The 47th Annual Hispanic Heritage Gala, presented by Florida Crystals, was held on Friday Sept. 20 at the Hilton Palm Beach, in the International Ballroom. The event was emceed by Tania Rogers, anchor with WPB News Channel Five. Entertainment was provided by Jaime Cuadra, a well known Peruvian singer, musician and composer. Co Chairs of the event were Theresa LePore and Susy Diaz Piesco. Special presentations were made by Fabiana DesRosiers CEO of HHRC and Caroline Villanueva, of the presenting sponsor Florida Crystals. The event benefits the Hispanic Human Resources Council. For more information about HHRC, check out their website at hhrcinc.org.
The 33rd Annual Chamber of Commerce’s of the Palm Beaches’ Athena Awards was held on Wednesday, Sept 18 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The event was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known as Athena for her strength, courage and enlightenment. The event annually recognizes brave and devoted women for their dedication to the community and for helping other people, including women. For more information about the Chamber and their events, check out their website at www.palmbeaches.org.
Community invited to attend the Indian Festival of Lights celebration
Palm Beach County– Indians and non-Indians alike will gather on October 26, 2024, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Palm Beach Majestic Ballroom located at 150 Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida, for the 4th Annual Diwali Celebration hosted by the Wellington Desi Association. The event promises an exciting array of Bollywood-style performances, Bingo, raffles, and prizes. Ticket holders will enjoy a night of dancing with a DJ and indulge in diverse, flavorful Indian cuisine, and an evening of togetherness in celebration of the popular holiday.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important festival celebrated worldwide to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. During Diwali, homes are traditionally illuminated with vibrant lights and candles, creating a warm and symbolic atmosphere—a feeling that will be mirrored at the 4th Annual Diwali Celebration. Last year’s festivities attracted around 350 guests from all backgrounds and cultures, a testament to the original vision set forth by the Wellington Desi Association.
“We started our nonprofit, Wellington Desi Association (We-Desi), to raise awareness about Indian culture and connect Indians and non-Indians alike to some of our dynamic traditions and customs,” said Minal Doshi, treasurer. “We are incredibly grateful to have supportive sponsors who share our vision and help make these events possible.”
This year’s sponsors committed to honoring cultural enrichment include Hilton Palm Beach PBI, Integrity Dental, Khanna House Studios, Masala Mantra, Sapneil Tutoring, Shree MRI, and Sonia’s Realty. Supporting an event that celebrates diversity and inclusion underscores a commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It presents an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, which can lead to innovative solutions and stronger community bonds.
The community is encouraged to get their tickets early as no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $50 per person, including appetizers, dinner, and entrance. Kids under 18 are free with a paying adult. Additional children are $25 per person. Guests should bring cash for Bingo and the raffle. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or tickets, please contact Minal Doshi at wellingtondesiassoc@gmail.com
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Wellington Desi Association Corp (We-Desi) is a Florida registered nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Indian culture among both Indians and non-Indians. Although based in Wellington, Palm Beach County, FL, We-Desi aims to extend its cultural reach beyond the local community.
Officially registered in August 2022, the association is renowned for hosting two major events each year—Holi in the spring and Diwali in the fall—each attracting nearly 300-400 attendees.
Leading the organization are Vikram Doshi, President, and Minal Doshi, Treasurer, both of whom are prominent figures in Wellington’s Indian community. They reside with their family in the Olympia residential community, contributing significantly to the association’s activities. Neeraj Mendiratta further supports the organization as Secretary, who also calls Olympia home with his family.
Their journey from students to mentors is a testament to the profound influence of Student ACES, a 501c3 with the mission to Create Champions, through character and leadership programs for high school student athletes.
Trey Green’s words resonate with gratitude and purpose: “Student ACES and The SAC are by far the best programs I could be a part of, and it has changed my life significantly.” This sentiment is echoed by Tajelia “Peaches” Green, who affirms, “Student ACES is truly transformative, and I would not be the young woman I am now without this program.” DeJuan Miller adds depth to their shared experience, stating, “Looking back, the amount of appreciation I have for this program can’t be put into words.”
Since inception in 2013, Student ACES (ACE: Athletics, Community, Education) has shaped the leaders of tomorrow by creating a pathway for young men and women to achieve the highest standards of leadership. Through customized character education programs, incorporating the 9 ACES core values – Command Respect, Honor Your Word, Aspire to Greatness, Maintain Courage, Possess a Work Ethic Second to None, Inspire Others, Own a Winning Attitude, Never Settle, Sacrifice for Self and Team – student-athletes have the opportunity to engage with one another and learn through the application of case studies in an interactive environment. Student ACES has one physical location in Belle Glade – The Student ACES Center, better known as The SAC.
The organization was founded in 2013 by father-daughter team Buck Martinez, who today is the president of the board, and Krissy Webb who oversees the organization as executive director. The inspiration for Student ACES stemmed from their desire to see every student achieve a foundation of leadership that would generate positive outcomes and tremendous success in the students’ lives.
Peaches, Trey, and DeJuan serve as living examples of the program’s success, inspiring current students to envision a future where they too can make a significant difference. Their presence as staff members creates a powerful connection between past and present, fostering a sense of continuity and community within The SAC.
The impact of their involvement extends far beyond personal growth. These three individuals were instrumental in shaping the programs and concepts that define The SAC today. Their unique perspective as former students have allowed them to create initiatives that make sense to the current generation of participants. By infusing their own experiences into the fabric of The SAC’s mission, they’ve ensured that the programs remain relevant, engaging, and truly transformative.
The ripple effect of their dedication is evident in the evolving landscape of Belle Glade. As they pour their energy and insights into guiding the next generation, they’re not just changing individual lives – they’re transforming the entire community. Their work at The SAC is creating a cycle of positive change, where today’s students are inspired to become tomorrow’s leaders and mentors.
Their journey from students to staff members is a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of mentorship and community investment. As they continue to shape the future of The SAC and influence the lives of students, Peaches, Trey, and DeJuan stand as beacons of hope and inspiration for Belle Glade and beyond.
The success of these three individuals is not just a personal triumph but a victory for the entire community. It showcases the transformative power of programs like Student ACES and The SAC, highlighting how investing in leadership education and character development can create a brighter future for all. As Peaches, Trey, and DeJuan continue to lead by example, they pave the way for a new generation of leaders who will undoubtedly continue this cycle of positivity in Belle Glade and beyond.
Promises a ‘Spooktacular & Boolicious’ Halloween Party at
ROB RUSSELL’S OPEN MIC
At Café Centro
Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 pm to ????
‘No Costumes Required – But Encouraged!’
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 8, 2024) On Wicked Wednesday, October 30, Master Showman Rob Russell, who is widely recognized as “Mr. Palm Beach,” will be hosting a “Spooktacular” Halloween Party at Café Centro, located at 2409 N. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. From 6:30 pm to ???, he will host Rob Russell’s Open Mic, at which members of the audience—including some of his multi-talented friends and cabaret headliners—will perform favorite and familiar tunes from the worlds of Broadway, Hollywood, jazz, and the Great American Songbook.
“My fun and famous Open Mic nights are always a big hit, and this will be particularly ‘boolicious’ as we musically celebrate Halloween at Café Centro,” says Rob Russell. “This is the perfect opportunity to Trick-or-Treat yourself, so wear an ‘eerie-sistable’ costume and make Halloween 2024 the one that you will always remember with giddy delight.”
“No costumes are required but re enthusiastically encouraged—and prizes will be awarded,” adds Russell. “This is going to be a really fun event that is sure to sell-out quickly, so I encourage all of my friends and fans to RSVP ASAP at 561.514.4070.”
As he does with his popular bimonthly Open Mics at Café Centro, Russell will introduce musical numbers from talented people in the audience including a special guest or two, such as his s such as all-star cabaret chums. They will be accompanied on the piano by Kim Forman, who studied with jazz legend Marian McPartland.
“Sing alone or sing along, everyone is welcome,” promises Russell, who has been wowing local audiences for years, from his early days at the Governor’s Club at Phillips Point to his nearly two decades as producer and emcee of the world-famous Royal Room Cabaret at The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach. A sophisticated song stylist, recording artist (his popular CD Hello Again), and—after graduating top in his class at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting—Dick Robinson’s fill-in tune-spinner on Legends Radio 100.3 FM, Rob Russell has amassed numerous fans of his audience-wowing musical talents and flashy show biz anecdotes. In fact, the ever dapper, occasional tapper Russell has been known to get music lovers and fans to jump up, dance between tables, and join in the revelry.
For dinner reservations to Rob Russell’s Open Mic & Halloween Party at Café Centro, please call 561.514.4070. For more information, please visit www.cafecentrowpb.com.
Event Takes Place Saturday, Oct. 19 as the Panthers face the Vegas Golden Knights
West Palm Beach, FL – As part of its ongoing mission to increase survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by elevating public awareness on the importance of screening and early detection, Promise Fund has partnered with the Florida Panthers and Baptist Health Cancer Care for its 3rd annual Pink in the Rink event, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 19, starting at 7 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.
The event will honor those currently battling breast cancer, as well as those who have overcome it, and showcase the dedicated members of the local medical community who work fearlessly to help their patients overcome the disease.
“We are both humbled and honored to partner with our hometown Stanley Cup Championship team,” said Nancy Brinker, Promise Fund Founder. “The Florida Panthers and Baptist Health Cancer Care have become invaluable partners in helping us amplify our mission to ensure women in our community have an opportunity to get screened and receive potentially life-saving information on early detection.”
“For the third year in a row, we are so proud to partner with Promise Fund and Baptist Health Cancer Care to present this special night at a Panther game,” said President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito. “Please join us and support in any way you can, sharing your story, wearing pink, or sharing a message with individuals who need to hear it. Let’s fight together.”
All fans in attendance will receive a pink LED baton courtesy of Baptist Health Care Center, with a portion of general admission tickets benefitting Promise Fund. ABOUT PROMISE FUND Promise Fund, founded in 2018, is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond. To learn more, visit thepromisefund.org. Follow on Instagram @thepromisefundand on Facebook @PromiseFundofFL.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA PANTHERS The Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup championship in their 30th anniversary season in 2023-24 following a thrilling seven-game Stanley Cup Final series with the Edmonton Oilers. The NHL’s southernmost team, the Panthers have earned a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past two seasons and reached the postseason in a club-record five consecutive campaigns. Under President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito and Head Coach Paul Maurice the Cats are a tenacious, dynamic and exciting team led by captain Aleksander Barkov, superstar forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. At home in Sunrise, Fla., at Amerant Bank Arena, the Panthers welcome fans from the tri-county area, the South Florida region and beyond. An organization with deep roots in the community, their pillar program ‘Heroes Among Us’ honors a United States military veteran at every game.
A Chat with Award Winning Comedy Writer Alan Zweibel
DIVINE DRAMATIC DIVAS – February 24
Dishing with Andrew Kato and Three Celebrated Actors:
Elizabeth Dimon, Angie Radosh, and Karen Stephens
THE ULTIMATE MUSICAL FINALE – April 14
With Rob Russell, Avery Sommers & Special Surprise Guests
(Lake Worth Beach, FL – October 1, 2024) Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County today touted three fun and fascinating conversations in 2025 during the 20th season of the popular series:
CULTURE & COCKTAILS
At The Ben
January – April 2025
“Cheers to 20 Years! The Cultural Council is proud to present three CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations in early 2025 featuring some exciting personalities from the worlds of entertainment—all at our beautiful venue, The Ben, in downtown West Palm Beach,” says Lawrence. “All three events will be held in the hotel’s gorgeous Blue Heron Ballroom, a popular rooftop venue with outdoor terrace and stunning water views, overlooking the intracoastal packed with pleasure boats and yachts.”
The Ben is located at 251 N. Narcissus Avenue in West Palm Beach. Free valet parking will be provided for each of the Monday evening CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations, running from 5 to 7 pm.
January 6
LAUGH LINES
From Gilda Radner & Billy Crystal to Dave Barry & Larry David
A Chat with Emmy & Tony Award® Winning Comedy Writer
ALAN ZWEIBEL
An original Saturday Night Live writer, Alan Zweibel has won five Emmy Awards for his work in television, which also includes It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (which he co-created and produced), The Late Show with David Letterman and Curb Your Enthusiasm. A frequent guest on all the late-night talk shows, his theatrical contributions include his collaboration with Billy Crystal on the Tony Award winning play 700 Sundays, Martin Short’s Broadway hit Fame Becomes Me, and six off-Broadway plays including Bunny Bunny – Gilda Radner: A Sort of Romantic Comedy, which he adapted from his best-selling book. Zweibel has written 11 books including his cultural memoir titled Laugh Lines – My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier; the 2006 Thurber Prize winning novel The Other Shulman; the popular children’s book Our Tree Named Steve, a parody of the Haggadah — For This We Left Egypt? which he wrote with Dave Barry and Adam Mansbach, and Lunatics co-written with Dave Barry. In addition, he has appeared in episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Law & Order and can be seen in the documentary The Last Laugh about humor and the Holocaust; Judd Apatow’s Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (HBO), Gilbert about the life of Gilbert Gottfried, and the Emmy nominated CNN documentary he executive produced titled Love, Gilda.
Interviewer: Bill Boggs, a four-time Emmy Award-winning TV talk show host and producer, a professional speaker, and author of four acclaimed books. His shows ran on NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, ESPN, The Food Network, The Travel Channel, and Showtime, and hundreds of his interviews can be found at BillBoggsTV on YouTube.
February 24
DIVINE DRAMATIC DIVAS
Dishing with Andrew Kato
& Elizabeth Dimon, Angie Radosh, Karen Stephens
Andrew Kato is celebrating his 20th season at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre as the Producing Artistic Director/Chief Executive. During his tenure, he has produced over 95 productions and subscriptions have grown to over 7,000 patrons. Overall attendance has grown to nearly 100,000 guests annually, securing the Theatre to be one of the most successful regional theatres in the southeast. He was the Creative Consultant/Coordinating Producer on the Tony Awards® for 13 years, and his Broadway credits include Jelly’s Last Jam, Angels in America and the off-Broadway production of Cryptogram. In addition, he conceived and developed several musicals, including Switch!, Academy, 1001 Nights, Street Songs, Diva Diaries, Through the Looking Glass, and Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, which made its off-Broadway debut in September 2023.
+ Elizabeth Dimon has been part of South Florida’s theatre community for more than 30 years. She is a member of Actors Equity, SAG, and is a multiple Carbonell Award winner. Recent credits include Family Tree (Ronnie Larsen Presents/Plays of Wilton), Rooted (Theatre Lab at FAU), A Christmas Carol (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Into the Woods (Slow Burn Theatre Company), and A Doll’s House, Part II (GableStage). She has also performed at Palm Beach Dramaworks, Florida Stage, The Wick Theatre, Florida Stage, and more.
+ Angie Radosh recently had starring roles in Hello Dolly (Broadway at LPAC), the world premiere of La Shonda (Ronnie Larsen Presents/Plays of Wilton), and Boeing Boeing (Boca Stage at Delray Beach Playhouse). A three-time Carbonell Award winner and recipient of a Silver Palm Award, she also appeared in Exit The King (Palm Beach Dramaworks), Cabaret (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Suddenly Last Summer (Island City Stage) Mothers and Sons (GableStage), and Funny Girl, Beauty and the Beast, and The Music Man, all at The Wick.
+ Karen Stephens, a longtime member of the South Florida theatre community, has played pivotal roles in several productions over the last few seasons including Clyde’s at Zoetic Stage, The Cancellation of Laura Fein (Palm Beach Dramaworks), Time Alone (Boca Stage), Matilda (Slow Burn Theatre Company), and Dorothy’s Dictionary (Theatre Lab). A multiple Carbonell Award nominee and Best Actress winner for Fear Up Harsh (Zoetic Stage), she has received five Silver Palm Awards and is a longtime member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
April 14
THE ULTIMATE MUSICAL FINALE
With Rob Russell, Avery Sommers & Special Guests
This season’s closing CULTURE & COCKTAILS brings back two longtime favorites and frequent musical performers along with several surprise guests:
+ Rob Russell is a Master Showman widely recognized as “Mr. Palm Beach.” His popular monthly musical series Rob Russell’s Open Micruns twice monthly at Café Centro. From his years as the polished front man at the distinguished Governor’s Club at Phillips Point to his nearly two decades as producer and emcee of the world famous Royal Room Cabaret at The Colony Hotel, to his recent years as a singer, recording artist (his popular CD Hello Again), and—after graduating top in his class at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting —Dick Robinson’s fill-in tune-spinner on Legends Radio 100.3 FM, Rob Russell has amassed numerous fans of his audience-wowing musical talents and flashy show biz anecdotes. The ever dapper, occasional tapper Russell has even been known to get music lovers and fans to jump up, dance between tables, and join in the revelry.
+ Avery Sommers is a South Florida treasure with a “powerhouse” voice (The New York Times) and a charismatic stage presence. She appeared on Broadway in Ain’t Misbehavin’ replacing Nell Carter, Chicago, Showboat, and Broadway, and was in the first national tours of both The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (starring Ann-Margret) and Chicago (with Chita Rivera and Joel Grey), for which she won a Los Angles Ovation Award for Best Supporting Actress. On TV, she appeared on Miami Vice, many episodes of B.L. Stryker starring Burt Reynolds, and the CBS soap As The World Turns. Film credits include Lost Everything, Mysterious, Letters to God, and Hiding Victoria. A frequent headliner at The Colony Hotel’s Royal Room, Kravis Center, Palm Beach Institute for the Entertainment Arts, Café Centro, Arts Garage, and more, Sommers is both a Carbonell Award winner and a seven-time nominee, and recently received the prestigious Randolph A. Frank Prize for the Performing Arts.
The 2025 season of CULTURE & COCKTAILS is generously sponsored so far by The Roe Green Foundation, Roe Green, Founder; Donald M. Ephraim Family Foundation; Scott Teich, Senior Vice President, Teich Wealth Management of Raymond James; The Gardens Mall; Palm Beach Media Group; Palm Beach Daily News; Legends Radio; and PR-BS, a Boca-based public relations firm. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Please Note:
Admission to each one of next season’s CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben is $125 per person, and $165 for VIP Seating.
A Season Pass to all three Conversations is $300 per person, and $450 for VIP seating.
All proceeds from CULTURE & COCKTAILS go to support the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s mission to champion, engage, and grow the arts in Palm Beach County.
Also:
Topics and speakers are subject to change depending upon the availability of scheduled participants.
About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County. The Council features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artists in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center. The Council is currently open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from Noon to 5 pm. For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com.
The exhibit, which runs November 9, 2024 through April 6, 2025, traces the architectural world-building process of Japan’s most influential animated science fiction film, AKIRA. To highlight the artists, designers and director of the meticulous backdrops that bring to life the futuristic urban environments of this classic anime, co-curators Stefan Riekeles of Reikeles Gallery, Potsdam, Germany and Hiroko Kimura-Myokam of Eizo Workshop, Kaga City, Japan, spent years compiling these hand-drawn works of art.
Since its release in 1988, AKIRA was almost solely responsible for the boom in Japanese animation (anime) among an international audience during the early 1990s. For many viewers AKIRA was the first film that they perceived as anime – as specifically Japanese animation. As such, it had a tremendous influence on a whole generation of film enthusiasts. Much of AKIRA’s cinematic power stems from the opulent representation of the film’s iconic city of Neo-Tokyo.
More than 50 original production backgrounds, layout drawings and concept designs which had been used to create Neo-Tokyo in the animated feature will be on display. Exclusive access to the studio archives of the artists involved in AKIRA’s production allows the presentation of artworks that have never been shown outside of Japan and[中川真理1] only very few of them have ever been published. The exhibition includes works by Toshiharu Mizutani who served as the production’s art director and his colleagues Hiroshi Ono and Katsufumi Hariu.
This exhibition is presented in part by the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation.
Museum admission is $16 for adults; $14 for seniors; $12 for students and Military with ID; and $10 for children ages 6 to 17. Museum members and children under 6 are free.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
