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The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

Mike May
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The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

THE INDIANA BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME: 

BASKETBALL’S PAST IS FOREVER ENSHRINED & ON DISPLAY

By Mike May

Honoring, preserving, and promoting the heritage of Indiana high school basketball.  That’s the best way to summarize what’s showcased at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame – located at One Hall of Fame Court in New Castle, Indiana.  When you walk in the doors of this well-lit, modernized, spacious, two-story, 14,000-square foot complex, get ready for a glimpse back at the yesteryear of basketball in the state of Indiana.  While this facility does honor many of the great college and professional basketball players in Indiana, the main focus at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is on the ‘bread & butter’ of basketball in the Hoosier state: boys and girls high school basketball.  Here, you’ll see the memorabilia and memories from the past that have been preserved with pictures, newspaper stories, medals, basketballs, banners, pennants, nets, license plates, pom poms, shoes, and jerseys that symbolize the championship moments in Indiana basketball dating back to the 1890s.  Once you walk into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, it won’t take long to realize that high school basketball in Indiana is the real deal – always has been and always will be.

“In 49 other states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana,” said Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Executive Director Chris May.  “The most special thing about the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is that every person who walks through the doors really wants to be here. Whether it’s a school field trip, a group tour, old teammates reminiscing about their regional run, or a basketball fan who saw one of our billboards while traveling, everyone seems to share the same common interest and passion for basketball.”

If you work at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, it helps to have played high school basketball in the Hoosier state.

“I can vouch first-hand that there is no better feeling as a high school athlete than running out of the gymnasium tunnel to the band playing and a full crowd cheering at an Indiana high school basketball game,” said Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Assistant Executive Director Kayla Kessler, who played in the 3A state basketball final in 2010 for Rushville High School.  “I’m very fortunate to continue being surrounded by the sport that makes Indiana so special while working at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.”

Before you enter this building, take time to examine the state of Indiana formation on the outdoor courtyard.  The Indiana creation is made of nearly 7,000 red bricks, each one with the name of a team, coach, player, administrator, sportswriter, or broadcaster who has been a part of “Indiana’s Game.”  Also, the flags flying near the entrance to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame are symbolic of the high schools which have had recent state championship success in Indiana.

Upon entering the Hall of Fame, you must watch the 17-minute video presentation in the Danielson Theater that summarizes the significance, importance, and long-term impact of high school basketball on life in Indiana.  There are soundbites from Indiana basketball legends such as Oscar Robertson, George McGinnis, Scott Skiles, Larry Bird, Steve Alford, Bobby Plump, Judi Warren, Damon Bailey, and Stephanie White.

“They (the days spent playing high school basketball in Indiana) were the happiest days of my life,” revealed Robertson, as he recalled life back in the 1950s when he lived in Indianapolis and attended Crispus Attucks High School, where he played high school basketball. As a high school student at Crispus Attucks, Robertson – later, nicknamed The Big O – led his high school team to back-to-back state championships in 1955 and 1956.  While at Crispus Attucks, Robertson’s team went 62-1 during his junior and senior years.  Robertson averaged 20.8 points per game in his junior year and 24.8 points per game as a senior.  FYI:  Robertson, of course, later enjoyed hall of fame careers in college at the University of Cincinnati and in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bird’s childhood memories of playing basketball in Indiana were rather humble and austere.  The future Indiana State and Boston Celtic hall of famer remembers playing with a rubber basketball and shooting into tin cans in his hometown of French Lick, Indiana.  There is a section of the Hall of Fame where Bird’s career as a member of the Springs Valley High School Blackhawks in French Lick and the Indiana State University Sycamores in Terre Haute is on display.  FYI:  Bird’s number in high school was the same as it was at Indiana State and with the Boston Celtics, 33.

And, in that 17-minute video, you will see highlights of the playing career of Bedford North-Lawrence High School Stars legend Damon Bailey who scored an Indiana high school state record 3,134 points while playing for the Stars.  FYI:  Bailey later starred in basketball at Indiana University in the early 1990s, leading them to one Final Four appearance in his four years as a Hoosier.

After the video, venture onto the main floor of the Hall of Fame.  There, you will see a multitude of banners hanging from the ceiling which honor many state championship squads such as the Muncie Central Bearcats in 1928, the Fort Wayne Central Tigers in 1943, and the East Chicago Roosevelt Rough Riders in 1970, among others. 

The letterman’s jacket worn by Sandy Herre, the 1988 Mini Miss Basketball recipient and the IHSAA’s State Finals Mental Attitude award winner, is worth seeing as it’s decorated with more artwork reflecting her basketball accolades than the panel of an Indianapolis 500 racing car.  FYI:  Sandy wore #44 and played at Benton Central High School and later at the University of Indianapolis.

While roaming around the hall, watch the video dedicated to the Miracle of Milan.  This Miracle took place on March 20, 1954 when tiny Milan High School, a small school in southeast Indiana, with an enrollment of just 160 students, upset Muncie Central in the state championship finale, 32-30.  In that game, which was held at historic Butler Fieldhouse, Milan’s Bobby Plump hit a jump shot from the right elbow of the free throw line with seconds to go to claim the victory.  Many basketball fans would be fascinated to discover that Milan’s key to success in winning that game was implementing the “Cat & Mouse” offense, which is a mirror image of today’s “Four Corners” offense.  FYI:  That championship game in 1954 later provided the foundation for the 1986 movie, Hoosiers.

Make a point of finding the rectangular image of the press row at the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s championship basketball game in 1951 at Butler Fieldhouse.  The media attendance for that game – and probably every championship game in those days — was staggering.  Again, only in Indiana!

And, while walking around the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, you must pay a visit to the enshrinement hall where each of the inductees into the Hall of Fame are permanently honored and recognized.  You might find the name of an inductee that you know or knew.  I did!

And, if you really love basketball, set aside some time to check out the Jordan Library where you can research the basketball history of more than 1,000 high schools in Indiana.  Some of those high schools are no longer in existence, but they are remembered and preserved in Indiana, if they played basketball.  Videos, featuring game footage from archived games, are also available upon request in the Jordan Library.

Naturally, conclude your visit to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame with a visit to the gift shop where you can find a souvenir or memento of your trip to the ‘historical archives of Hoosier hysteria.’  

For more details on the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, check out www.hoopshall.com, call 765-529-1891, or send an email to info@hoopshall.com.  The Hall is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday–Saturday.  It’s open on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm from March through November.  It’s closed on Sundays from December through February.  Parking is free and can accommodate buses and large trucks.  The admission charge is $5 for adults and teenagers.  The fee for children aged 5 to 12 is $3.  This facility if completely handicap accessible and wheelchairs are available, if necessary.

So, if you want to see how Indiana high school basketball is honored, preserved, and promoted, then you must make the journey to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, Indiana.  This destination awaits your arrival.  Remember, in 49 other states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana.  Understood!  Can you feel that Hoosier Hysteria running through your body?  I can!!

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Note about the author:  Mike May — who can be reached through www.mikemaymarketing.com — grew up in Seymour, Indiana where he was a loyal fan of the local high school basketball team, the Seymour Owls.  As a young boy, he has vivid memories of two of Seymour’s greatest teams.  The 1969-70 team (25-1) lost its only game of the season in the final of the Evansville Semi-State to the Loogoottee Lions on March 14, 1970, 80-78.  At the time, the heavily favored Owls were ranked #2 in the Indiana state high school basketball poll.  One of the newspaper headlines the following day said “Loogoo-Who? Ends Owls Dreams 80-78.”  The 1970-71 Owls lost a heartbreaker in the final of the Seymour Regional in March of 1971 to the Floyd Central Highlanders.  In that game, which was temporarily postponed at the beginning of the fourth quarter because of a bomb scare call/alert into the Seymour Fieldhouse, the Owls led by 17 points with 6:50 remaining in the fourth quarter.  But, the Highlanders scored a then-state record 41 points in the fourth quarter to prevail, 93-86.  By the way, no bomb was ever found in the Seymour Fieldhouse on that Saturday night.  The building remains standing to this day.  Mike remains a passionate basketball fan, has coached girls high school basketball in Florida, and continues to play the game of basketball at every opportunity.

Holidaze Must Do’s

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Holidaze Must Do’s

By Heidi Hess

The fan for my laptop kicked on.  This is my cue to take a break.  She’s tired.  I’m tired.  But there is still so much to do.  I was knee deep in researching all of the things happening in and around Wellington in December.  I wanted to present the good readers of Around Wellington with a fun list of Must-Do’s for the holiday season.   It’s December in Florida and making the holiday season merry and bright doesn’t just happen.  It takes effort!  Is Sandy the Christmas Tree making an appearance in downtown West Palm?  What about Hoffman’s Holiday Lights?  We have gone every year for, well, years.  It’s one of our family holiday traditions. Then there’s the tree lighting at the Flagler Museum and the Holiday Parade in Wellington.  There’s a lot going on.  Which weekends are we going to fit all of these things in?

Then there’s Christmas shopping and decorating.  Ryan (my son) wants to construct a winter wonderland in the front yard.  Michaels and Home Depot are frequently on our shopping rotation this time of year.  Green and red ribbon – check!  Extension cords, green and white duct tape – check!  Large candy canes the size a four-year-old will light up and line the drive way giving Santa a lit run way to land his sleigh on Christmas Eve.  I can’t help it… as we place the last strand of lights, the last candy cane and plug everything in, the kid in me screams “Santa!  Over here!!  I’m here! “ 

Starting the day after Halloween, it’s usually a fast and furious ride to January 2nd.  It’s the season…the kids and I call it Hallgivingmas.  I have also come to know it as BlurFest because everything, quite honestly, is a blur.  So I sit here, coffee in hand staring down the proverbial barrel of what looks to be one of the busiest times of the year.  And according to Hallmark cards and Publix commercials “the most wonderful time of year to be shared with family and friends… making memories that will last a lifetime.”  It makes me wonder – what will my kids remember about the holidays?  Will they remember everything that we do?  Will they remember the rush to get the car parked so we can get inside and see.. .whatever it is we are supposed to do or see?  This thought gives me pause…and I hope it makes you pause too.

I could give you a list of fun things to do but instead let me give you a real list.  Things that will help us slow down and create those real memories that will stay with our kids.  Make cookies, don’t freak out over the mess it makes and give everyone a spatula to eat raw cookie dough.  Get Frosties and ride around your neighborhood looking at Christmas lights blaring holiday music.  Make a note to remember the kids favorite Christmas songs. Take your kids for a walk in the park during a really good cold snap.  Hold their hand and make a note to remember how their little warm hand felt in yours.   During the week, take the kids to see Santa without being dressed up.  Watch their little faces light up…take the time to absorb it all.

If I could give you one thing this holiday season, it would be to slow down.  Set your priorities.  Figure out what is really important and pour all of your time and love into those people.  Life is short and time with our kids is shorter.  Time is a gift and that’s why it’s called the present.  And that is my wish for you.  That you are aware that this time, the present, is the actual present.  But if Santa wanted to leave a little blue box under the Christmas tree, I guess that would be OK too.  Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year! 

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Super Mom by day, feisty writer by night.  Heidi Hess, a 40+ year resident of Palm Beach County, considers herself a native.  In her spare time, she dabbles in writing, painting and loves to travel.

The 9th Annual Wellington Jingle Ball Run 5K

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The 9th Annual Wellington Jingle Ball Run 5K
Register Now: https://www.active.com/wellington-fl/running/distance-running-races/9th-wellington-jingle-bell-5k-2021

Trend Tea Brews Up Kindness for Unicorn Children’s Foundation

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Trend Tea Brews Up Kindness for Unicorn Children’s Foundation

Trend Tea Brews Up Kindness for Unicorn Children’s Foundation

Boca Raton FL – November 19, 2021 – Trend Tea, located in the Wyndham Boca Raton, had a spooktacular event during Halloween weekend to benefit the Unicorn Children’s Foundation. They served up a Witches Brew, fun new drinks, yummy local goodies, and so much more! Trend Tea donated 15% of sales to Unicorn Children’s Foundation, totaling $176 for kids and young adults with developmental differences!

Unicorn Children’s Foundation has recently debuted the Special Percs Café, a warm and sensory-friendly environment where guests receive specialty beverages made and served by industry-standard certified baristas with developmental differences. Trend Tea has generously welcomed the baristas into their café, and has personally trained them for their careers with real-world experience.

Owner of Trend Tea, Nata Mason shares, “We really enjoyed hosting this event. We really love what Unicorn Children’s Foundation does to help children.  It’s very important to us to be able to give back to our community. We have seen all the amazing work done at the Unicorn Connection Center and we love being able to help anyway we can. Looking forward to hosting many more fun events with Unicorn Children’s Foundation.”

Please follow Unicorn Children’s Foundation on social media and sign up for our newsletter for timely information, scheduled programs, and events. We continue to expand our virtual and hybrid program offerings at the Unicorn Connection Center to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society have opportunities to find meaning and purpose as engaged members of the community. Visit the www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org or call 561.620.9377 for more information and to learn how you can get involved.

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About the Unicorn Children’s Foundation

Unicorn Children’s Foundation is a 26-year-old non-profit organization that is dedicated to building communities of acceptance, support, and opportunity for kids and young adults who are challenged by special needs and neurodiversity by supporting or developing its cradle to career pathways. Our initiatives connect families to community resources, advocate for inclusive opportunities, respect differences, empower individuals, and support success. With 1 in 6 children being diagnosed with a developmental or learning disorder, we believe it is our responsibility to create a world where all children’s potential can flourish. To learn more about the Unicorn Children’s Foundation visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org. Also available on Facebook and Twitter.

Holiday Events in Wellington

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Holiday Events in Wellington

Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Wellington
Looking to get into the holiday spirit this December? Look no further than your Great Hometown! Wellington offers a whole host of fun, family activities scheduled for you and your loved ones throughout the month!

Friday, December 3rd  |  Holiday Cultural Celebration
Start your December festivities off with a Holiday Cultural Celebration on Friday, December 3rd, offered in conjunction with the Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center. Recognizing holidays and traditions across cultures, the celebration will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the lawn between the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard) and Village Hall, adjacent to the promenade. Attendees are invited to celebrate Wellington’s ethnic diversity and culture with a holiday tree lighting at 6:00 p.m., along with food, live performances, vendors, and readings of “‘Twas a Night Before Christmas”, “Latke, the Lucky Dog”, and “We Celebrate Kwanzaa”. A number of children’s holiday characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities, plus enjoy a very special visit with the big man in red himself—Santa Claus! Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/HolidayCelebration for more information.

Friday, December 3rd & 17th  |  Holiday Shopping at the Lakeside Market
Get in your last-minute gift shopping, support local small businesses, and enjoy one of Florida’s beautiful winter evenings outdoors at the Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center! Browse unique gifts and handcrafted goods while shopping with a variety of artists, crafters, bakers, makers, and more. A number of food and beverage vendors will also be on-site offering a selection of items for purchase. The market will be open on Friday, December 3rd, and Friday, December 17th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wellington’s Town Center promenade. Learn more about the market, and view the vendor list, at www.wellingtonlakesidemarket.com. 

Friday, December 10th  |  Winterfest 2021
Winterfest, hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington, is making its return to the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard) on Friday, December 10th, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Featuring headline performer, music icon, philanthropist, actor, and TV star “Vanilla Ice”, the event will include live music and dance performances, exhibitors, retail and holiday shopping, food vendors, lounge(s) for adult attendees, kids activities, and more! Complimentary on-site and shuttle parking will be available. Visit www.wellingtonchamber.com for more information.

Saturday, December 11th  |  31st Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic
Grab your fishing tackle and get ready to reel in “the big one” at the 31st Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic on Saturday, December 11th. This year’s free fishing tournament will be held at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road), and is presented by the Village of Wellington in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Building Up Sports Academy. The tournament is open to all local children, ages 15 and younger. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., followed by the tournament from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and awards and fish tales from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place (based on a point system of fish caught and released) in each age group: 6 and under; ages 7 to 9; ages 10 to 12; and ages 13 to 15. Learn more at www.wellingtonfl.gov/HolidayFishing

Saturday, December 11th  |  Holiday Boat Parade
Come watch as local residents and boating enthusiasts “light up the lake” with the Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. Approximately 30 festive, decorated boats are expected to cruise in the parade. Visible from the Town Center Promenade, the boats will pass behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard) around 6:30 p.m. Those interested in participating should contact Jack Brownson at jbrownson@comcast.net for more information.

Sunday, December 12th  |  37th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade
“Holiday Dreams”
The Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and The Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, returns on Sunday, December 12th.  Enjoy a free day of fun and festivities with a judged parade filled with imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes, and more. The parade begins at 1:00 p.m. and winds its way down Forest Hill Boulevard, from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. Vendors will be on-site at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard) with goodies available for purchase. Grab your family and your sneakers and come on out for this fantastic holiday event! Visit www.cpbcchamber.com for more information.

Sunday, December 19th  |  Annual Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K
The Annual Wellington Holiday Jingle Bell Run 5K returns to Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Sunday, December 19th. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring out a new unwrapped toy to be donated to families in the Village of Wellington community as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. All participants will be provided with jingle bells to wear on their shoes prior to the start of the race. For more details, and registration information, visit www.active.com.

Friday, December 17th  |  Free Showing of “The Polar Express”
Enjoy a free showing of the classic holiday film “The Polar Express (G)” on Friday, December 17th at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). “When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe” (Google). The movie begins at 7:00 p.m. Bring your own blankets or chairs for seating.

Little Smiles 12th Annual Toy Drive

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Little Smiles 12th Annual Toy Drive

LITTLE SMILES 12th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE STRIVES TO BRING MORE HOLIDAY CHEER TO LOCAL FAMILIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Palm Beach Gardens, FLA. – (November 22, 2021) – In 2020, Little Smiles annual holiday toy drive distributed nearly 10,000 toys impacting over 6,800 families from Palm Beach to Miami Dade counties. The gifts bring smiles to newborns – 18 years old and are distributed to collection centers for families in need to pick up and directly to Little Smiles’ thirty-two pediatric partners. 

“The holidays are a special time of year, especially for children. We help families who are struggling financially for a variety of reasons. Our goal is simple,” said Executive Director Nicole Mercado, to put smiles on kids’ faces during the holidays. We give families who are struggling a helping hand and let kids be kids to enjoy the magic of the holidays.”

Due to the nationwide shortage of toys, widespread supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages, those considering donating are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. With the need greater than ever, Little Smiles is making it easier than ever to donate. Ways to donate include texting LITTLESMILES to 44321, shopping online from the Amazon Wishlist, dropping off toys at the Little Smiles’ North Pole at Harbourside Place in Jupiter, or in locations that can be found at littlesmilesfl.org throughout Palm Beach County. Donations of any amount can be made online at littlesmilesfl.org.

Little Smiles provides year-long support bringing joy and smiles to the many impacted children, caregivers, and families at local hospitals and other facilities. The organization’s donations provide fun events for children undergoing a variety of hardships. They provide movie night, arts and crafts, and comfort foods to stock hospital pantries. In addition, they fulfill individual needs and requests such as providing a toy to help distract a child after surgery, pajamas to stay extra comfy during their time at the facility, or even a cake and a present to celebrate a birthday during their time at one of the facilities. For more information, visit littlesmilesfl.org.

About Little Smiles Florida

Little Smiles is a not-for-profit organization operating in Palm Beach County and the greater Southeast Florida region. The charity was founded in 1999 by local businessman, Paul L. Donohue, who saw a need and inspired the community to bring comfort and joy to children and their caregivers at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Little Smiles now partners with thirty-two pediatric facilities from St. Lucie to Miami that include hospitals, medical day care centers, shelters, foster care homes and medical support facilities. Their mission is to help kids during difficult times. They provide smiles to children and their support staff with fun events including movie night, arts and crafts, and snack breaks. They fulfill individual needs and requests such as providing a toy to help distract a child after surgery, pajamas to stay extra comfy during their time at the facility, or even a cake and a present to celebrate a birthday during their time at one of the facilities. 

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Calendar Listing:

Now through December 25, 2021, Little Smiles (12th Annual Holiday Toy Drive) is collecting toys for newborns – 18 years old. The gifts will be distributed to collection centers for families in need to pick up and directly to Little Smiles’ thirty-two pediatric partners that include hospitals with children fighting life threatening illnesses, medical day care centers, shelters, foster care homes and medical support facilities. Ways to donate include texting LITTLESMILES to 44321, shopping online from the Amazon Wishlist, dropping off toys at the Little Smiles’ North Pole at Harbourside Place in Jupiter, or in locations that can be found at littlesmilesfl.org throughout Palm Beach County. Donations of any amount can be made online at littlesmilesfl.org.

Boone the Beagle Steals the Show at the American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards

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Boone the Beagle Steals the Show at the American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards

Boone the Beagle Steals the Show at the American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards

A Constellation of Human and Animal Stars Come Together to Honor our Nation’s Most Courageous Canines

Winner, Winner, Doggie Dinner:

Boone the Beagle, winner of the Hero Dog Awards

SOUTH FLORIDA – On November 12, a glamorous constellation of animal lovers, celebrities, and seven brave canines convened for the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards® Gala at Eau Palm Beach Resort in Manalapan, Florida, to celebrate the nation’s top dogs.

The winner of the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards was Boone, a 4-year-old beagle who survived heartbreaking cruelty as a puppy resulting in the loss of his back legs. His sweet nature and non-stop enthusiasm for life never quits, and Boone’s story of resilience makes him a perfect fit for his new profession as a therapy dog. Boone, a true hero, inspires those around him every day to overcome the obstacles life throws in their path.

Following Boone’s crowning as America’s Top Hero Dog, guests danced the night away to the music of singer Cande Rivers.

The 11th annual Hero Dog Awards, sponsored by the internationally renowned philanthropist Lois Pope, were hosted by American Humane CEO and president Dr. Robin Ganzert alongside American television personality, Carson Kressley. The program also featured appearances by film and television star Vivica A. Fox, Grammy-winning musical headliner Lisa Loeb, country star Naomi Judd, USMC Colonel Scott Campbell (Ret.), Rear Admiral Tom Kearney (Ret.), distinguished veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and Zoetis’ EVP and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McFarland. 

The real shining stars of the evening, however, were the seven 2021 Hero Dog Awards finalists: Deputy Chance, Sobee, Boone, Henna, K-9 Hansel, Little Man, and Staff Sergeant Summer. 

About American Humane

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches Receives $5 Million Bezos Day 1 Families Fund Grant to Help End Homelessness for Families in Palm Beach County

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Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches Receives $5 Million Bezos Day 1 Families Fund Grant to Help End Homelessness for Families in Palm Beach County

Day 1 Families Fund grants $96.2 million to 32 nonprofits across the country to provide shelter for children and families in need

LAKE WORTH, Fla. – (November 17, 2021): Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending and preventing family homelessness in Palm Beach County, today announced that it has been selected to receive a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund—the largest grant in Adopt-A-Family’s history. Launched in 2018 by Amazon founder and executive chair Jeff Bezos, the Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter and hunger support to address the immediate needs of young families. 

“We cannot thank the Day 1 Families Fund enough for providing our agency and county with a path to a reality where all children have a safe place to sleep each night,” said Matt Constantine, CEO of Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches. “We are extremely grateful for this award and look forward to providing housing and hope to those who might not otherwise be served.”

This one-time grant will allow the Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches to significantly expand and enhance community efforts to end family homelessness in Palm Beach County through diversion, shelter and rapid re-housing initiatives. The magnitude of the grant will enable Adopt-A-Family to swiftly bring hundreds of unsheltered families with children to safety and a stable housing solution.  

Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches was selected as a Day 1 Families Fund grant recipient by an independent advisory board comprised of homelessness experts with experience in policy, advocacy, racial equity, child welfare and housing and service delivery, as well as firsthand experience in homelessness.

This year, the Day 1 Families Fund issued a total of $96.2 million in grants to 32 organizations across the country. The 2021 Day 1 Families Fund grant recipients are: ACLAMO; Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches; Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless, Inc.; All Chicago Making Homelessness History; AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement); Building Changes and Africatown International; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa; Colorado Coalition for the Homeless; Covenant House Alaska; Destination: Home; Doorways; Family Life Center; Family Service League; Friends of the Family; Homeless Action Network of Detroit; Homeward; LifeMoves; Lubbock Open Door; Mesilla Valley Community of Hope; Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter & Services; Mississippi United to End Homelessness; Newcap, Inc.; Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA); Portland Homeless Family Solutions; Project Community Connections, Inc.; Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP); Sacramento Steps Forward; SHELTER, Inc.; Texas Homeless Network; The Link; Tri-County Community Action Agency, Inc.; and Union Station Homeless Services.

The Bezos Day One Fund made a $2 billion commitment to focus on making meaningful and lasting impacts in two areas: funding existing non-profits that help families experiencing homelessness, and creating a network of new, non-profit tier-one preschools in low-income communities. The Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter and hunger support to address the immediate needs of young families. Since 2018, the Day 1 Families Fund has issued 130 grants totaling more than $398 million to organizations around the country working to combat homelessness and help families gain housing support and stability. The vision statement comes from the inspiring Mary’s Place in Seattle: no child sleeps outside. For more information, visit www.BezosDayOneFund.org/Day1FamiliesFund. 

About Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches

Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches’ mission is to support families with children in their efforts to achieve stability and self-sufficiency by providing access to all-encompassing services. The organization is dedicated to providing programs, services, and solutions to families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. To achieve its mission, the agency provides an emergency shelter, 112 housing units, rental assistance, case management, afterschool care for elementary school students, mental health services, and job coaching. To learn more about the work that Adopt-A-Family does in Palm Beach County, please visit www.adoptafamilypbc.org or contact (561) 253-1361.

ARTS GARAGE Announces Upcoming Events: Leslie Gold, Garage Queens, and Annual Gala

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ARTS GARAGE Announces Upcoming Events: Leslie Gold, Garage Queens, and Annual Gala

(Delray Beach, FL – November 16, 2021) Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today announced several upcoming shows and events in January and February 2022:

Tuesday, January 25, at 7 pm

Leslie Gold: Lessons for Our Future Selves

“The Radio Chick” is the on-air name for Leslie Gold who has spent her career as a top rated, major market on-air media talent, and successful entrepreneur. Her current passion is the acclaimed A Life’s Story Podcast series, the resultant work creating personal audio documentaries of the life stories of parents and grandparents for families; and speaking to groups on the subject of “Rethinking Aging.”

Tickets: $15

Fridays, January 28 & February 25, at 8 pm

Garage Queens

Back by Delicious and Divine Demand, the Fierce, Fabulous and Fascinating Garage Queens on the last Friday of every month in 2022. These jaw-dropping, crowd-tickling, glitter-glowing shows will be hosted by the inimitably exquisite “Diva, Icon and Legend” Ariel Rimm, and will feature some of South Florida’s most electrifying drag entertainers: Adelaide, Citris, and Angie Ovahness Pryce, along with special surprise guests, all stunningly coiffed and bedecked.

Tickets: $35 & $40

Saturday, February 26, at 6:30 pm

Arts Garage 11th Annual Gala

A Night at the Copacabana

Featuring the Chino Nunez Orchestra

The most important fundraiser each year at Arts Garage, the Gala will include live music, a silent and live auction, complimentary cocktails, and a plated dinner by Chez Gourmet. Attendees will love the Latin flair that Chino Nunez brings from salsa to merengue. Festive attire is admired but not required.

Tickets $150 & $200 and sponsorships are available as well.

How to Get Tickets:

Tickets for all four of these exciting events are available for purchase by calling the Box Office at 561.450.6357 or going online to www.ArtsGarage.org.

About Arts Garage:

Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.

Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Arts Garage is located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33483). For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.

KRAVIS CENTER to Offer Five Special Holiday Concerts & Shows

Azwad Ahmed
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KRAVIS CENTER to Offer Five Special Holiday Concerts & Shows

(West Palm Beach, FL – November 15, 2021) The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate the joyous holiday season with five different concerts, shows and special presentations:

Cirque Dreams Holidaze – November 26-28
The Hip Hop Nutcracker– December 10
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical – December 23
Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation – December 27-31

Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert – January 1    

November 26-28 (Friday through Sunday)
+ Friday at 7:30 pm
+ Saturday at 2 pm & 7:30 pm
+ Sunday at 2 pm
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Cirque Dreams Holidaze electrifies the holiday season with a reimagined live family holiday spectacular. Featuring unforgettable performances, this critically-acclaimed extravaganza is both a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.
Alexander W. DreyfoosConcert Hall 
Tickets start at $29
Sponsored by M&T Bank / Wilmington Trust
With support from WPEC CBS 12

December 10 at 8 pm (Friday)
The Hip Hop Nutcracker(PEAK)
The Hip Hop Nutcracker, directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. Performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, along with a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of Hip Hop’s founding fathers, this remixed and reimaged version of the classic is a one-of-a-kind way to kick-off the holidays!
Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall 
Tickets start at $25
This PEAK performance is made possible by a grant from the MLDauray Arts Initiative in honor of Leonard and Sophie Davis.

December 23 at 1 pm & 7 pm (Thursday)
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
(Family Fare)
The beloved TV classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. See all of your favorite characters as they come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall 
Tickets start at $21
Sponsored by The Stiller Family Foundation

December 27-31 (Monday through Friday)

+ Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm
+ Wednesday at 2 pm & 7:30 pm
+ Friday at 7 pm & 10 pm* (New Year’s Eve)

Forbidden Broadway:
The Next Generation
Forbidden Broadway returns with hilarious new musical spoofs of Moulin Rouge, the all-Yiddish Fiddler on the Roof, Hadestown, this season’s dark Oklahoma! revival, along with Dear Evan Hansen, Tootsie, Beetlejuice, Frozen, and a whole new generation of Broadway stars. Plus exciting impersonations of Bette Midler, Andre de Shields, Bernadette Peters, Lin-Manuel Miranda, plus some classic laughs from The Lion King, Phantom, Les Miz, and more.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse
Tickets start at $43.50
*Includes New Year’s Eve champagne toast

January 1 at 8 pm (Saturday) 
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert  
Timeless music, dazzling costumes, breathtaking dance. The exuberant music of Johann Strauss springs to vibrant life in a joyful spectacle featuring dancers, and full orchestra. Energetic, lighthearted, and romantic, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert is a celebration of every exciting opportunity the New Year has to offer.
Presented by the Kravis Center and Attila Glatz Concert Productions.
Alexander W. DreyfoosConcert Hall 
Tickets start at $35
Sponsored by Margaretta Taylor

How to Purchase Tickets to These Holiday Shows:

Tickets can be purchased online through the Kravis Center’s website www.kravis.org or by phone at 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471

Health and Safety for These Performances:
The Kravis Center remains committed to the health and safety of our artists, staff, audience, volunteers, and guests. Like many other performing arts centers throughout the country, we have implemented new health and safety protocols to ensure the comfort and enjoyment for everyone visiting the Center. To learn more about our current health and safety protocols visit kravis.org/healthsafety.

About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:
The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive arts education programs—serving nearly 3 million schoolchildren since its inception; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. For information, please visit kravis.org.

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