Located at Palm Beach State College was a success!!
Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
West Palm Beach, FL—(Friday, May 23, 2025)—Nonprofits First proudly hosted its inaugural AI Summit at Palm Beach State College on May 12, 2025. The event brought together nonprofit leaders, AI experts, and community members to explore artificial intelligence’s transformative impact on the nonprofit sector.
Speakers included Philip Di Como, a renowned expert in nonprofit law with Nason Yeager Gerson Harris & Fumero; Javier Sanchez, Technical Solutions Architect at BillulloNex; Alex Oliveira, a marketing strategist with Prediq; Cailen Macias, an AI consultant and founder of BotQueen; and Josh Hirsch, a digital fundraising expert with Fundraise Up.
The AI Summit had seventy-three nonprofit organizations in attendance, representing over one hundred twenty. The summit featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions on topics for nonprofit organizations to implement within their organization, such as developing AI usage policies, ethical considerations in AI implementation, leveraging AI for enhanced fundraising efforts, and emerging AI technologies. Attendees gained valuable knowledge on how AI can protect sensitive data, engage donors through predictive analytics, and personalize communication strategies.
“We are thrilled with the success of our first AI Summit,” said Trudy Crowetz, CEO of Nonprofits First. “The discussions and insights shared will undoubtedly help nonprofits harness the power of AI to better serve their communities. Nonprofits First looks forward to continuing this important conversation and supporting nonprofits in their journey towards AI integration.”
Nonprofits First remains focused on educational and professional development opportunities for its members regarding AI. The next topics will be related to Funding for AI Implementation and Best practices for implementing a nonprofit AI usage policy.
For more information about Nonprofits First and future events, please visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.
About Nonprofits First: Since 2005, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants, and volunteers, Nonprofits First’s vision is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of desired impact. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.
Palm Beach County – On Tuesday, April 29, the Wisdom Warrior Challenge—a Florida-based nonprofit focused on age-inclusive track events—held its final race of the season at The Vi at Lakeside Village Senior Living in Lantana, FL. Before the event began, Dr. Jonathan Shaw, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon from Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, demonstrated safe warm-up stretches for participating seniors, focusing on joint health and mobility.
As a joint replacement specialist, Dr. Shaw focues on minimally invasive hip and knee replacements, robotic-assisted surgery, revision procedures, and nonoperative treatments for arthritis. He completed advanced training at the internationally recognized Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and is an active member of both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Committed to helping people protect their joints and perform at their highest level, Dr. Shaw led participants through hip and knee stretches, which are easy to perform in the aging population, before the final race. His visit reinforced the Wisdom Warrior Challenge’s commitment to inclusive fitness by showing how gentle and safe stretching can support joint health and make physical activity safer for participants of all ability levels.
“I’m grateful to the Wisdom Warrior Challenge for inviting me to be part of such a meaningful event,” said Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. “It was a pleasure to connect with participants and share ways to keep their joints healthy and strong. Staying active is one of the best things we can do for our long-term mobility, and it was inspiring to see so many older adults embracing that.”
Since 2019, The Wisdom Warrior Challenge offers 21 events for adults aged 50 every year. With races ranging from 50 to 1600 meters, the Challenge encourages seniors to stay active, socialize, celebrate their vitality, and challenge the common myth that aging means slowing down into a sedentary lifestyle. To ensure that everyone can join, the Challenge is designed with inclusivity in mind, welcoming seniors of all capabilities to take part. Participants rage from different categories such as: Independent Living Communities, 55+ Communities, Assisted Living Communities, and one open to the general public.
“I want to thank Dr. Shaw for coming out to help these older athletes warm-up was truly remarkable,” said non-profit founder Linda Borgmeyer. “Everyone of all capabilities was eager to ask questions and learn about the different ways to nurture their hip and knee health, and for that we are so thankful!”
For more information about Dr. Shaw and the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, visit https://www.pboi.com.
Jurassic Summer Camp atThe Palm Beach Museum of Natural History
WELLINGTON, FL – Who wants to pet a real dinosaur? Starting June 23 through August 8, curious kids of all ages (5+) are invited to become junior paleontologists, geologists, and archaeologists and step back in time at Jurassic Summer Camp hosted by The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History.
Tucked inside The Mall at Wellington Green, kids enjoy hands-on, STEAM-based multidisciplinary learning, games, and activities, from identifying Ice Age fossils and Native American artifacts, to taking selfies with “Cheryll,” the museum’s 68-million-year-old Triceratops (and the only actual dinosaur skeleton in South Florida).
Kids also take field trips around the mall, from technology workshops at Apple, cuddly bear customization at Build-A-Bear Workshop, cooking classes at California Pizza Kitchen, and more.
Three sessions are available on June 23-27, July 21-25, and August 4-8, from 9am to 3pm. Before and after-care is available from 8am to 5pm.
Non-refundable camp registration is $50. Weekly fees are $250/week per person or $50/day per camper. Pre-registration is required.
For more information, call Kirsten Smith, Program Coordinator, at (218) 398-7191, email: ksmith@pbmnh.org, or visit pbmnh.org.
Museum hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History
The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History offers engaging exhibits and educational programs that bring science to life. Featuring real fossils, artifacts, and interactive learning, the museum inspires visitors of all ages to explore the natural world. For more information, visit pbmnh.org.
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. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Francesca’s, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Wellington, and more. For information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
Community Partners of South Florida CEO Kelly Powell
WELLINGTON, FL – Community Partners of South Florida is thrilled to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Powell, has been honored with the 2025 Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition Champion for Business Leadership award. The award recognizes Kelly’s exceptional dedication and impact on behavioral health within the Palm Beach County community.
In addition to this prestigious recognition, Tracy Speranza, Director of Supportive Housing at Community Partners of South Florida, was also recognized as a nominee for her outstanding contributions.
The Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition’s annual awards celebrate exceptional community leaders and organizations that work tirelessly to support behavioral health awareness, education, and transformation. The event highlights the critical importance of advocacy, empowerment, and innovative solutions in building a healthier Palm Beach County.
“It is truly an honor to receive this recognition from the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition,” said Kelly Powell. “I am also incredibly proud of Tracy for her nomination and admire all the nominees and winners for their commitment. Working together, we are making Palm Beach County a better place for children and families to thrive.”
Community Partners of South Florida extends its heartfelt congratulations to Kelly Powell, Tracy Speranza, and all the nominees and winners for their vital work in advancing behavioral health in our community.
About Community Partners of South Florida
Community Partners of South Florida is a $19 million comprehensive community development nonprofit agency headquartered in Riviera Beach that provides services to families facing social, emotional, and financial adversity. By using a unique, breakthrough approach integrating housing and financial empowerment, child and family mental health, and community services, Community Partners of South Florida creates self-sustaining families and communities and serves as a driver for growing its local economy. For more information about Community Partners of South Florida, visit www.cpsfl.org. Community Partners of South Florida is a proud chartered affiliate of NeighborWorks America, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit striving to make every community a place of opportunity.
Honored During theGirl Scouts of Southeast Florida Emerald Awards – Palm Beach
Nancy Brinker honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy
Girl Scout Emma Smith with Emerald Honoree Chair and sponsor Lois Pope
Palm Beach, Florida (May 7, 2025) – An inspiring afternoon of celebration and philanthropy took center stage at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach as Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida hosted the distinguished Emerald Awards Palm Beach luncheon, raising more than $170,000. The funds raised will help the organization continue to empower girls to grow into leaders who make a difference in their communities and beyond.
More than 300 guests and sponsors attended the annual Emerald Awards Palm Beach luncheon honoring Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy honoree and Palm Beach resident Nancy Brinker, Founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Promise Fund of Florida, in recognition of her extraordinary impact and enduring commitment to women’s health. The event also honored four exceptional women for their professional achievements and community service that distinguish them as leaders and role models for young women. The 2025 Emerald Awards honorees were Christine DelVecchio, Senior Vice President and Private Client Manager at Bank of America Private Bank; Sophia Eccleston, Director of Origination for NextEra Energy Marti LaTour, Director of Marketing for The A.I.D Group; Wendy Sartory Link, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections.
Nancy Brinker, Lisa Johnson, Jill Mondo, Nancy Proffitt
Nancy Brinker
Brinker is a three-time Ambassador and New York Times best-selling author and leader of the global breast cancer movement. Her journey began with a promise to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, to end the shame, fear, and hopelessness caused by this disease. In one generation, the organization that bears Susan’s name has changed the world. In 2009, President Barack Obama honored Brinker with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for this work. She was also named Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control for the United Nations’ World Health Organization, where she continues to prioritize cancer prevention globally.
Christine DelVecchio
DelVecchio is Senior Vice President and Private Client Manager at Bank of America Private Bank in Palm Beach. Active in Bank of America’s Mentorship Program, DelVecchio imparts her years of experience to help young professionals grow and strive in their careers and is deeply committed to philanthropy. She co-chairs and is President of Impact the Palm Beaches, leading a group of 400 women in awarding $100,000 in grants to local non-profits, helping to make a significant impact on the community.
Sophia Eccleston
Eccleston, is Director of Origination for NextEra Energy and a leader in community service, where she serves as an Executive Board Member for CareerSource Florida, a commissioner, and past Chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, and a board member of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Her leadership has earned her multiple accolades, including the 2023 Minority Community Leader Award from Keiser University and the 2023 Women in Leadership Award from the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation.
Marti LaTour
LaTour is Director of Marketing for The A.I.D Group. LaTour has served as Chairman of the Board of the Palm Beach County Food Bank for the past six years. She is Vice Chairman of the Board at Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts, a Board Member of the Community Foundation of Palm Beach County, FAU Tech Runway, Lois Pope’s LIFE Foundation, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach Round Table and is active in numerous other organizations.
Wendy Sartory Link
Link is the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. Throughout her career, Link has been dedicated to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of leaders. She takes pride in her role as a mentor and has made significant contributions to the development of young women and men across Palm Beach County, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Guests at the luncheon enjoyed a silent auction, honoree recognition ceremony and a keynote address from Mary Kissel, a distinguished geopolitical expert, executive and former journalist with a dynamic career spanning three continents.
The Emerald Awards Palm Beach was chaired by Virginia Spencer. Geri Emmett, Donna Mulholland and Lois Pope served as honorary event chairs. Host committee members were Priya Deshmukh, Andrea Fogarty, Kathryn Gillespie, Jackie Halderman, Kathleen Hillman, Lynn Kirker, Robin Mason, Melissa Mulvaney, Gail O’Donnell, Suzi Redland, Ofelia Utset and Marcia Wolf.
Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida also presented honorary event chair, longtime Girl Scout volunteer, and previous Emerald Award honoree Donna Mulholland with a Lifetime Service Award at this year’s event. Since the award’s inception in 2014, it has recognized extraordinary, sustained volunteer service that has helped shape the organization and impact generations of young women.
“Each year, the Emerald Awards shine a light on outstanding women whose passion, perseverance and leadership help shape stronger communities,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “Their stories inspire our girls to dream bigger and lead with courage, confidence and character.”
Ruby Sponsors of the 2025 Emerald Award Palm Beach were Publix Super Market Charities and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; Award Sponsors were Amazon, Comcast, Florida Power & Light, HCA Florida Healthcare, and Lois Pope; Sapphire Sponsors were Duffy’s Foundation and Fiserv; Illustrated Properties was the Valet Sponsor; PNC Bank was the Décor Sponsor; Opal Sponsors were Bank of America, LaCroix Sparkling Water and Sandy James Fine Food and Productions; and Pearl Sponsor was Virginia and Perry Spencer. Friends of Girl Scouts Sponsors were Israel, Israel and Associates, Linda Strutt Consulting, Inc., Munyon’s Paw-Paw, Lauren Sterlacci, TD Bank and Velocity Community Credit Union. Table Sponsors were Palm Beach State College, Christine Seal, UBS Financial Services, Inc. and Valley National Bank.
About Girl Scouts
We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org.
The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s latest solo exhibition explores one of humanity’s most universal experiences: family.
Featuring photographs by West Palm Beach-based artist Andrea Sarcos, “Remember Me As a Place” includes images captured in the locations of her family’s migration history across Ecuador, Venezuela, and the United States. The exhibition will run Friday, May 23 through Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Council’s headquarters in Lake Worth Beach.
“Remember Me As A Place is how I see myself and my family in all these locations—being a migrant and seeing how our story evolves as we go from place to place,” says Sarcos. “This series shares a deeper understanding of migration and how its roots are poetic, beautiful, and powerful.”
Through family ephemera and her own photographs including still life, landscapes, and images of family and others, the Venezuelan-born artist showcases how migration shapes relational dynamics, communication, and self-perception. While “Remember Me As A Place” is a culmination of her past, Sarcos says she hopes each viewer walks away with a curiosity about their own family history. All artworks are for sale, and a majority of the proceeds go back to the artist.
“The exhibition reveals a more realistic narrative around migration—including the love and connection they retain even as they move from one location to another,” says Jessica Ransom, director of artist services at the Cultural Council. “Andrea’s work connects us between past and present through her family and their migration experience.”
With a dual degree in journalism and visual art studies, Sarcos’ approach to photography is rooted in storytelling. She has displayed her work across Florida—including Arts Garage in Delray Beach, Hatch 1121 in Lake Worth Beach, and the J. Wayne Reitz Union in Gainesville.
Selected through a highly competitive application process, Sarcos is one of six Palm Beach County-based professional artists whose work was chosen by a committee of visual art professionals for one of the Cultural Council’s coveted Gayle and Paul Gross Gallery solo exhibition spots during its 2024-2025 season.
The solo exhibition is free and open to the public. The Cultural Council will host an opening reception for “Remember Me As a Place” on Thursday, May 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The public can view the exhibition in person at the Cultural Council’s headquarters in Lake Worth Beach. For more information or to RSVP to the reception, please visit palmbeachculture.com/exhibitions.
Calendar Item:Remember Me As A Place Solo exhibition by Andrea Sarcos Featuring new and archive photos captured by the artist, this series documents how migration shapes family dynamics, communication, and self-perception. May 23 through June 27, 2025 Opening reception: May 22, 2025 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.) Cultural Council for Palm Beach County (601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach, Fla., 33460) Free and open to the public; Tuesdays through Fridays (noon to 5 p.m.)
About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County. The Council features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artisans in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center. The Council is open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com.
for Clinical Excellence in Patient Satisfaction and Wound Healing Rates
Wellington, FL – May 28, 2025 –Physicians, leaders and clinicians at Wellington Regional Medical Centerare proud to announce that The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center has been awarded the prestigious Center of Distinction award by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services for the 10th year in a row. The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication demonstrated by the Center’s physicians, leaders and clinicians.
Pam Tahan, CEO, stated, “We are incredibly proud of the Physicians, leaders, and clinicians at Wellington Regional Medical Center for their unwavering commitment to excellence. The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine’s achievement of the prestigious Center of Distinction award by Healogics® is a testament to their dedication and exceptional care.”
The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center is a member of the Healogics network of over 600 Wound Care Centers® and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds.
Advanced wound care modalities provided by our wound care experts include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.
Dr. Kyle Eldredge, Medical Director of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center said, “We are honored to receive the Center of Distinction award from Healogics®. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team at The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. Our commitment to achieving outstanding clinical outcomes and maintaining high patient satisfaction is unwavering. I am incredibly proud of our physicians, leaders, and clinicians for their exceptional care and dedication to our patients’ well-being.”
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About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit www.wellingtonregional.com.
About Healogics
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Healogics is the nation’s wound healing expert. Last year, over 300,000 patients received advanced wound care through a network of over 600 Wound Care Centers®. Healogics also partners with over 300 skilled nursing facilities to care for patients with chronic wounds and provides inpatient consults at more than 60 partner hospitals. As the industry leader, Healogics has the largest repository of chronic wound-specific patient data in the country. The Healogics Wound Science Initiative offers peer-reviewed research and advanced analytics in the pursuit of better outcomes and a better way to provide care.
Maria Luker, Admiral’s Cove Development Coordinator, Jodie Schmitz, Roxanne Jacobs with Rebecca Divine, Admirals Executive Director
Grandma’s Place Board of Directors are thrilled to report that Admiral’s Foundation made a very generous grant to support their emergency foster care program. Jodie Schmitz, Board President, and Roxanne Jacobs, Executive Director, attended the Admiral’s Cove Foundation 2024/2025 Season of Giving Reception on Monday April 7th to accept the check.
The proceeds of this grant benefit Grandma’s Place foster care program, which provides shelter and loving care to children who have suffered abuse or neglect and have been removed from their homes. Grandma’s Place also provides respite care for young children with disabilities while offering support to their parents/caregivers to maximize each child’s safety and success.
The Admirals Cove Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Club at Admirals Cove. Since its founding, the Foundation has been a leader in supporting local nonprofits, advancing educational access, and strengthening community ties through collective giving and volunteerism.
Troop 24236 from Wellington donated 73 pounds of food to CROS Ministries: West Palm Beach Food Pantry
More than 10,000 pounds of food donated to local food banks
(May 27, 2025) – Throughout the month of April, Girl Scouts came together to tackle food insecurity through the annual Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s council-wide community service project, Feeding Florida Together. More than 900 Girl Scouts and their troops contributed 350 volunteer hours to local food banks and hunger relief organizations. At the same time, they donated more than 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food items, enough for nearly 8,500 meals.
Girl Scouts collected essential shelf-stable food and pantry staples including peanut butter, pasta, rice, canned fruits and vegetables and more. These donations were distributed across several counties, including Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee, to Broward Outreach Center, House of Hope, Mustard Seed Ministry, multiple CROS Ministries pantries and more.
“Feeding Florida Together is more than a food drive, it’s an opportunity for our girls to become changemakers and really make a difference in local communities,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “They see firsthand the impact they can make in their communities by working together to fight hunger and food insecurity.”
According to Feeding Florida, 2.9 million Floridians lack proper food access, more than 800,000 of those are children and more than 2.9 million Floridians struggle to afford nutritious food.
To learn more about Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and their community service programs, visit www.gssef.org.
About Girl Scouts
We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org.
The 52nd Annual Urban League of Palm Beach County’s Annual Equal Opportunity Day Awards was held on Friday, May 9, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. The annual event this year was themed as a Wild Wild West Gala and it included dinner and dancing, and a number of people being recognized for what they do for the Urban League. Mistress of Ceremonies for the event this year was News Anchor Tania Rogers. The award honorees included the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Trailblazer Achievement Award, the Alfred J. Malefatto Humanitarian Achievement Award, and the Youth Achievement Award. FPL also was recognized for their service to the organization. For more information about the Urban League of Palm Beach County check out their website at www.ulpbc.org, or call them at 561-833-1461.
