Saturday, May 3, 2025
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SLATKOW & HUSAK PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES HEATHER ABBRUZZE AS FIRM’S NEW PARTNER

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A fun session with Heather Abbruzze for her 40 Over 40 Portrait Experience and headshot Session – Portrait Photography – Warner-Prokos Photography – WP Portraiture

(Palm Beach, Fla.) –  Managing Partner of Slatkow & Husak Public Relations, Kelly Husak, announced the addition of Heather Abbruzze as the locally based agency’s newest partner. In her new role, she oversees the team of five full-time and two part-time employees with Husak, while playing a pivotal role in driving the firm’s growth, expanding its client base and furthering its commitment to delivering innovative public relations strategies.

“Known for her friendly nature, professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to her clients and her team, Heather has been an unwavering asset to our firm during her tenure,” said Husak. “She embodies the values of S&H PR – she is kind, giving, smart, loyal and so much fun! She has earned this role and I can’t think of a better leader for this company that Jackie Slatkow established in 1991.”

Abbruzze joined Slatkow & Husak PR as an account manager in 2013. She became the firm’s vice president in 2018. In that time, she played a vital role in the firm’s growth and reputation for exceptional service. She has had the benefit of managing prestigious clients such as the American Red Cross, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, BMO Private Bank, Caron Treatment Centers, Cleveland Clinic in Florida, Impact 100 Palm Beach County, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Junior League of the Palm Beaches, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Palm Beach Day Academy, ShopCore Properties, South Florida Wildlife Center, Sollis Health and more.

“I am honored to join Kelly Husak as a partner at Slatkow & Husak PR,” said Abbruzze. “For almost 12 years, I have had the privilege of sharing the stories of our respected client roster. Being a South Florida native, I am passionate about my own backyard and love calling attention to those institutions that make Palm Beach County a beautiful place to live, work and play. I look forward to fueling the agency’s growth and strengthening our client and media relationships alongside Kelly. Together, we’ll continue to create and execute strategic, results-driven strategies for our clients.”

Other past and current clients of the firm include Armory Art Center, Brown Harris Stevens, Center for Creative Education, Chops Lobster Bar, City of West Palm Beach, Coordinated Health, Cox Science Center and Aquarium, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, FoundCare Community Health Centers, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, Hanley Foundation, Hermes of Palm Beach, HomeSafe, MorseLife Health System, Nordstrom Florida, Old Palm Golf Club, Palm Beach County Heart Association, Palm Beach Atlantic, P&H Interiors, PGA Commons, Sources of Strength, Quantum Foundation, Quantum House, Worth Avenue Association, Young Singers of the Palm Beaches and more.

Prior to Slatkow & Husak PR, Abbruzze was an events manager for technology showcase events at Pepcom Inc. A graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism, she resides in Boynton Beach with her husband Mike and two sons, Hutton and Carter.

Slatkow & Husak Public Relations was established in 1991 by retired principal Jackie Slatkow and provides marketing support, crisis management and comprehensive public relations services to corporate clients as well as not-for-profit organizations in the South Florida region and beyond. For more information, please visit slatkowhusak.com or call 561.278.0850.

Boys Town South Florida Discussion:

Root Causes of Juvenile Delinquency & Prevention Services

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL (March 31, 2025) On Friday, April 25, 2025, Boys Town South Florida will host its second annual Community Action Summit at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. This event will feature an engaging panel discussion with community leaders and experts on the root causes of juvenile delinquency, including factors such as lack of education, poverty, insufficient support systems, trauma, and share life-changing prevention and early intervention services.

Boys Town South Florida is a nonprofit organization that provides counseling, skills-building, and education to over 3,000 children each year.

The panel of experts includes: The Honorable Judge Melanie Surber, 15th Circuit, Juvenile Div.; Sarah Mooney, Chief of Police with the School District of Palm Beach County Police Dept.; Johnny Sanders, Senior Regional Outreach Coordinator, Florida Dept. of Juvenile Justice, Office of Prevention Services; Ann Berner, President/CEO of Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; and Dr. Diane Kelly Andreou, Director of Boys Town South Florida’s Behavioral Health Clinic.

Moderated by emcee, Jim Grimes, anchor at WPEC Channel 12, panelists will share life-changing prevention and early intervention services, including mental health counseling, family support services, and school-based programs, as positive alternatives and outlets for at-risk youth and their families.

Attendees will also get an exclusive first-hand look at the Blue Baby documentary, directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Josh Sabey. Available on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Google Play, the film highlights the rehabilitation journey of at-risk youth at Boys Town and underscores the critical role of community support in preventing family separation or incarceration.

“Investing in early intervention isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Bethany Lacey, Executive Director of Boys Town South Florida. “By providing support, mentorship, and resources before a young person enters the justice system, we not only change individual lives but also strengthen families, reduce crime, and build a safer, healthier community for everyone. We invite community members to join us in this important conversation. Your voice, ideas, and involvement are crucial to shaping solutions that give our youth a better path forward.”

Mission Sponsors of the event are Florida Power & Light (FPL) and Wellington Regional Medical Center.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to RSVP to see first-hand how community thought leaders are working together, please visit boystown.org/south-florida or email [email protected] or call 561-6007.  Tickets are $40 each, and the program includes a continental breakfast.

About Boys Town South Florida:

For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America’s children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town South Florida has been providing life-changing care to area children and families since 1991. Our programs and services are part of the Boys Town national network and include the organization’s research-proven methods, which ensure that troubled children and families across the country receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.

MAY HAPPENINGS: Morikami Museum

Family Fun: Children’s Day,

Ikebana Flower Arrangement- Ikenobo School, and Sado: The Way of Tea at
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

May workshops, classes, and demonstrations:


Friday, May 2
Documentary Film Screening: Fall Seven Times, Get up Eight: The Japanese War Brides
Discussion led by Director Katheryn Tolbert and Moderator Dr. Mitzi Carter
Underwritten by Linda and Michael Sonnenreich
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $10 (members $7)
Despite lingering wartime enmity, tens of thousands of Japanese wives — the biggest influx of Asian women in
U.S. history — crossed the Pacific. They began new lives in difficult and to them mysterious circumstances,
scattered across the country in places where they were often the first Japanese ever seen. What was it like to
abandon family, friends and country, and marry a former enemy? Even for those whose choice of spouse
proved to be a tragic mistake, there was no turning back. Many in Japan viewed them as social outcasts and
even today the words “war bride” in Japanese carry such a stigma — of bar girls, even prostitution — that
people don’t like to say them. Now these women are in their 80s. This is their story, of lives shaped by one
irrevocable decision.


Kathryn Tolbert was a journalist with The Washington Post for more than 25 years, as an editor, reporter, and
correspondent in Tokyo. She is currently executive director of The War Bride Experience, Inc., a nonprofit
organization founded by Kathryn and two other first-born daughters of Japanese war brides, Lucy Craft and
Karen Kasmauski. She is the author of the oral history archive at www.warbrideproject.com and was a co-
director of the documentary film Fall Seven Times Get Up Eight: The Japanese War Brides. The War Bride
Experience has partnered with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the National
Museum of American History to create the exhibition “Japanese War Brides, Across a Wide Divide.”


Saturday, May 3
Calligraphy: Adults (W)
Time: 11:30am – 1pm or 2pm – 3:30pm
Cost: $40 (Cost does not include museum admission) Advance Registration Required
Learn brush strokes using sumi ink and a brush to write Japanese characters. After practicing on paper, you will
create a final calligraphy on shikishi board to take home. Just bring your curiosity! For more information or to
register, visit www.morikami.org.


Saturday, May 3
Koto (D)
Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm
Cost: $5 with paid admission to the museum

Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th
centuries. Learn the fascinating history of this exquisite instrument and listen to its captivating and tranquil
sounds demonstrated by intermediate koto students.


Saturday, May 3
Family Fun: Children’s Day
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission
Come join us to celebrate the Japanese holiday of Children’s Day by making a Japanese toy kendama, playing
Japanese games, or making a flying carp kite called koinobori!


Saturday, May 10
Tea Ceremony (W)
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Cost: $60 Advance Registration Required
The workshop teaches the basics of sadō – The Way of Tea – necessary to understand the aesthetics of sadō
and to fully enjoy the tea ceremony itself. Participants become familiar with how to be a guest, how to make a
bowl of tea, and serve it. To register, visit morikami.org.


Saturday, May 17
Sado: The Way of Tea (D)
Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm
Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.
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), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha
green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.


Sunday, May 18
Family Fun: Sumo Wrestling Game
Time: Virtual Program
Cost: FREE
Sumo season is here! Become your own sumo wrestler by making your own sumo wrestling ring game!

$750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix

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Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant

The final “Saturday Night Lights” event of the 2025 winter season was held on March 29th.

The field had forty pairs of riders and horses from 14 countries, that included six of the world’s top 10 ranked riders entered into this event. 

All had hopes and dreams of going home with the Blue Ribbon and the first-place prize worth $247,500 of the total purse of $750,000.

A standing room only crowd of over 10,000 under clouds and potential rain were in attendance.     

Fortunately, no rain came and the event went off as scheduled with no outside interference.

Of the forty that went through the first round, only eight went clear, no knockdowns or time faults, to go into the jump-off to determine the final standings.

For the second year in a row, Christian Kukuk of Germany riding Checker 47 captured first place and the biggest grand prize of $247,000.

In addition to these victories, he is the current gold medalist in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

However, the highlight of the day came hours earlier when Kukuk and his wife Veronica welcomed their first-born child Lila.

He said during an interview “This day is always going to be very special for her birthday.  I am the happiest man on the planet tonight.”

From the USA, Laura Kraut aboard Bisquetta came in a close second to earn $150,000.

Ashlee Bond of Israel teamed with Donatello 141 to finish third and a check for $112,500.

The top 12 finishers received prize money.

Up with the Sun

By Melissa J. Clark, Wellness Director of Wellington Bay

Melissa Clark

A Simple Morning Stretch Routine to Begin Your Day Refreshed

Start your day feeling invigorated and ready to tackle anything with a gentle morning stretch routine. Taking just a few minutes to connect with your body can significantly improve your energy levels, flexibility, and overall well-being. This routine is designed to be easily incorporated into your daily life, leaving you feeling refreshed and focused.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to kickstart your day the right way:

1. Breath Activation – Begin by centering yourself with a few deep, cleansing breaths. Inhale deeply, filling your lungs with fresh oxygen, and exhale slowly, releasing any lingering tension. This simple act nourishes your cells and prepares your body for movement.

2. Full Body Extension – Extend your arms and legs, stretching your body as long and tall as you can. Wiggle your fingers and toes to activate circulation, and gently rotate your wrists and ankles to lubricate your joints.

3. Gentle Spinal Rock – Draw your knees towards your chest and gently round your spine. Rock softly from side to side, massaging your lower back and releasing any tension accumulated overnight.

4. Spinal Twist – Extend your left leg straight along the bed. Using your left hand, gently guide your right knee across your body towards the left, creating a gentle spinal twist. Hold for a few breaths, feeling the stretch along your spine and in your hips. Repeat on the opposite side.

5. Lateral Bends – Sit up on the edge of your bed. Gently bend your torso to the right, reaching your left arm overhead. Feel the stretch along your left side. Breathe deeply into the stretch.  Repeat on the opposite side, alternating a few times.

6. Heart Opener – Clasp your hands or place them on your bed, behind your back, gently arching your back and opening your chest. Gaze upwards towards the sky, promoting a feeling of openness and positive energy.

7. Shoulder & Neck Release- Roll your shoulders up, back, and down a few times to release tension. Then, hold your shoulders back and down, and gently drop your chin to your chest. Slowly circle your head a few times in each direction, releasing any stiffness in your neck.

Why This Routine Works:

This sequence is designed to gently mobilize your spine in all six directions: forward, backward, right, left, and twisting right and left. By incorporating these movements, you’re ensuring that your spine remains flexible and healthy. Additionally, this routine lubricates your joints, preparing them for the day’s activities and promoting overall mobility.

Make it a Habit

By incorporating this simple stretching routine into your morning ritual, you can rise with the sun feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace the day ahead. Consistency is key – even just a few minutes each morning can make a significant difference in your physical and mental well-being. Embrace this practice and experience the transformative power of starting your day with intention and self-care.

Christian Kukuk & Checker 47 Win Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

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Video Courtesy of Wellington International

Christian Kukuk is Twice a Winner in Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

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Photos by Lois Spatz

German Olympic champion Christian Kukuk won the Rolex Finale at Wellington International for the second consecutive year aboard Checker 47 during the final ‘Saturday Night Lights’ of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) season. In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 fans, the pair repeated history in the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, the first stop of 2025 on the prestigious Rolex Series Equestrian. Highlighted by 12 weeks of consecutive FEI competition, WEF 2025 concludes on Sunday, March 30 in Wellington, FL.

“This is a story you can’t imagine,” said Kukuk, 35, who spent the morning of the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix welcoming his first child to the world. “This day is always going to be a very special memory for her birthday. I am the happiest man on the planet tonight.”

Together with his wife and fellow equestrian athlete Veronica Tracy, Kukuk’s daughter Lilah was born only hours before he took to Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) Rolex Finale track in the International Arena at Wellington International.

From a field of 40 qualified riders that included six of the world’s top 10 ranked athletes, eight advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off. The pathfinder in both rounds was Israeli Olympian Ashlee Bond, who finished third aboard Donatello 141 with the first time to beat of 40.41 seconds. She was pipped by U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Laura Kraut riding Bisquetta to finish as the runner-up in 39.49 seconds.

“I knew Laura was fast and that I had to try everything,” said Kukuk, who also won the NetJets CSI4* Grand Prix at WEF earlier in the season. “It went well and then suddenly I had too many [strides] to the last. I thought for a second that I had lost it but looked to the screen and saw I got lucky in that moment.”

Kukuk bested Kraut by two tenths of a second, stopping the clock at 39.20 seconds for the win.

“I definitely left the door open,” admitted Kraut. “I added to the third and added to the double. I should have left one out in both those places.

“Being second to the Olympic champion feels pretty good,” continued Kraut, who piloted her 2014 Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek) for owners Cherry Knoll Farm. “She’s a very quick horse, but I got a bit cautious. I have to say, the crowd here has been amazing all season, but tonight was extra electric. There were tremendous horses and riders tonight, and I think that keeping it to eight clear was a definite credit to [Guilherme’s] talent.”

Jorge has designed the finale grand prix at Wellington International for 11 consecutive years and noted that the evening’s result went exactly to plan. “Eight is always my number,” said Jorge, who designed the courses fro the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. “I wanted to test the horse and rider ability, but also give this huge crowd an opportunity to see the speed and a very exciting finale. This is a championship-level course, a championship-level event, but when it comes to the jump-off, it’s 100% up to the riders.”

As the first to crack the code on Jorge’s course, Bond gave all the credit to her Olympic partner. “Donnie and I have been together nine years, and after the Olympics I wasn’t sure he was going to do this again because he didn’t feel the same in Paris as he did in Tokyo,” she said of the 2011 Westphalian gelding (Diarado x Lamoureux I). “The fact that I get to be third in a Rolex 1.60m Grand Prix makes me grateful and I don’t take any of these moments for granted. As long as he keeps telling me that he loves his job, he’ll do it. Then, if he can give my daughter pony rides for the rest of his career, that’s fine.”

The win for Kukuk is the culmination of his first season spent in Wellington. “I was really excited to come back and spend the whole winter here; I had great success, but this last week and the Rolex Grand Prix is outstanding,” he said. “It’s such a competitive class and we have an amazing crowd—you feel the tension as a rider. There is something special between Checker and this arena. Every time I come in the ring with him, I have the feeling that he has an extra gear.”

When asked about the journey with Checker 47—a 2010 Westphalian gelding (Comme Il Faut 5 x Come On) owned by M.H & Partner GBR & Madeleine Winter-Schulze—Kukuk said nothing would be possible without a strong partnership between horse and rider. “I know every single button and he knows and trusts me. It’s a relationship based on trust; I know exactly what I can ask from him, and he knows I would never ask anything crazy from him. Consistently winning on this level is only about creating a deep relationship with your horse.”

Kukuk also credited Checker’s relationship with groom Sofie Karlsson as a contributor to their success. Karlsson was presented with the $500 Double H Farm’s Grooms Award on Saturday.

To close the evening, Wellington International President Michael Stone celebrated a record-breaking WEF season that saw every ‘Saturday Night Lights’ completely sold out.

“Seeing the crowds turn out for those athletes proves that we are accomplishing our goal of bringing the sport to everybody,” he said. “The quality of riders we have now is amazing with Olympic champions and world no. 1. It’s a sport that everyone can be part of and to be able to help grow that makes Wellington International very proud.” 

Wellington International joined the debut season of the Rolex Series this year alongside some of the most renowned equestrian sport venues in the world, including Rome, Italy; La Baule, France; Falsterbo, Sweden; Dinard, France; Dublin, Ireland; and Brussels, Belgium.

“Rolex has been a fantastic partner for us, and to be asked to be part of the series is incredible. It raises our level because we can share what we do with the world,” concluded Stone. “We are all working together for the good of the sport.”

Top Five Results: $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

  1. Christian Kukuk (GER) & Checker 47: 2010 Westphalian gelding (Comme Il Faut 5 x Come On)
    Owner: M.H & Partner GBR & Madeleine Winter-Schulze
    Faults/Time: 0/0/39.20
  2. Laura Kraut (USA) & Bisquetta: 2014 Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek)
    Owners: Cherry Knoll Farm
    Faults/Time: 0/0/39.49
  3. Ashlee Bond (ISR) & Donatello 141: 2011 Westphalian gelding (Diarado x Lamoureux I)
    Owner: Ashlee Bond Show Jumping
    Faults/Time: 0/0/40.41
  4. Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Chaccolino: 2011 gelding Zangersheide (Chacco-Blue x Heartbreaker)
    Owner: Elan Farm
    Faults/Time: 0/0/40.44
  5. Bertram Allen (IRL) & Conquest de Rigo: 2016 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Fantomas de Muze x Indonctro)
    Owners: Ballywalter Stables
    Faults/Time: 0/4/40.45

Hot Girls For Hot Yoga

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By Danielle Boyd

I know you’ve been hearing about it—hot yoga. It seems to be everywhere lately, on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, in your mom’s group—everyone’s talking about their hot yoga class, but what’s all the fuss about?

Hot yoga is a practice where instructors crank the heat up to about 90°F-105°F, so think of a typical Florida summer day. The heat is the key that makes it all worth it. During your hour-long session, the high temperatures help enhance the benefits of the yoga practice. For starters, you can get a deeper stretch when your muscles and joints are warmed, leading to an increase in flexibility. So, if you can’t touch your toes now, I promise you will be able to after a few sessions.

It’s also great for your heart. Our hearts are our core, the organ that’s constantly working to keep us alive every day, so we should do everything in our power to take care of it. The heat and constant movement of hot yoga allow your blood vessels to expand, improving circulation throughout your body, which in turn reduces strain, taking a bit of stress off the heart and helping it pump more efficiently.

One of the major reasons many people are flocking to hot yoga is to de-stress. In our fast-paced society, many of us deal with constant stress, rarely slowing down until it’s time for bed. Over time, chronic stress can have major effects on your health, possibly causing high blood pressure, stroke, a weakened immune system, digestive issues, anxiety, and depression. During your session, the instructor constantly reminds you to pay attention to your breathing in a practice called “mindful breathing.” Mindful breathing focuses on deep breathing and various forms of breathwork, like pranayama, specifically Ujjayi breathing. This technique helps you maintain focus, regulate energy levels, and reduce stress, even during the intensity of various poses. Once you leave the class, the serenity carries with you—well, of course, unless you run into a crazy person on the road and start a bout of road rage.

One of the best benefits of hot yoga is that it makes you hotter. During your class, you are going to sweat—don’t even try to fight it. Excessive sweating is great for you—it’s the body’s natural way of detoxification. All the gross toxins seep out of your pores, leaving you refreshed. This can lead to an improved look of your skin. You’re also working on sculpting your body, as you move through your poses, toning your muscles and giving you a leaner look. Not to mention the posture improvement you get from yoga: the constant reminder to sit upright, shoulders back and down, and also work from your core contributes to improving your posture. Looking in the mirror after a few classes, your confidence should definitely skyrocket.

The number one thing to remember is to drink lots of water before your session and sip throughout it. Becoming dehydrated is easy when working out in temperatures of that magnitude. Some people tend to feel dizzy and nauseous throughout the class if they don’t properly hydrate before. I know you’d hate to pass out in front of the hot girls.

If you think the hype of hot yoga is worth it, check out some classes at your local gyms or studios! You won’t regret it, and you’ll be an even hotter girl afterward!

Wisdom Warrior Challenge at Wellington Bay/Lisbet Memory Care

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Who:  Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care community Wellington Bay and Lisbet Memory Care

When: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Where: Wellington Bay. 2550 Wellington Bay Dr. Wellington, FL 33414

What:

Join the Wisdom Warrior Challenge, a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to age-inclusive track races, at the Wellington Bay and Lisbet Memory Care race to cheer on the participants aged 50 to 102!

Participants will compete and celebrate being vibrant 55+ athletes in our community. 

The Wisdom Warrior Challenge encourages seniors to stay active, socialize, celebrate their vitality, and challenge the myth that aging means slowing into a sedentary lifestyle. To ensure everyone can join, the Challenge is designed to focus on inclusivity, by offering specific divisions for participants using assistive equipment such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. 

Among the residents participating are Bob Goldberg who is celebrating his 100th birthday this summer and recently celebrated his 73rd wedding anniversary and local former elementary school teacher June Isaacson. 

Additionally, participants in the Challenge will receive swag bags, prizes, and a 90-day fitness program to kick-start their health and wellness journey. Children, families, and friends are encouraged to cheer on the team with fun activities available for kids during the race. Participants are asked to arrive at 8:30 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m.

We hope to see you there! 

Inaugural Palm Beach Gala for Fallen Patriots

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Hosted by CBIZ Raises Over $2.4 Million for Gold Star Children’s Education

Palm Beach, FL – Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation celebrated a momentous milestone with its Inaugural Palm Beach Gala for Fallen Patriots – Hosted by CBIZ, on March 7, 2025, at the prestigious Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. Building upon the success of previous galas in New York City and Greenwich,CT, this event marked a significant expansion of the organization’s mission to provide college scholarships to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

Established in 2002 by Co-Founders David Y. Kim and Cynthia Kim, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation has dedicated itself to ensuring that the children of America’s fallen heroes can pursue their dreams of higher education without financial burden. To date, the organization has provided over $72 million in scholarships to more than 3,500 military children from all branches of the armed forces. In addition to financial support, Fallen Patriots offers crucial professional development opportunities, including internships, full-time job placements, and career symposiums, fostering upward mobility for Gold Star children.

Co-Founders David Y. Kim and Cynthia Kim, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

The Inaugural Palm Beach Gala was a resounding success and raised an astounding $2,410,000. This remarkable achievement will fund more than 384 years of college education for Fallen Patriots scholars. Dinner sponsors for the event included Citadel, Citadel Securities, and Griffin Catalyst, whose generous contributions were instrumental in the evening’s success.

Approximately 470 guests attended the event, including esteemed individuals such as Tracy Weiner, Executive Director of the CBIZ Foundation (Host); Jill and Matt Schecter, Gala Co-Hosts; Retired Major General Brian Mennes; Retired Major General Patricia Frost; and Holly Petraeus, Children of Fallen Patriots Board Member and wife of retired United States Army General and former Director of the CIA, General (RET) David Petraeus.

The evening featured a captivating auction with notable items, including exotic travel experiences and a unique opportunity for dinner with General (RET) Petraeus. A war-flown flag garnered an impressive $100,000.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Palm Beach community, our gala host, CBIZ, and our dedicated host committee for embracing our mission and making our inaugural gala such a tremendous success. Their collective generosity and commitment to our mission helped make this event a powerful testament to the impact we can achieve together. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come,” said David Y. Kim, Co-Founder and CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.

To learn more about Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation and its mission, please visit: https://www.fallenpatriots.org