The Wellington Art Society is pleased to announce their September’s featured speaker, Kristen Myers who is a mixed media artist and illustrator whose work explores the intersection of spirit, nature, and feminine power.
Join us for a fun evening with a demo by our featured speaker, raffle prizes, artists spotlight, and refreshments
She is the creator of The Wild and The Divine, a visionary coloring and reflection book that invites readers into a healing journey through art, affirmation, and self-discovery. Her broader body of work includes fine art prints, illustrated merchandise, and personal commissions. Through Animals and Spirit, her studio and brand, she creates work that blends visual storytelling with emotional depth – inviting viewers into a space of reflection and connection. For more about our featured artist, please visit:
The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 43rd 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 our website at www.wasflorida.org or www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
New York City and Paris Composers Collaborate on one Urgent ConcertEBENUS to premier in South Florida this January.
(August 26, 2025)— Commissioned by Harvey and Virginia Kimmel, patrons of the South Florida-based chamber orchestra The Symphonia, the new concerto EBENUS: Concerto for Clarinet will receive its world premiere this January in Boca Raton. Co-composed by Grammy-winning Syrian clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh (based in New York City) and acclaimed French conductor and composer Christophe Chagnard (Paris-based), the work represents a rare collaboration between two internationally celebrated artists/composers.
The title, EBENUS, refers to the ebony wood traditionally used to make clarinets, a resource now under threat. Through this symbolism, the piece underscores how climate change reaches even into music, reminding us that the loss of natural materials could one day silence instruments themselves.
The premiere will be performed Jan. 24–25, 2026 at The Studio at Mizner Park, alongside Dvořák’s New World Symphony, which has been masterfully orchestrated for a chamber ensemble, while preserving the sonority and depth of a full symphonic orchestra. To learn more about The Symphonia, EBENUS and the upcoming concert season, visit thesymphonia.org.
About The SYMPHONIA
The SYMPHONIA, recognized as the region’s premier chamber orchestra, provides high-quality classical music for the enjoyment and benefit of the South Florida community. Founded in 2004, The SYMPHONIA’S performances and educational outreach programs feature nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, enhancing the cultural lives of area residents, with special emphasis on its younger citizens. Follow on Instagram @TheSymphonia and on Facebook @SymphoniaBoca. More at thesymphonia.org.
NOMINATIONS HIGHLIGHT NONPROFIT CAUSES, LEADERS, AND VOLUNTEERS AT THE 9TH ANNUAL HATS OFF NONPROFIT AWARDSFOR THEIR IMPACT AND PERFORMANCE
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Wednesday, August 27, 2025-Nonprofits First proudly announces an outstanding number of nominations to honor the local nonprofit sector in Palm Beach County during the 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards on Thursday, October 9th, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in the Cohen Pavilion.
Nominations were accepted for 13 total awards: Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Arts & Culture, Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Education, Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Environment & Animal Welfare, Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Family Services, Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Health & Wellness, Nonprofit Innovation Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award, Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award, Nonprofit MVP of the Year Award, Community Hero Award, Community Collaborator Awards, and Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year Award. Special thanks for the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County for sponsoring the Arts & Culture Impact Award for the third year. We are grateful to FPL for being the first sponsor of the Impact Award for Education.
Nonprofits First received over 160 nominations for 13 awards. In addition to this, two special awards will be announced live: the highly anticipated Best Hat Award and the People’s Choice Award. For the first time, voting for the People’s Choice Award will open ahead of the event, allowing the public to cast their votes beginning September 15. All organizations nominated for our five Impact Awards will automatically be considered for the People’s Choice honor. To make voting easy and accessible, social media posts will feature QR codes and direct links, empowering the community to support their favorite agency.
“During these challenging times, our nonprofit sector has demonstrated that partnership is not just a tactic—it’s a testament to our shared purpose. The overwhelming response to the Community Collaborators Award reflects a powerful spirit of unity, innovation, and mutual support. More than 80 agencies have come together, not just to serve, but to reimagine what’s possible when we lead with unity and collaborate with intention,” said Trudy Crowetz, President & CEO of Nonprofits First.
The 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards celebrate nonprofits in Palm Beach County who dedicate themselves to making our community a better place to live and work, so they deserve to be honored. The honorees from the past Hats Off Nonprofit Awards will be recognized as part of the evening.
The fun evening will kick off with celebratory music by the nonprofit organization Digital Vibez. The party continues with special guest emcee Bill Bone. Attire is business and cocktail. Guests are encouraged to wear a hat of any kind, big or small, and can be as creative as they wish. Tickets include food and drinks catered by The Lessing’s Hospitality Group, and parking in the covered garage will be $10 per vehicle.
Tables of ten are on sale for Nonprofits First’s members at $2,000 and for nonmembers at $2,250, and sponsorships are also available at www.hatsoffawards.org. Individual ticket sales will go on sale Tuesday, September 2, for $200 (members) per person and $225 (nonmembers) per person. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Hats Off Nonprofit Awards Calendar Listing: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 9th, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in the Cohen Pavilion. This fundraising event will celebrate and honor Palm Beach County nonprofit causes, their professionals, and volunteers. For more information and tickets, visit www.hatsoffawards.org.
About Nonprofits First, Inc.: 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, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of desired impact. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.
Wellington Art Society Announces Art Reception and Awards Ceremony
5-7pm, Tuesday September 16, 2025
The Wellington Art Society proudly presents “DREAMSCAPES,” an Art Exhibition at the WELLINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER, located at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, FL 33414.
The exhibition runs from Tuesday, August 12th to Monday, November 10th, 2025. The RECEPTION AND AWARDS CEREMONY will take place 5-7pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Guest Judge, Jerilyn Brown to award 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners
43 original artworks by 18 local artists
Free – Open Daily
THE ARTISTS
Ayesha DeLorenzo . Dinah Mirson . Elaine Weber . Fred Stone . Halyna Albanese
Heather Bergstrom . Ida Perez . Janine Gmitter . Kim Baily . Kris Dru Hilles . Lanzhi Wang
Lou Ann LaBohn . Philip S. Rappa . Rachel Robinson . Raymonde Talleyrand
Sue Slick Carlson . Susan Oakes
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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 43rd 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 our website at www.wasflorida.org or www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
Above: Christian Kukuk (Germany) and Checker 47 Jump to Win Gold at Winter Equestrian Finale on Saturday, March 29, 2025 (Credit: sportfot)
Palm Beach County’s Winter Equestrian Festival Delivers $538.2M Economic Impact, Surpassing Major Florida Sporting Events
WELLINGTON, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025 — In a report conducted after the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), $538.2 million in economic impact was cited for Palm Beach County as a result of the 13-week event running January through March. WEF attracts 31,000 competitors from over 50 countries and all 50 states to Palm Beach County each year.
The report was prepared for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, a private, not-for-profit organization that Palm Beach County contracts to promote and market the area as a sports tourism destination. The findings showed a 33% increase from the 2024 impact of $403.6 million, reinforcing WEF as a marquee event in the equestrian realm and a major economic driver for Palm Beach County.
“We are by far the No. 1 sport in Palm Beach County, and a lot of people count on our continued success. Our priority is to make this the very best experience possible—and that starts with horse sport,” said Murray Kessler, CEO of Wellington International.
Total Economic Impact from the 2025 WEF Season:
Increase in Total Economic Impact: $134.6 million brought to Palm Beach County’s GDP, a 33% growth rate from the 2024 WEF Economic Impact Report. More than doubled last year’s 14% growth from 2023
Job Creation: 4,869 jobs were created across multiple industries, a 28% increase from 2024.
Labor Earnings: A total of $153.9 million in labor earnings was generated throughout the economy with employees earning an average wage of $31,690, a 30% increase from the previous year.
Lodging Industry: WEF 2025 generated 210,911 paid room nights, a 30% increase from 2024.
Primary Economic Drivers:
Total Horse Expenditures: The $338.68 million GDP growth (a 13% increase from WEF 2024) accounts for 63% of the total GDP impact.
Participant & Spectator Tourism Expenditures: Equivalent to $109 million and accounting for 37% of the total GDP impact.
Spectator Impact: Combined spectator expenditure generated $88 million in local GDP, up dramatically from last year’s $8 million.
Spending by Non-Resident Participants and Spectators: Indicating a high percentage of spending by visitors in the region.
How the Winter Equestrian Festival Compares to Other Major Florida Sporting Events
The Winter Equestrian Festival is not only one of the largest annual equestrian competitions in the world but also a cornerstone of Palm Beach County’s sports tourism economy. With participation on the rise and economic impact at record levels, Wellington International remains committed to raising the bar.
WEF 2026, scheduled for December 31 through March 29, will feature more than $16 million in prize money and mark the next phase of Wellington International’s long-term vision. Significant venue upgrades and world-class amenities are planned to enhance the experience for riders, spectators, and sponsors alike. These investments ensure that Wellington continues to set the global standard as the premier destination for horse sport for generations to come.
ITHINK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DONATES $10,000 TO LITTLE BIRTHDAY ANGELS TO SUPPORT HOMELESS CHILDREN
Delray Beach, FL (Monday, August 25, 2025)—The iTHINK Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of iTHINK Financial, is proud to announce a $10,000 donation to Little Birthday Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the birthdays of homeless children on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
This generous contribution will directly support Little Birthday Angels’ various programs, including their “Birthday Bags of Hope” initiative, which provides homeless children with personalized birthday gifts and essential items. The funds will help ensure that even more children in shelters, transitional housing, and domestic violence facilities can receive a birthday celebration. Each birthday bag includes essential items like toiletries, socks, a Bible, and gifts, bringing joy and dignity to children facing hardships.
“Every homeless child deserves to feel special on their day,” said Stephen Johnson, AVP of Administration and Marketing at iTHINK Financial. “Our donation to Little Birthday Angels is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to support local children and families in need, ensuring that even those who may be facing hardships can experience joy and celebration on their special day.”
The iTHINK Community Foundation has a long history of supporting children and families in need through initiatives such as School Ready Days, scholarships, community events, and the Jingle Bells at the Branches holiday program. This partnership with Little Birthday Angels underscores the Foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of children in the communities it serves.
About iTHINK Financial:
ITHINK Financial, established in 1969, is a growing and dynamic credit union, with more than 100,000 Members worldwide and over $2 billion in assets. A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution that is owned by its Members. Credit unions generally offer high-yield deposits, low interest-rate loans and low fee structures. iTHINK Financial offers a complete range of products and services including: Checking and Savings accounts, Money Market accounts, Certificates, IRAs, First and Second Mortgages, Car Loans, Visa® Credit Cards, Business Accounts, Business Loans, Business Services, and much more.
The iTHINK Community Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered in the state of Florida, Registration #CH47200.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Thousands of fans came together on Saturday, August 9th, at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, just minutes from Wellington, FL, to celebrate Kesha’s T!ts Out’ Tour. Many attendees arrived in bold, glittering outfits that reflected their personalities, valuing sexual freedom. This concert was the perfect place for Kesha and her fans to create a space where sexuality, like fashion, music, or art, is an extension of self-expression. A spirit of unapologetic freedom that finds its perfect partner in FEELD’s ‘Freedomme’ campaign, celebrating authenticity, empowerment, and connection without judgment.
During the concert, Kesha shared, “I love creating community on tour for my fans. One of the biggest problems of today is that we are so connected yet feel so disconnected and lonely. One of the beautiful parts about my tour sponsor, FEELD, is that I think love and connection and touch are really important to human beings’ well-being… I love that FEELD creates a safe community for people to be really who they are, being actually what they’re into, and can help make this world a more pleasurable, loving place.”
Watching the crowd of fans of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, it was clear that her words rang true—everyone was fully embracing themselves, connecting freely, and celebrating one another in a vibrant, judgment-free space.
Since Kesha went viral for joining FEELD and openly identifying as “omnisexual,” kinky, and dominant, she’s been asking fans, “Do you feel free?”—and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. She mentioned during her concert that the diversity she sees in each city mirrors the eclectic, open-minded spirit of her audience. With FEELD as the main sponsor, the dating app serves individuals who value authenticity and self-expression, and Kesha is proudly living her truth while inviting others to do the same. At its core, the partnership thrives on these shared values, celebrating freedom and self-expression.
The West Palm Beach stop of the tour captured that same magic. The night was more than a concert. It was a gathering of kindred spirits who believe in living without shame, celebrating their desires, and embracing every color of their identity. The crowd was as much a spectacle as the show itself, with outfits that defied convention, connections that sparked instantly, and a collective energy that proclaimed, “We’re here, we’re free, and we’re proud.”
FEELD’s Freedomme campaign and Kesha’s T!ts Out’ Tour converge at the crossroads of music, identity, and intimacy. Together, they serve as a powerful reminder that real connection begins when we shed filters, masks, and fear of judgment—and fully embrace who we are.
Monday, August 25, 2025- (West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties were surprised by a local donor who wanted to give local kids in need the opportunity to go back-to-school shopping.
Robert Certilman previously sponsored shopping for Littles of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, as the owner of the Smithtown Acura dealership, and wanted to support his local community now that he resides in Florida. He contacted the Palm Beach and Martin County CEO, Yvette Flores Acevedo, to plan a fun and exciting shopping spree for back-to-school clothes and supplies.
On Saturday, August 2nd, in Lake Park, dozens of kids of all ages (littles), along with their parent/guardian/big brother or sister, lined up outside a store ready to go shopping. Robert handed each child/teen a gift card with $150 to buy new clothes and supplies from their classroom lists. Approximately sixty-three kids went shopping and had fun.
“The back-to-school season often brings added pressure for many families, but thanks to Robert’s support, our Littles are starting the year with not only the supplies they need, but also a sense of excitement,” said Yvette Flores Acevedo, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently seeking volunteers (adults) to be mentors. “It Takes Little to Be Big, is the name of the campaign to challenge the myths and shift perceptions of mentoring and why now, more than ever, mentorship is critical to the success of kids today. Today, one in three kids in America is growing up without a sustained, positive adult mentor in their lives, and over 200 boys are on the wait list for a mentor in Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BSA/BBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the thirty-five best-performing agencies nationwide. Recently, this chapter was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BSA/BBBSA) Growth Award for program excellence in 2023. Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently seeking volunteers (adults) to be mentors. It takes Little to be Big! is the name of the campaign to seek men and women to become a big brother or big sister. There is a large number of boys (300) waiting for a mentor; there is an urgent need for mentors. Men and women are needed to volunteer a little time to make a big difference in a kid’s life. There are many ways to get involved in this charity based in both Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Visit https://mentorbig.org/becomeabig/ to learn the many ways to start your journey.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties:
BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-18 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986, the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and, since July 2010, in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BSA/BBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the thirty-five best-performing agencies nationwide. Recently, this chapter was awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BSA/BBBSA) Growth Award for program excellence in 2023. The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) who are matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties has served 446 youth and grown its local services by seven percent. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.
