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.
Hey everyone, I hope you’ve been having a wonderful and spooky October so far. I haven’t written for this column in a while..give or take a century. Only kidding- but it has been a while, hasn’t it? Anyway, today I wanted to discuss Halloween costumes. I’ve created a lot of them over the years, and on top of that, I do cosplay from time to time. And dressing up in costume has always been my favorite part of Halloween. So, I figured I’d share some tips for getting your costume just right. Alright, let’s jump into it! My first tip is make sure you frequent your local thrift stores. Maybe it’s the old soul in me, but I find thrift stores to be absolutely amazing. Prices are inexpensive, and it is, in a lot of ways, a modern treasure trove. A lot of times these stores can be busy, but they are well worth it. And if you’re seeking a cheap costume and have been too caught up with work from your classes, you can almost always find what you’re looking for. For example, several years ago, when I was a sophomore in high school, I was going out trick or treating with a few friends. I was a bit indecisive that year about my costume, but in the end I chose it to be my favorite painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. A quirky choice, but my inner art history nerd agreed straight away. I needed only a few items, and, in searching, I found a brown head wrap that worked well with my costume. I still have it in my closet to this day, when I want to be a little bit dramatic. Or when the weather isn’t scorching out.
My second tip is to go to places like Micheal’s or Joann Fabrics. Last year, I decided to be San Mononoke, the title character of the Studio Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke. To make sure I got the costume right, I went in and found some faux fur for her cape. It was just what I needed, and in the words of my cousin, made me look “elegant”. What’s also fantastic about these two retailers is Joann Fabrics has a separate cosplay section, with different patterns and molds just for cosplayers. Even better, Joann has patterns on sale around this time for both children’s and adults’ costumes. Such as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Sometimes making these costumes costs less in the end than just buying a costume online or at Spirit Halloween. And it will definitely make you stand out! In the end, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. And costumes are a big reason why. You can become anything or anyone you want to be. In my case, this year I’m going as Daria from MTV’s classic 90s cartoon of the same name. This Halloween will be one to remember. And I hope you love celebrating it as much as I do.
¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
To prepare the squash, use a sharp chef’s knife to slice through it from the tip to the stem. I find it easiest to pierce the squash in the center along a depression line, then cut through the tip, and finish by slicing through the top portion just next to the stem. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits inside, and discard those pieces.
Place the squash halves cut side up on the parchment-lined pan. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over the squash, and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Rub the oil into the cut sides of the squash, then turn them over so the cut sides are against the pan. Bake until the squash flesh is easily pierced through by a fork, about 30 to 45 minutes. Leave the oven on.
Meanwhile, cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until all of the water is absorbed, 12 to 18 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cranberries. Cover, and let the mixture steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
In a medium skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the pepitas are turning golden on the edges and making little popping noises, about 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
Pour the fluffed quinoa mixture into a medium mixing bowl. Add the toasted pepitas, chopped green onion, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and add additional salt, if necessary.
If the mixture is very hot, let it cool for a few minutes before adding the Parmesan cheese and goat cheese. Gently stir the mixture to combine.
Turn the cooked squash halves over so the cut sides are facing up. Divide the mixture evenly between the squash halves with a large spoon. Return the squash to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the cheesy quinoa is turning golden on top.
Sprinkle the stuffed squash with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and serve warm.
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 3, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is bringing back by popular demand—the fun and family-friendly:
Ribbit the Exhibit II
November 23 through May 25
“Under the theme of Leap intoNature, Art & Science, Mounts Botanical Garden is planning a year of inspirational programming for all ages, launching this fall with the return of Ribbit, 18-larger-than-life, thoughtfully crafted, and whimsically inspired sculptures by artist Andy Cobb,” says Mounts Interim Director Misty Stoller. “Best of all, almost all of the super-sized sculptures will be new to Mounts and were not part of the original exhibition in early 2020.”
“The 18 lovable, hand-crafted frog sculptures will be displayed throughout Mounts, providing a captivating window into the fascinating world of amphibians and their profound impact on our ecology,” she adds.
During Ribbit the Exhibit II, Garden visitors can immerse themselves in a whimsical art experience where nature, art, and science converge harmoniously while discovering how these seemingly small creatures play a crucial role in the delicate balance of ecosystems and the interconnectedness that sustains the natural world.
Each frog sculpture is welded by hand and colored with a natural patina.
Inspirational and educational programming during this exhibit will include Family Days, with activities for children; fun and informative presentations by experts; wetlands ecology and environmental workshops; and “Frogtastic” educational programs. Some of the season highlights include:
Nov. 23, 2024 – Ribbit the Exhibit ll Grand Opening Family Day
Arts and crafts activities, presentations, live entertainment, food trucks, and more!
Dec. 7, 2024 – Hidden Wild with filmmaker Benji Studt of Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management
Dec. 8 – Tiny Trees, Big Cheer: Succulent Workshop with Volunteer and Artist Michael Spencer
Dec. 14, 2024 – Plants on the Edge – Littoral Zone Tour & Presentation with UF/IFAS Agent Kara Krueger
Dec. 21, 2024 – Handcrafted Gifts: Create a Frog House & Floral Frogs with Mounts Botanical Garden’s April Krebs and Artist Marilyn Walter
Jan. 14, 2025 – Vegetable Gardening Maintenance in South Florida: Taking Care of Your Garden with Volunteer and Master Gardener Phil Bilger
Jan. 18, 2025 – For the Love of Bees Honey Tasting and Presentation with Joanna Diamond
Jan. 24, 2025 – Hidden Gems Tour with Mounts Horticulturist Matthew Boyson
Jan. 25, 2025 – Terrarium as Art Therapy: Little Gems for Life with Health and Wellness Specialist Omar Ananais
Feb. 1, 2025 – Florida Wild! Presentation and book signing with Author Kirsten Hines,wildlife photographer, conservationist, and award-winning author of 8 books.
Feb. 9, 2025 – Special Presentation by botanizer, birder, and nature photographer CJ McCartney during the Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale
Feb. 8-9, 2025 – Dr. Steve Johnson from UF/IFAS Frog Presentation during the Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale
Feb. 22, 2025 – Edible Perennials with UF/IFAS Agent and Urban Horticulturist Emily Marois and UF/IFAS Agent and Horticulturist Kara Krueger
Mar. 1, 2025 – Pond Plants with UF/IFAS Agent and Horticulturist Kara Krueger
March 8, 2025 – Water Conservation Presentation with Dr. Kimberley Moore of UF/IFAS
Mar. 11, 2025 – Tropical Aroids of the Garden Tour with Mounts Horticulturist Palmer Crippen
Mar. 14, 2025 – From Cuttings to Roots: Propagate Like a Pro Propagation Workshop with Horticulturist Joel Crippen
Mar. 14, 2025 – Water and Ecosystems: Mitigating Climate Change Impacts and Fragmented Habitats Presentation at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden
April 2025 (National Frog Month)
Apr. 5, 2025 – Family Day – Arts and crafts activities, Green Cay Naturalists, live entertainment, food trucks, and more!
Apr. 12, 2025 – Dr. Brandon Guell, Wildlife Ecologist and Photographer from FIU Miami presentation and reception.
May 10, 2025 – Prescribed Fire, Reigniting the Spark with ERM Fire Specialist Harper Carroll
May 16, 2025 – Petals and Paradise; Plumeria Tour with Horticulturist Joel Crippen
May 25, 2025 – Last Day of Ribbit Exhibit – Family Day
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after they visit the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org
Images:
(Photo Credit: Mounts Botanical Garden)
Ribbit sculptor Andy Cobb and one of his whimsical frogs.
West Palm Beach, FL, October 2, 2024 – As breast cancer awareness month begins, Promise Fund, a South Florida based non-profit founded by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, is reaching out to the tens of thousands of women in Palm Beach, Broward and Martin Counties who are uninsured, under insured or have limited or no access to healthcare. The organization, founded in 2018, is 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.
A study out yesterday by the American Cancer Society shows the incidence of breast cancer has risen over the last decade, particularly among those under 50. According to the study, black women are least likely to be diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and most likely to be diagnosed with late-stage, contributing to disproportionate mortality.
“The lack of early detection, particularly among women of color, is what we are finding here in our community where nearly 100,000 women are uninsured or do not have a medical home,” said Ambassador Brinker.
“Many women encounter barriers to screening and diagnosis primarily due to work commitments, childcare, lack of transportation, and fear of the costs,” she continued. “We co-locate our Promise Fund Women’s Health Program in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which provides access to Patient Navigation, mammography and breast ultrasounds and help women access treatment for cancer if needed. Plus, our dedicated patient navigators are there every step of the way—guiding women through the screening process and coordinating treatment if a cancer diagnosis is made—so no one faces it alone.”
To date, the organization has reached 40,335 individuals through outreach and education and has impacted the lives of 10,114 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care. Promise Fund’s Life Impact in Southeast Florida report shows that on average, 96% of all Promise Fund participants needing a screening mammogram have received it, compared to the going rate of 78% in Florida and 76.3% nationally. The rate is higher than state or national rates. Of those who were diagnosed with breast cancer through Promise Fund screenings, 26% were diagnosed in the late stage, compared with 30.5% in Florida and 31% nationally.
“Early detection saves lives, and we’re working every day to make sure we reach our goal of screening 100% of underserved women in our local communities. It’s the first and most critical step in ensuring these women get the early care they deserve,” said Ambassador Brinker.”
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 date, they have touched 40,335 through outreach & education and impacted the lives of 10,114 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care. To learn more, visit thepromisefund.org. Follow on Instagram @thepromisefund and on Facebook @PromiseFundofFL.West Palm Beach, FL, October 2, 2024 – As breast cancer awareness month begins, Promise Fund, a South Florida based non-profit founded by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, is reaching out to the tens of thousands of women in Palm Beach, Broward and Martin Counties who are uninsured, under insured or have limited or no access to healthcare. The organization, founded in 2018, is 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.
A study out yesterday by the American Cancer Society shows the incidence of breast cancer has risen over the last decade, particularly among those under 50. According to the study, black women are least likely to be diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and most likely to be diagnosed with late-stage, contributing to disproportionate mortality.
“The lack of early detection, particularly among women of color, is what we are finding here in our community where nearly 100,000 women are uninsured or do not have a medical home,” said Ambassador Brinker.
“Many women encounter barriers to screening and diagnosis primarily due to work commitments, childcare, lack of transportation, and fear of the costs,” she continued. “We co-locate our Promise Fund Women’s Health Program in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which provides access to Patient Navigation, mammography and breast ultrasounds and help women access treatment for cancer if needed. Plus, our dedicated patient navigators are there every step of the way—guiding women through the screening process and coordinating treatment if a cancer diagnosis is made—so no one faces it alone.”
To date, the organization has reached 40,335 individuals through outreach and education and has impacted the lives of 10,114 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care. Promise Fund’s Life Impact in Southeast Florida report shows that on average, 96% of all Promise Fund participants needing a screening mammogram have received it, compared to the going rate of 78% in Florida and 76.3% nationally. The rate is higher than state or national rates. Of those who were diagnosed with breast cancer through Promise Fund screenings, 26% were diagnosed in the late stage, compared with 30.5% in Florida and 31% nationally.
“Early detection saves lives, and we’re working every day to make sure we reach our goal of screening 100% of underserved women in our local communities. It’s the first and most critical step in ensuring these women get the early care they deserve,” said Ambassador Brinker.”
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 date, they have touched 40,335 through outreach & education and impacted the lives of 10,114 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care. To learn more, visit thepromisefund.org. Follow on Instagram @thepromisefund and on Facebook @PromiseFundofFL.
A Gateway to Japan: An Evening of Violin and Piano,
Butoh Dance Workshop, and
Stroll for Well-Being at
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
October workshops, classes, and demonstrations:
Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22
Ikebana Flower Arrangement – Ikenobo School Time: Beginners – 11am–1pm
Intermediate – 1:15–3:15pm*
Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) 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.
Kurinuki is a traditional Japanese ceramic hand building technique starting with a solid block of clay and hollowing it out to create a vessel. Create a chawan, Japanese tea bowl using this beautiful ancient technique. In this hands-on workshop, learn basic techniques to work with clay and enjoy a presentation of Japanese ceramics.
Saturdays, Oct. 5, 12, 26, Nov. 3 & 9 Japanese Traditional Music: Koto Time: Beginners – 10:30am–12:30pm
Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150) Advance Registration Required 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.
Saturday, Oct. 5 Family Fun: Video Game Character Magnets Time: 12–3pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission).
Commemorate the history and impact of beloved video game characters with your own Perler bead magnet.
Saturday, Oct. 5
A Gateway to Japan: An Evening of Violin and Piano Time: 1pm
Cost: $15 (Morikami Members $10) Join us for an afternoon of Japanese inspired chamber music! Featuring a wide range of repertoire- from an audience favorite, Ralph Vaughan Williams to American and Japanese contemporary composers, Sakiko Ohashi (piano) and Reiko Tachibana (violin), will take one on a classical chamber music journey filled with Japanese melodies.
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27
The Art of Bonsai Time: Beginners – 12:30–3:30pm
Intermediate – 9am–12pm Cost: $100 (Morikami Members $90) 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.
Sundays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese (Virtual Class)
Time: Level I – 6:10–7:10pm Level III – 7:10–8:10pm Level IV – 5–6pm Cost: $120 (Morikami Members $110) Advance Registration Required Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese is a beginner and lower intermediate program teaching Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to Japanese culture and lifestyles through lessons and conversation. Levels I and II use Japanese for Busy People I (JBP I) and levels III and IV use Japanese for Busy People II (JBP II). Fall, winter, and spring sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series.
Sundays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese (In-Person Class)
Time: Level I – 10:15–11:15am Level II – 11:30am–12:30pm Cost: $120 (Morikami Members $110) Advance Registration Required Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese is a beginner and lower intermediate program teaching Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to Japanese culture and lifestyles through lessons and conversation. Levels I and II use Japanese for Busy People I (JBP I) and levels III and
IV use Japanese for Busy People II (JBP II). Fall, winter, and spring sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) 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. *Sunday Beginner’s II Class Prerequisite – You must have already taken a Thursday beginner’s I class
Immerse yourself in Morikami’s natural beauty, peace, and serenity through our therapeutic garden walking program. A qualified facilitator will lead participants through themed walks and journal writing to encourage reflection, and ultimately, personal well-being.
Wednesdays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School
Time: Beginners – 10:30am–12:30pm
Intermediate – 1:30–3:30pm*
Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana 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. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) 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.
Saturday, Oct. 12 Sado: The Way of Tea Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.
Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. 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 candy will help bring a calm perspective into one’s busy life.
Saturday, Oct. 12 Guest Artist Workshop: Calligraphy & Sumi-e Workshop with Artist Masumi Sakagami Time: 10am–12pm or 1:30–3:30pm Cost: $65 Advance registration required
Learn about the intricacies and beauty of Japanese calligraphy and sumi-ink painting techniques with master calligrapher and artist Masumi Sakagami. Students will learn the history of calligraphy, the basics of how to write a Japanese kanji character with the correct strokes, and to draw a bamboo with the brush
and ink, two traditional writing tools. The workshop will culminate in a special gallery walk and talk with the artist at her exhibition featured in the Yamato-kan. Learn about the inspiration and creative process behind her work with this master artist.
Led by the acclaimed Pınar Sinka, participants will learn theoretical knowledge such as the philosophy, methodology, and aesthetic ideals of Japanese avant-garde dance Butoh, as well as the choreographic visual elements of classical Butoh and the improvisational practices of post-Butoh. Moreover, they will experience the relaxing, warming, and breathing exercises of Butoh, as well as slow somatic techniques that focus on building a relationship between the mind, body, and space, and increasing body awareness. No dance experience is necessary. 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.
