(Palm Beach Gardens, FL – January 23, 2020) Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey, Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches (MCCPB), the largest faith-based community in Palm Beach County dedicated to serving the local LGBTQ+ community and its family members and friends, today invited friends and supporters to Rainbow Ball 2020. This is MCCPB’s largest annual fundraiser, a fun-filled evening of dancing and dining, entertainment and socializing, even an exciting Silent Auction.
Rainbow Ball 2020 co-chair Robert Ruff, MCCPB Senior Pastor Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey, co-chair Chris Ruff
Under the banner of “Respect – Dignity – Equality… for all,” this year’s Rainbow Ball will be held in the Majestic Ballroom of the Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach, the theme of this year’s event is Roaring 20s. The celebratory event is being co-chaired by Chris & Robert Ruff.
“Join us as we celebrate the work we do in our community, such as feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, protesting injustice, hosting recovery programs, supporting long-term survivors of HIV and providing spiritual growth,” says Rev. Marie. “The funds raised at this festive event will help MCCPB serve the local LGBTQ+ community and its allies.”
The Rainbow Ball will feature some delicious culinary creations such as chicken Marsala, grilled salmon, filet mignon and a vegetarian pasta primavera. Cocktail hour begins at 6:30 PM with a fully stocked cash bar that will be available throughout the evening. The festivities include the vocal and creative talents of some of Palm Beach county’s local artists.
One highlight of this year’s Rainbow Ball will be the presentation of MCCPB’s prestigious Ruby Slipper Award. This award goes to someone who as made a lasting and significant contribution to the LGTBQ+ community in Palm Beach county. Another highlight of the event will be the presentation of MCCPB’s Cherish Award. This award goes to someone within the church’s membership who has made an outstanding impact in the life of the church.
Tickets for MCCPB’s Rainbow Ball 2020 are $95 each. Group discounts are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.rainbowballmccpb.orgor call 561.331.0499.
About the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches:
The Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches is the largest faith-based community in Palm Beach County dedicated to serving the local LGBTQ+ community and its family members and friends. According to the church’s mission statement, “MCC of the Palm Beaches is called to celebrate and share God’s inclusive and transformative love through acts of worship, compassion and social justice.”
For nearly 40 years, Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches has been both a bulwark of strength and a source of solace and support for South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities.
MCCPB offers Sunday worship at 10:30 am. Because the church is made up of people from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, elements of the services reflect both traditions, including scripture readings, hymns and contemporary music, prayer and a communion table that is open to everyone.
For more information about the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches, which is located at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, please call 561.775.5900 or visit www.mccpb.org.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center receives mobile debris sorting station, and Project SHIELDfunds, at the Bank of America ribbon-cutting ceremony
JUNO BEACH, Fla. – Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) received a holiday gift that will cultivate conservancy in South Florida and further demonstrate Bank of America’s commitment to environmental sustainability. On Thursday, Dec. 12, LMC joined the bank at the Merrill Palm Beach Office for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the mobile marine debris sorting station’s completion. The station will assist the efforts of Project Shield – a multi-faceted program that provides conservation solutions to man-made threats faced by sea turtles.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Last year, Bank of America granted LMC funds to develop the mobile vehicle as part of the bank’s annual 12 Days of Giving initiative. In 2020, the bank is investing an additional $25,000 to spearhead Project Shield strategies as well. It is committed to helping local communities like Palm Beach thrive by forming strong partnerships with nonprofits that address the greatest issues residents face.
“We are grateful to our community partners who are helping us revolutionize the way we orchestrate beach cleanups, education, and overall conservation,” said LMC Board chairman Lynne Wells. “In 2019 alone, the Center removed more than 392,422 pieces of debris during beach and underwater cleanups. With this gift, we will be able to develop a greater understanding of the waste that’s harming marine life, ecosystems, and our everyday health.”
Stephanie Glavin, PB County Market Manager, Bank of America; Dan Markow, Merrill Market Executive, PB; Lynne Wells, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Loggerhead Marinelife Center; and Fabiola Brumley, PB County market president, Bank of America
The presented check will go to one of the cornerstones of LMC’s conservation efforts – Project Shield. Project Shield is a program that provides conservation solutions to fishing piers, recreational boaters, beach-side hotels, snorkel, and SCUBA operators. The program also bands with fishing charter operators, beach access points, and pollution prevention partners.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in 2020,” said Fabiola Brumley, Palm Beach County Market President, Bank of America. “By supporting initiatives like Project Shield, we are helping make a difference in the communities we serve and demonstrating strategies that can be scaled to have a significant impact across the globe.”
Kick-off the new year with conservation in mind! Join LMC in its next Juno Beach clean up on Saturday, February 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Respond to Lynne Wells at [email protected] if you plan on helping.
About Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is a nonprofit sea turtle research, rehabilitation and educational institution that promotes conservation of ocean ecosystems with a focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. The Center features an on-site hospital, research laboratory, educational exhibits and aquariums, and also operates the Juno Beach Pier, which hosts world-class angling and sightseeing. Situated on one of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting beaches, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is open daily and hosts over 350,000 guests free-of-charge each year. The Center’s conservation team works with 90 local and international organizations across six continents to form partnerships and share conservation initiatives and best practices that are core to its mission of ocean conservation. The Center is expanding and has launched its Waves of Progress capital expansion campaign, designed to accelerate and amplify LMC’s conservation and education impact. When complete, the facility will offer one of the world’s most advanced and unique experiences for guests and scientific partners. For more information, visitwww.marinelife.org or call (561) 627-8280.
About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida: Under the chairmanship of Ethel Isaacs Williams, Quantum Foundation is working to make Palm Beach County healthier, and its recent grant cycle for the last quarter of 2019 totaled $901,840 to fund Palm Beach County-based nonprofits.
Quantum Foundation’s mission is to fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. In 1998, Quantum Foundation marked its rookie year as one of Palm Beach County’s newest and largest philanthropic organizations with an impressive $7.6 million granted to more than 40 Palm Beach County projects. Just over 20 years later, with assets of approximately $155 million, the organization’s focus remains on keeping Palm Beach County healthy. Their awards to date total more than $145 million and have impacted hundreds of local nonprofit organizations. Every dollar the foundation grants continues to stay in the county to benefit local communities.
Of the ten grants allocated for the fourth quarter of 2019, $250,000 was distributed to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County for the Smith & Moore Family Teen Center to serve teens and families in the Belle Glade area.
“Quantum Foundation recognizes an individual’s opportunity to live a healthy life is determined by more than healthcare alone,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “Poor socioeconomic circumstances for families can often lead to negative health outcomes persisting in a community. Programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Smith & Moore Family Teen Center will provide an intervention to these negative social determinants of health for families in the Glades community.”
Construction has already started on the 13,860 square-foot building, which is on target to open in March 2020. The center is an expansion of programming already offered in the area, but the need is great enough to expand.
“The partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and Quantum Foundation on the Smith & Moore Family Teen Center in Belle Glade was a natural fit,” said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “Both organizations recognized a need in the Belle Glade community for the work our career readiness center will provide, including exposure to the many opportunities provided by a healthcare career. We are very fortunate to have come together to make this project a reality.”
The new teen center will house a digital media studio, makerspace, technology lab, culinary arts studio, and career readiness hub. “We are trying to break the cycle of the incredibly high poverty rates in the Glades and narrow the health disparities by increasing high school graduation rates, building essential life skills, and preparing members for post-secondary success,” Miranda said. “In turn, that will increase access to health and improve the community participation and health outcome.”
Teens will be introduced to many career paths in high-growth industries (healthcare, information technology, STEM, and culinary arts) and the requisite educational tracts. The organization estimates that by 2023, the center will serve 900 Glades-area teenagers who lack access to programs that foster the knowledge, skills, academic success, personal attributes and employment experience required to be college or career ready.
“Poverty rates in the Glades are incredibly high,” Miranda said. “In Belle Glade, it’s 36 percent of the population; in Pahokee, it’s 34 percent; and South Bay, that number is 38 percent. Comparatively, the poverty rate in Palm Beach County is 14.5 percent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 40 percent of families in the Glades with children under the age of 18 live below the poverty guidelines. Among Teen Center members, 55 percent of all members’ households earn less than $19,000 and 74 percent of households earn less than $29,000 per year, placing many well below the federal poverty level. Additionally, 61 percent of members reside in single-parent or other non-traditional family households. Those numbers are proof that we need to focus on the five overarching patterns we believe will help curb the social determinants that go along with poverty: academic and career readiness, the arts, character and leadership, healthy lifestyle and sports recreation and fitness.”
The center is targeted for middle and high school students, ages 12-18. The programming is already instilling self-worth into the students. “The Boys & Girls Clubs helped me in so many ways,” said Sulvamette S., a Smith & Moore Family Teen Center Club member. “One of the biggest changes I credit from being a Club member is an increase in confidence. With my new-found confidence, I decided to run for student body president, and I won! I am now a nominee for Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Youth of the Year.”
The name Smith & Moore reflects the donations of the Hon. Lesly Smith, former mayor of Palm Beach, and Danielle H. Moore, a member of the Palm Beach Town Council, for their efforts to support the capital campaign.
The construction of the new building is also providing jobs to local Belle Glade residents as priority was set on hiring people from that area.
Other grants in this recent cycle included:
• Children’s Bereavement Center (Palm Beach County) – Palm Beach Full-Service Site
$50,000
• Place of Hope (West Palm Beach) – Education and Awareness Campaign
$100,000
• Adopt-A-Family (Lake Worth) – Third Avenue Homes
$200,000
• Feeding South Florida (Boynton Beach) – Mini Mobile Farmacy
$100,000
• Habilitation Center for the Handicapped (Boca Raton) – Health Access, Awareness, and Education Programming
$50,000
• West Palm Beach Center for Arts and Technology (West Palm Beach) – WPBCAT
$30,000
• Pediatric Oncology Support Team (West Palm Beach) – Heroes’ Headquarters: Childhood Cancer Family Support
$50,000
• Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County (Palm Beach County) – Know Your Numbers Initiative
$35,000
• Florida Outreach Center for the Blind (Palm Springs) – Health Education and Training for Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals
$36,840
Groups funded by Quantum Foundation must meet strict grant criteria and must be classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All grants must benefit the people of Palm Beach County. For information about Quantum Foundation, or to learn about applying for grants, please visit http://www.quantumfnd.org/ or call 561-832-7497.
Wellington Dinner Dance raises over $230,000 for Boys & Girls Club
January 10 event benefits educational and arts programs at Wellington Boys & Girls Club
WELLINGTON, FL (January 10, 2020) – A beautiful and clear evening was the backdrop for the 32nd annual Wellington Dinner Dance, which raised over $230,000 for Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington.
Selling out for three consecutive years, the Dinner Dance is the Club’s largest fundraiser and took place on January 10 at the Wycliffe Country Club. Festivities kicked off with a speakeasy-inspired cocktail reception with butler passed hors d’oeuvres, Cirque Dreams performers and a silent auction.
Bjoern and Tracy Priske. Tracy Benson Photography.
The Roaring Twenties theme was carried onto the ballroom where striking centerpieces featured peacock feathers with jeweled chandeliers and various upcycled glassware adorned with orchids and hydrangeas.
“The 32nd Annual Dinner Dance was the best one yet! From the start, our fantastic committee planned every little detail, and it showed the entire night! I’m looking forward to year 33 and seeing what’s next for this event that supports such deserving kids!” said Nicolette Goldfarb, Advisory Board Chair
Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, welcomed guests who enjoyed a short dance routine presented by Club members, followed by a professional performance by Fred Astaire Dancers before a dinner and live auction. Cover band Hyryze brought guests to their feet with their rising tunes.
Nicolette Goldfarb, chairman of the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club, thanked supporters and event chairmen and committee members, followed by remarks from Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and State Attorney David Aronberg regarding their agencies’ support of the Club and the community.
Coming together as Co-chairmen were Georgina Bloomberg, Josh and Consuelo DeTillio, Hillary Dobbs, Dr. Richard and Julia Giroux, Charlene and Chris Ramos. Honorary Chairpersons were Dr. Edward and Maria Becker, Julie Khanna, and Julie and John Kime. Committee members include Nicolette Goldfarb, Susan Ferraro, Dr. Colette Brown-Graham, Julie Khanna, Julie Kime, Dr. Daxa Patel, Angie Payne, Tracy Priske, Char Ramos, Tawny Wolf.
Georgina Bloomberg and club members. Tracy Benson Photography.
Sponsors included Aegis Components, Inc., Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Evelyn V. McPherson Foundation, Neil S. Hirsch Family Foundation, Palms West Hospital & Medical Staff, Nicolette Goldfarb, Alonso & Associates, Inc., Complete Healthcare for Women of Wellington, Dr. Stechshulte, Envision, Hospitalist Group of Palm Beach, JFK Medical Center Staff, Julie and John Kime, Adams Coogler, P.A., Brenda and Frank McAdams, Florida Power & Light, Illustrated Properties, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Marley and Brett Overman, Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Urology Associates, Pediatrix, Tawny Wolf, The Passeroff & Liebman Families, Village of Wellington and Wellington Regional Medical Center.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County provide afterschool programs and summer camp to more than 9,400 boys and girls from ages 6 to 18 throughout the county. Clubs emphasize educational, vocational, social, recreational, health, leadership and character-building skills in a positive and safe atmosphere. Through quality programs, the Club experience gives children the guidance they need to make a healthy transition from childhood to young adulthood.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, State Attorney Dave Aronberg and Dorothy Bradshaw. Tracy Benson Photography.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
Founded in 1971, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for-profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health, leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun and constructive alternative to being home alone – they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The thirteen Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 9,400 children ages 6-18. For more information, please visit www.bgcpbc.org or call 561-683-3287.
New Details Released for Wellington Classic Brew Fest on February 8, 2020
Sample a wide variety of craft beers and hard ciders at the 2nd Annual Wellington Classic Brew Fest, hosted by the Village of Wellington in conjunction with BrewFest Partners on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The event takes place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Wellington’s Town Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), with early access VIP ticket-holder entry at 2:00 PM.
Guests, 21 and over only, will enjoy an impressive array of craft brews and hard ciders with more than 40 breweries from Florida and beyond, accompanied by an assortment of food trucks, craft beer-centric games, and live music by the Southern Blood Band.
An “axe-citing” new addition to the event, axe throwing with Game of Axes. Attendees will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills (waiver and closed toed shoes required) with the help and guidance of our on site axe-masters.
Shuttle Service & Ride Share
Parking is limited. Wellington Classic Brew Fest guests are encouraged to use the free shuttle service from the Mall at Wellington Green. Shuttle pick-up and drop-off will be located in front of The Beauty and the Beeeef Burger Bar (10300 Forest Hill Boulevard). Shuttles will begin running at 1:30 PM and will run continuously to and from the event. The last shuttle will depart at 6:15 PM.
Guests using a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft are asked to use the designated Uber / Lyft drop-off and pickup area, located in front of Wellington’s Village Hall (12300 Forest Hill Boulevard), to help reduce traffic congestion and avoid delays.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance online through Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/wellington-classic-brew-fest-2020-tickets-76074752633 (a service fee applies). Ticket quantities are limited. All ticket purchases, including day of sales, are subject to availability.
Ticket packages include:
VIP Pass Admission — $65 in advance, $70 day of event Advance purchase sales end February 7th, at midnight, or when sold out.
Early admission at 2 PM, exclusive sampling of limited release VIP beers, exclusive access to VIP tent area, food samples and give-a-ways, commemorative pint glass upon exit from the event
General Admission — $45 in advance, $50 day of event
Gates open at 3 PM, unlimited sampling, commemorative pint glass upon exit from the event
Designated Driver, $10
Unlimited soda and water, purchase online or at gate, commemorative pint glass upon exit from the event
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
Wellington’s Annual Tribute Music & Food Truck Festival Returns in February
The Annual Tribute Music and Food Truck Festival returns to the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard) in February, with two weekends full of food trucks, costumed character entertainment, and music by some of the best tribute bands in all of South Florida.
The Tribute Music and Food Truck Festival is FREE to attend. The festival is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, February 13th through 15th; and February 20th through 22nd. Approximately 10 to 15 food trucks will attend each event. Trucks will be on-site from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, and concerts will begin at 7:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for seating.
See the schedule below for the full concert lineup.
ELO Tribute by Ticket to the Moon
7:00 pm
Thursday, February 13th
KISS Tribute by Kiss Alive
7:00 pm
Friday, February 14th
Van Halen Tribute by Completely Unchained
7:00 pm
Saturday, February 15th
Abba Tribute by Almost Abba
7:00 pm
Thursday, February 20th
Eagles Tribute by The Long Run
7:00 pm
Friday, February 21st
Belladiva
Pop, R&B, Rock, Country & Disco
7:00 pm
Saturday, February 22nd
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Announces Honorees of Its Spring Luncheon
Palm Beach County, FL – The South Florida Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF) will hold its springtime “Book of Hope” Luncheon on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. Husband and wife CCF supporters, Kenneth and Jana Kahn, will be this year’s honorees.
Kenneth and Jana Kahn
Katie Keohane, executive director of the organization said that the generous couple has been living in South Florida for over 20 years. “As long-time supporters of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and numerous other local charities, the Kahn’s willingness to make a difference and help others is not only extraordinary, it is the true meaning of philanthropy,” she said.
Jana Kahn was born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia and graduated magna cum laud from Temple University. Kenneth Kahn graduated from Cornell with his bachelor’s and received his law degree from Harvard. Recognized often for his leadership and philanthropy, Kenneth currently sits on the board of many community and professional affiliations. Kenneth and Jana’s daughter, Tegan, was diagnosed several years ago with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
In 1977, Kenneth founded LRP Media Group, headquartered in Palm Beach County. The innovative media giant employs more than 500 professionals and serves millions of businesses and education professionals worldwide. The company produces five industry-leading print and digital magazines for key decision-makers and delivers 13 top-quality training and professional development conferences and tradeshows annually to more than 80,000 professionals.
“Being named honorees for this event is not something we take lightly,” shared The Kahn’s. “This disease is one that affects so many people. Our dedication to supporting the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is something we do proudly, and we encourage others to join us. Together, we are making great strides in finding treatment options and getting closer to a cure. “
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation is celebrating its 53nd anniversary of identifying and providing resources, support, and funding for patients and caregivers while working towards finding a cure for the millions affected by debilitating IBD. Funds raised will be put directly to work in practical ways such as the IBD Help Center (1-888-694-8872) where with one call, a team of trained information specialists can help patients find specific resources, obtain referrals to other organizations, and better understand their health insurance coverage.
The Boca Raton Resort and Club is located at 501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Tickets for the event are $150. For additional information, or sponsorship opportunities, contact staff member Marni Wyman at 561.218.2929 via the local chapter’s office at 21301 Powerline Rd, Suite 301, Boca Raton, FL 33433 or visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org/2020-spring-fling.
About the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who suffer from these diseases. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $350 million in research. Fueled by both local and national support, the Foundation has played a critical part in every major advancement in the field of IBD. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for the estimated 3.1 million people afflicted with IBD. For more information about the Foundation, or to help support critical efforts, please visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org.
Cincinnati Reds’ greatest catcher to head parade at South Florida Fair
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, widely regarded as “Baseball’s Greatest Catcher” and a member of Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine, is coming to the 2020 South Florida Fair. He will serve as the parade grand marshal on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. His appearance ties into the fair’s 2020 theme of “Play Ball. Play Fair!”
Johnny Bench
During Bench’s career he won two Most Valuable Player awards, two World Series Championships and 10 consecutive Gold Gloves. At the time, this was the most awarded to any catcher, in addition to setting the record for most home runs by a player at the position.
He now resides in South Florida as a father of two young boys while still maintaining a prominent presence in the game of baseball, being voted to the All-Century Team in 1999, Louisville Slugger Living Legend in 2011 and Franchise Four of the Cincinnati Reds in 2015 as voted on by the fans. Every year at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, he hosts the Johnny Bench Golf Classic benefiting education initiatives in Palm Beach County.
For more information, visit johnnybench.com or on Instagram, @johnnybench_5.
Also on January 25 from noon – 2 p.m. in the fair’s Expo East Theater, Davon Godchaux, the Miami Dolphins’ “Man of the Year,” and O.J. McDuffie, one of the top former Miami Dolphins wide receivers, will meet and greet fans and sign autographs.
About the South Florida Fair:
The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair/Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the 2020 South Florida Fair will kick off with its Ride-A-Thon at 5 p.m. on Jan. 16 and the full fair will be held Jan. 17 – Feb. 2. For more information, call (561) 793-0333 or visit the website, http://www.southfloridafair.com.
The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori, a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing, is used to make patterns on fabrics. Participants will learn various dyeing techniques and make their very own shibori scarf to take home. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.
Saturday, February 1 Family Fun: Setsubun
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required.
Held every February, Setsubun welcomes the arrival of spring and brings good luck for the New Year. Make a felt sushi roll, an ehomaki, traditionally eaten during Setsubun.
Dates vary
Sado: Tea Ceremony (Class) Time: Beginners – February 2, 16 or February 6, 20, 10:15am – 12:15pm
Intermediate – February 2, 16, 1pm – 4pm
Cost: $55 (Morikami Members $50). Advance Registration Required.
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering. To register, visit morikami.org.
Cost: $80 (Morikami Members $70). Advance Registration Required.
*Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School (Class)
Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $52.50). Advance Registration Required.
Ikebana, or flower arranging, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Japanese flower arranging has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school, which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55). Advance Registration Required.
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means, “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55). Advance Registration Required.
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means, “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.
Saturday, February 8
Moon Over Morikami Gala
Time: 6:30pm
Spend an exceptional evening beneath the moon at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens where the night’s proceeds will benefit Morikami’s 4Es: Exhibitions, Expansion, Educational & Emotional Wellness programs. The evening will feature fabulous food, wine and sake, sampling of Japanese cuisine from Katsuya’s award winning Chef, Hiro Asano, dancing to the energetic music of Libido, Miami’s premier live band, show stopping items up for bid and opportunities for gazing at the “Supermoon” through the finest high-powered telescopes assisted by world renowned astronomer and celestial explorer Dr. Ata Sarajedini. For more information or to purchase a ticket or table, visit morikami.org.
Friday, February 14 – Sunday, February 16
Sherry Wang Trunk Show and Artist Meet-and-Greet
Meet local artist Sherry Wang and scoop up her unique jade creations during our Valentine’s Day Weekend Sale. Receive a special gift with $50 purchase. Offer valid in-store only.
Saturday, February 15 Sado: The Way of Tea (Demonstration) Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm
Cost: $5 with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required.
Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of warm matcha green tea and sweet candy, will bring a calm perspective into your busy life. No reservations necessary unless for a group of 10 or more – to reserve, please call (561) 233-1367.
Saturday, February 15
Furoshiki: The Art of Japanese Fabric Wrapping (Workshop)
Time: 10:30am – 12pm or 1:30pm – 3pm
Cost: $35. Advance Registration Required.
People have used furoshiki, a square reusable wrapping cloth, since the 16th century to wrap objects of various shapes and sizes. Participants will learn how to wrap a wine bottle, fruit, books, and even make a tote bag from a furoshiki to take home. For more information or to register, visit morikami.org.
Sundays, February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15
The Art of Bonsai (Class) Time: Beginners – 1pm – 4pm
Intermediate – 9am – 12pm
Cost: $91 (Morikami Members $81). Advance Registration Required.
Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree, which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container. For a list of required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.
Wednesdays, February 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18 Japanese Traditional Music: Koto (Intermediate) (Class) Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150). Advance Registration Required.
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this five-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class. This class is for students with experience in koto. To register, visit morikami.org.
Saturday, February 22 Karesansui: Raking Demonstration (Demonstration) Time: 10:30am
Cost: FREE with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required.
Karesansui, or dry landscape garden, is founded on Zen ideology using carefully composed rock arrangements and gravel or sand. A karesansui is carefully raked to represent characteristics of water such as currents and waves while boulder arrangements may be interpreted as islands. Learn about our Late Rock Garden and observe how the raking can be a practice in mindfulness and meditation.
Saturday, February 22 & March 7
Nihongo Intensive II(Workshop) Time: 1pm – 5pm
Cost: $100. Advance Registration Required.
This intensive two-day workshop covers Units 2 and 3 of the required textbook and continues with hiragana reading and writing. The prerequisite for this course is Nihongo Intensive IWorkshop or the Nihongo Level I Part 1 Class. Students who complete this workshop may go on to the Nihongo Level I Part 3 Class. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.
Welcome to the Space Show.
Sunday, February 23 Film Screening: Welcome to the Space Show by Kōji Masunari & Masaaki Yuasa
(136 min., 2010, Not Rated)
Sponsored by The Rubens Family Foundation Time: 11am (Dubbed in English); 2pm (In Japanese, subtitled in English)
Cost: $5 with paid museum admission (Free for children ages 3 and under).
With an intergalactic cast of thousands, Kōji Masunari’s colorfully explosive debut feature sets a new high for visual spectacle and sheer inventiveness of character design – in what has to be one of the most gleefully surreal depictions of alien life forms ever portrayed in cinema. It seems like just another lazy summer is in store for Amane and her older cousin Natsuki. Lolling about the Japanese countryside, the days are blithe and boundless. But boredom quickly vanishes when they find an injured dog in the woods and bring him back to the cabin – only to discover that he is not a dog at all, but Pochi, an alien botanist sent to Earth to track down a rare and powerful plant called Zughaan (better known to Earthlings as wasabi root). Before long, Pochi has whisked the kids away to a space colony on the dark side of the moon, an interstellar melting pot where we experience a non-stop parade of humorous alien creatures, jellyfish spaceships, dragon trains, and a theme song from UK pop anomaly Susan Boyle. The plot twists come fast and furious, and with such a glorious barrage of color and invention washing across the screen, you just want to hit pause and gawk at the wonder of what you are seeing.
Saturdays, February 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28 Japanese Traditional Music: Koto (Beginner) (Class) Time: Beginner Level I – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Beginner Level II – 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150). Advance Registration Required.
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this five-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class. To register, visit morikami.org.
Saturday, February 29
Guest Artist Workshop: Paper-cutting with Hiromi Moneyhun – Uchiwa Fan (Workshop)
Sponsored by the Batchelor Foundation and Residence Inn Boca Raton by Marriott
Join guest artist Hiromi Moneyhun to create a unique piece of kirie (paper cut) artwork. Be introduced to her intricate style and her inspiration to create her whimsical and bold artwork. Learn special cutting techniques and get the chance to create your own paper cut artwork to take home. A kyo uchiwa is a type of traditional Japanese paddle fan from Kyoto. The designs that appear in a kyo uchiwa are traditional Japanese scenery, plants, and changing seasons. In this workshop, create a Florida-inspired kyo uchiwa of your own. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.
About Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese art and culture in South Florida since opening in 1977. Morikami invites guests to discover its South Florida’s history, connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens, each inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening. Visitors experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through engaging exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, a world-class bonsai display, Pan-Asian cuisine, and a distinctive museum store. The Morikami Museum is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446 | 561.495.0233 | morikami.org
Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments®
Promoting Community Collaboration
Wellington, FL – January, 2020 – At the heart of the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, has proudly hosted the Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) for the last decade. Having distributed $13.5 million to over 240 Palm Beach County non-profit organizations to date, the event’s organizing committee has witnessed a genuine impact in the community by connecting local non-profits, the equestrian community and generous donors.
Paige Bellissimo (right) presents the first place prize in the 2017 Great Charity Challenge.
Founded by father/daughter team Mark and Paige Bellissimo, the event’s sole purpose to date has been to fundraise and re-distribute 100% of the funds back to Palm Beach County non-profits, thanks to Equestrian Sport Productions’ generosity of covering all costs associated with the GCC.
To be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020, the event’s 11th edition is further committed to promoting capacity building, enabling and bouldering invaluable partnerships, as well as concentrating on amplifying the event’s impact.
The first initiative to follow this vision took place on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, in partnership with Extraordinary Charities, a Palm Beach County non-profit organization devoted to raising awareness of small but deserving local charities. All randomly pre-selected non-profit organizations were invited to join in on a round-table discussion about the potential of creating local non-profit partnerships.
“As previously mentioned, I believe life is about perspective, overcoming adversity, learning through experience, challenging convention and making a difference …. Often there is no right or wrong answer, only better or worse answers. However, more often than not, doing nothing is the worst answer,” comments Co-founder Mark Bellissimo. “Engaging in these conversations with the do-ers’ in our community, we believe in the opportunities that will rise from enabling these connections.”
In the spirit of collaboration, Achieve, a digital agency for nonprofits and causes, announced their Social Media Marketing Grant (valued up to $18,000) during the round-table event. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Great Charity Challenge this year,” says Director of Marketing Erica Linguanti. “We are always looking for unique ways to give back to our community and maximize impact, so this was a no-brainer for us. We can’t wait to leverage sophisticated social advertising tactics to help a deserving nonprofit further their mission and goals in 2020.”
Adopting a “holistic approach” to address individual needs, the feedback of participants was promising.
Christine Raymond, General Counsel at Extraordinary Charities, remarks “We are keenly aware not only of the challenges that face local nonprofits, but also the incredible heart and talent that is deployed every day in our community. Our efforts over the past year have been centered around minimizing the challenges while maximizing the impact of these organizations through connection and collaboration. We are optimistic that the conversations that took place this evening are the beginning of a whole new set of partnerships set to go to work in Palm Beach County.”
“We hope to become a facilitator of these partnerships,” adds Co-founder Paige Bellissimo. “Vulnerability typically exists across several sectors; we understand that one organization cannot tackle every angle on its own. However, with the (very) vast network of non-profits that exist in Palm Beach County, there is a true opportunity for these connections/partnerships to directly increase the impact of the services rendered, hopefully giving individuals the necessary tools towards sustainability.”
With February 1, 2020 marking National Freedom Day, PBIEC and the GCC are also proud to join forces with all 12 Wellington public schools to host a unique art initiative. The proposed initiative was made available for students in first through 12th grades, being given a 48”x60” blank canvas and asked to demonstrate what opportunities freedom offers while incorporating recycled materials, encouraging them to turn everyday trash into creative treasures.
This collaboration is in addition to the established initiatives, which shine light on their talents to thousands of spectators throughout the season, as well supports their PTA/PTO/PTSA’s fundraising efforts through the GCC (over $500,000 contributed to date).
A panel of judges from the Wellington Art Society (WAS) will once again facilitate the judging process and present the awards on the night of the event. The GCC guarantees a minimum of a $1,000 donation to each school’s art department for participating.
Donations and sponsorships from local families, foundations, businesses, vendors, exhibitors and spectators, ranging from $50 to $50,000, are what make the event reach its fundraising goal of over $1 million every year. Customized sponsorship opportunities start at $500 while donations of all levels are welcomed.
The GCC competition will offer free general admission and will be held Saturday evening, February 1, 2020, at 6:00 PM at the PBIEC, during WEF’s “Saturday Night Lights.” Free parking will be located at 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414, home to the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds.
With riders dressed up in costumes and horses adorned to match them, this year’s theme of “Broadway Musicals” will pay recognition to the wisdom commonly found in these plays. From “You can change the world if you change your mind” (Kinky Boots), “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise!” (Les Misérables) and “If you stand for nothing Burr, what will you fall for?” (Hamilton), all who attend the event will leave inspired to foster the change they wish to see in their own backyards.
For the latest event information, application process, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram at @greatcharitychallenge.
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s mission is to inspire better futures and deliver better outcomes for the customers and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $8.2 trillion, including discretionary assets of $3.1 trillion as of November 30, 2019, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers: helping more than 30 million people invest their own life savings, 22,000 businesses manage employee benefit programs, as well as providing more than 13,500 financial advisory firms with investment and technology solutions to invest their own clients’ money. Privately held for more than 70 years, Fidelity employs more than 40,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about.
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Fidelity Investments Institutional Services Company, Inc., 500 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917
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