, or sponsor the event, please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-376-0488, e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or you can pay on-line at www.grandmasplacepb.org/grandmas-angels-holiday-luncheon
Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach to Host “Believing in Girls Empowerment Luncheon”
Presented by Palm Harbor Marina, The Palm Beaches, Florida, on November 13, 2025
Celebrate girls and young women in Palm Beach County, tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers
West Palm Beach, FL (October 8, 2025) – The community is invited to attend the Believing in Girls Empowerment Luncheon, presented by Palm Harbor Marina, The Palm Beaches, FL at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts–Cohen Pavilion, located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hosted by Pace Center for Girls, Nikita Ramos of WPBF 25 will emcee the uplifting event, and will feature powerful stories from Pace girls whose lives have been positively impacted by the programs the second-chance school offers. The luncheon will also honor a local philanthropist for her outstanding dedication to empowering young women and making a difference in the community.
Pace believes that ‘Every Girl Deserves’ a future filled with opportunities, respect, and agency to pursue her dreams. The event serves as a reminder of the progress achieved as a community while also urging us to envision the next phase of this critical mission. The girls and young women Pace supports receive academic instruction and work closely with counselors and therapists trained in girl-centered and trauma-based therapy. They also receive life coaching to learn basic life skills, such as personal hygiene, grocery shopping, and how to secure their first job. These resources are made available to girls at no cost to them.
“Please join us in celebration of our girls who have overcome tremendous obstacles, but see themselves as we see them — as strong, beautiful, intellectual women that will be successful as they grow into their young adulthood,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community and sponsors who help make events like these possible.”
Since its founding in 1985, Pace Palm Beach has seen transformational improvements among girls personally and professionally. To date, more than 2000 girls in Palm Beach County have been served. Program highlights from fiscal year 2024 include:
- 9 out of 10 girls have experienced overall academic improvement.
- 8 out of 10 girls improved healthy social relationships with peers and family members
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a premier cultural venue in South Florida, consistently recognized for its excellence, including accolades from Palm Beach Illustrated’s “Best of the Palm Beaches,” South Florida Parenting Magazine, and the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award. The community is encouraged to share their support while enjoying a flavorful day. Current sponsors include Palm Harbor Marina, The Palm Beaches, FL, Regions Bank, JSR Design Group, Coach Roux, LLC, Comcast, Florida Power & Light, HCA Florida Healthcare, Kandace Kichler, Keely Gideon-Taylor, LaBovick Law Group, Reisen Construction, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, and Smith, Ball, Daez Injury Lawyers.
Tickets are required and are $125 per person, which includes a 3-course meal consisting of a salad, main entree, and dessert. Sponsorships are available. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase a ticket, visit https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/florida/palm-beach/believing-in-girls-empowerment-luncheon/ or contact Chrissy Rinehart, Development Manager at christina.rinehart@pacecenter.org. To learn more about how Pace is finding the great in every girl, visit www.pacecenter.org.
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About Pace Center for Girls Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.