Thursday, April 24, 2025
Home Blog Page 98

Florida Prepaid Rewards Families for Saving for College

0

Florida 529 Savings Plans recognized as top 10 performer nationally

  • Florida Prepaid is encouraging families to start saving for their child’s higher education this fall by seeding $50 into Florida 529 Savings Plan accounts opened September 5 – October 29, 2023.
  • New federal rules for the use of 529 Saving Plans make them even more flexible and tax-advantaged, with approved uses ranging from K-12 expenses to future Roth IRA transfers.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  The Florida Prepaid College Board today is encouraging families to take advantage of the last few days of their fall college savings incentive, seeding $50 into Florida 529 Savings Plan accounts opened between September 5 – October 29, 2023.

As little as $25 contributed each month into a Florida 529 Savings Plan could grow to nearly $9,000 over the next 18 years, according to the Florida Prepaid savings calculator.

The savings incentive comes as the Florida 529 Savings Plan has just been named a top-performing plan by SavingforCollege.com, the popular nationwide college planning website.  

“We are thrilled to see the Florida 529 Saving Plan recognized as such a strong college savings option for Florida families,” said Florida Prepaid College Board Chairman John D. Rood. “The enhancements to the Florida 529 Savings Plan in recent years continue to reap benefits for Floridians who want to prepare for future education expenses.”

The nationally recognized Florida 529 Savings Plan is a flexible, tax-free investment plan that can be used nationwide for qualified education expenses, including tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.

Recent updates to tax rules also now allow families to use their 529 Savings Plan funds toward tuition and mandatory fees for K-12 education. And beginning January 2024, parents with unused college savings in a 529 account will be able to transfer that money to a beneficiary’s Roth IRA (individual retirement account).

The Florida 529 Savings Plan is available exclusively for Florida residents, and there are now more than 130,000 active Plans with more than $1 billion in combined savings.  

Investment earnings are tax-free when used for qualified educational expenses. With a 529 Savings Plan, the account owner maintains control and chooses when and how to invest. Families can choose from a variety of investment strategies and options. The simple Enrollment Year Portfolio automatically becomes more conservative as your child nears college enrollment, and it is utilized by more than 80% of families. 

To get started saving, visit myfloridaprepaid.com today.

###

About the Florida Prepaid College Board

The Florida Prepaid College Board manages the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program and the Florida 529 Savings Plan. Both are tax-favored 529 college savings plans authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 1987 the Florida Prepaid College Program was created by the Florida Legislature and the commitment and dedication of Mr. Stanley G. Tate to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their children’s future college education. The first Florida Prepaid College Plans were sold in 1988 and were augmented with the addition of the Florida 529 Savings Plan in 2002. The Board also oversees two direct-support organizations – The Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Florida ABLE, Inc., d/b/a ABLE United. Florida Prepaid is the largest, longest running and most successful prepaid plan in the nation with more than 2 million Florida Prepaid College Plans purchased and more than $15 billion in assets.  The 529 Savings Plan has more than 130,000 active accounts with a market value of more than $1 billion.

11th Annual Jingle Ball 5K

0

You’re invited!

Veronica Beard and Frame Will Kick Off Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County’s Third Annual Walk the Walk

0

Palm Beach, FL (October 23, 2023)— The Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County will hold a kickoff for the Third Annual Walk the Walk at Veronica Beard in conjunction with Frame on Thursday, November 16 at 5:30 p.m. at 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach. Co-Chairs are Sharyn Frankel, Barbara Stoller Wittenstein, Linda Schaps and Beth Schlager. Guests will enjoy appetizers and champagne, with a percentage of purchases going to the Foundation. The evening will include a complimentary raffle with several items.

The organization’s third Annual Walk the Walk as part of the Garden of Life Palm Beaches Marathon Weekend is taking place on Saturday, December 9th at 10 a.m. at Post Park, 104 Datura Street in West Palm Beach. The walk will take place on Flagler Drive, along the waterfront. Funds raised through the event will support specific programs at more than 30 local children’s non-profit organizations.

The festive atmosphere at Walk the Walk will feature activities for the entire family. The event will feature food stations and children’s entertainment including balloon animals, face painting, stilt walkers, photo booths, and more. General participant tickets are $50 for adults and free for children. Participants and children will receive a walk t-shirt, walk finisher medal, entertainment, food and drinks. VIP tickets are $150 and include valet parking, access to the VIP lounge, a walk t-shirt, walk finisher medal, entertainment, food and drinks. Parking opens at 8:00 a.m. Registration, check-in, and food and activities begin at 9:00 a.m., announcements begin at 9:45 a.m., and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m. Interested parties can register at https://childrensfoundationpbc.org/2023-walk-the-walk/.



Sponsors include Sharyn & Stuart Frankel, Barbara & Myles Wittenstein, Hilary & Richard Cooper, Shirley & Jack Silver, Ina & Murray Pitt, Barbara & Richard Lane, Barbara & Andrew Murstein, Randi & Lonny Henry, Hotwire Communications, Stephanie Bacharach, Natalie Olstein, Susie Zeff, Tanya Pergament. (Sharyn Frankel pictured at right).

“We are delighted that Veronica Beard and Frame are holding the kickoff again this year to raise money for Palm Beach County’s children,” Sharyn Frankel said. “There are so many underserved kids in the area that need our help.”

General participant tickets are $50 for adults and free for children under 12. Participants and children will receive a walk t-shirt, walk-finisher medal, and food and drinks. VIP tickets are available for $150. VIP’s will receive valet parking, access to the VIP lounge, a walk t-shirt, walk-finisher medal, and food and drinks.

About The Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County

The Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County was initiated in 2010 as a not for profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, whose mission is to identify and fund projects in the Boca Raton and Palm Beach County areas to aid at-risk children and their families in need.

Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $18 million dollars to fund specific programs of more than 30 local charitable organizations. All of these monies have gone to projects and not into general funds. The Foundation has fed, clothed, provided medical and dental services, kept abuse shelters open, sent at-risk children to summer camp and much more.

Each year, Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County serves more than 9,000 children and its volunteers give 45,000 hours of their time annually to the more than 30 charities with which the organization works.

For more information, visit childrensfoundationpbc.org, call 561-488-6980 or email [email protected].

SPADY MUSEUM CELEBRATES KWANZAA, DR. KING JR. AND A NEW EXHIBIT DURING DECEMBER AND JANUARY

0

Delray Beach, Fla. – October 22, 2023 – The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum welcomes visiting family and friends during the holiday season. During December and January, the cultural center will host its annual Kwanzaa Celebration and welcome hundreds to its signature Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch in January. A new exhibit by Kandy G. Lopez will kick off the new year.

See below for details.

Dec. 26: Kwanzaa Celebration 

2:30-5:30 p.m.

170 NW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Kwanzaa Celebration will welcome families to celebrate the holidays by making their own gifts and enjoying live music, art activities, storytelling for children, and food. The celebration will be held outside on the museum grounds. Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday designed to strengthen and celebrate the best of African culture and heritage. Five community-minded organizations come together to infuse the Kwanzaa celebration with all of the seven principles for a rich and memorable experience. Unity, a concept that was kept away from African Americans during the founding of our country, is an important principle to learn, adopt and practice. (Learn more about Kwanzaa here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/seven-principles-kwanzaa). The Spady Museum will condense the week-long celebration into an afternoon of community observation. The Kwanzaa Celebration is hosted by Spady Museum in collaboration with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Sankofa Study Group, Pyramid Books, Kwanzaa 365 Live.

January 15, 2024: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch

10 a.m.-noon

Indian Spring Country Club, 11501 El Clair Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, FL


A signature community event, which is often sold-out, the Spady Museum’s “I Have A Dream” Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch has swelled to welcome more than 300 people from Palm Beach and Broward counties. The Breakfast features guest speakers, musical entertainment, and a full breakfast buffet. Tickets are available at www.spadymuseum.com. For more information, call 561-279-8883 or email [email protected]

Jan. 16: Traditional “Colored Town” Bus Tour

The Traditional “Colored Town” Bus Tour takes riders on a journey through the city’s Colored Town historic district. Riders will tour the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and other locations; disembarking at select historic sites for a closer look at the fascinating history of Delray Beach. To book this tour for groups of 10-28, please contact the museum at (561) 279-8883 or email us at [email protected]

Jan. 20: Cook, Chat and Chew

Jan. 26: “Solo Exhibition of Kandy G. Lopez” Exhibit Opening

Employing a wide variety of artistic expressions, Kandy G. Lopez examines the notion of in-betweenness, as it refers to navigating cultures, experiences, and adverse environments by individuals or communities that have been marginalized or forcibly displaced. In the Nahuatl language, Nepantla relates to the resistance practices formed in response to living in oppressive conditions. People develop strategies for survival that can include cultural preservation, maintaining traditions, or creating new forms of identity to withstand the pressures of assimilation or conquest. Curated by Tayina Deravile, (in)visible: Nepantla magnifies the people who cross boundaries and facilitate passage between worlds.

Jan. 30: “Solo Exhibition of Kandy G. Lopez” Exhibit Artist Talk

ABOUT THE SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM:

Opened in 2001, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is the only cultural center of its kind in Palm Beach County. Located at 170 NW Fifth Avenue in Delray Beach, it is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of African-, Caribbean- and Bahamian-Americans to Florida and the U.S. Programs include exhibitions, museum tours, and community events. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; Mondays by appointment. Closed Sundays. Admission: $20; Members are free. For more information, call 561-279-8883 or visit www.spadymuseum.com  

Pouring libation to welcome the ancestors to the annual Kwanzaa Celebration on the grounds of the Spady Museum. (Photo credit: Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, 2021)

7th ANNUAL SCULPTURE IN MOTION

0

7th ANNUAL SCULPTURE IN MOTION VEERS INTO THE ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS ON NOV 18th

Pre- and Post-War Automobiles on Display and Concludes with Grand Tour Parade of Cars

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Local Veterans and Gold Star Families of Palm Beach County will be honored as the 7th Annual Sculpture in Motion: The Art of Pre- and Post-War Automobiles parks itself at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens on Saturday, November 18. The family friendly event will feature classic pre- and post-war automobiles on the Gardens’ main lawn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will conclude with a Grand Tour Parade of Cars.

During Sculpture in Motion, visitors of all ages can experience the history and artful design of one-of-a-kind automobiles including a 1929 Rolls-Royce York Roadster Phantom I, 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Comp (pictured above, courtesy of Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens) and 1971 Maserati Ghibli SS. Tours by renowned automotive historians will be offered throughout the day and guests will have the chance to cast their votes for “Most Artistic,” “Most Elegant,” “People’s Choice,” “Young Connoisseur” and “Sculptural Speed.”

Sculpture in Motion is always an impressive exhibition with vintage automobiles surrounded by Ann Norton’s monumental sculptures,” said Frances Fisher, Board Chairwoman for ANSG and Sculpture in Motion Co-Chair. “Throughout history, cars have reflected innovation. Kinetic art, industrial design and skillful engineering inspired decades of rolling sculpture. Innovation is a theme throughout this exhibition, confirming that art, science and technology go hand in hand. We look forward to another amazing season beginning with this beloved community event!”

Classic car star, author, historian, CEO of the Audrain Group and host of CNBC Primetime’s weekly show Jay Leno’s Garage, Donald Osbornewill return as the event’s Grand Marshal. He will host a talk at 2 p.m. in the Gardens’ Outdoor Classroom entitled “Stars of 30 Audrain Exhibitions,” a current exhibition taking place at the Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport, Rhode Island.  He will share the ways in which some of the themes and cars were chosen and what they meant to the guests who experienced them in person and to the multitude who shared them on the Internet.

Since its inception, John Barnes will once again serve as the featured Curator. The event’s Honorary Chair will be Chuck Mitchell and the Co-Chairmen include Christine and Bill Aylward, Sarah and Tim Benitz, Perri and Robert Bishop, Kim and Stephen Bruno, Samantha and Brendan Carroll, Frances and Jeffrey Fisher, Martha Glasser, Audrey and Martin Gruss, Jeff Koons, Sam Lehrman and Maureen Kelly, LinQing Yang and Cameron Lickle, Helene and Matt Lorentzen, Harvey and Christina Oyer, Jill Shibles, Beckie and Drew Stoddard and David Miller and Ray Wakefield.

At the conclusion of the event, the community will once again have the opportunity to join a special tribute to Gold Star Families and Veterans followed by The Grand Tour Parade of Cars at 4:15 p.m. The tour will feature approximately 40 extraordinary and unique classic cars and will trace a scenic route from the Gardens along the Intracoastal on Flagler Drive offering a complimentary viewing opportunity for the public. It will include a five-mile loop crossing the Flagler Memorial Bridge to the island of Palm Beach, heading south on South County Road then west on Royal Palm Way to conclude at the Flagler Museum.

Sponsors include Key Private Bank, Audrain Automobile Museum and Palm Beach Illustrated.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will have special admission pricing for the entire day on Saturday, November 18, 2023. General admission is $30 per ticket. ANSG members and seniors are $25 each and children 18 and under are $12 each. Parking will take place just north of the Gardens at Palm Beach Day Academy, located at 1901 S. Flagler Drive. To purchase event tickets, to become a sponsor or for more information on the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, please visit ansg.org or call 561-832-5328.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardensis a non-profit foundation established in 1977 by resident sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). A two-acre urban sanctuary and internationally recognized arboretum, the compound comprises the historic Norton House and Artist Studio, exhibition galleries, monumental sculptures, Pollinator Garden, historic Orchid House Plaza, and tropical gardens of more than 250 species of rare palms and cycads. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens’ mission is to enrich lives with nature, art and history.

Premier Family Health Presents SENIORfest 2023: A Celebration of Wellness and Community

0

Wellington, Florida — Premier Family Health is thrilled to announce the upcoming SENIORfest 2023, a vibrant and educational event dedicated to seniors in our community. This exciting event is set to take place on November 4th, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Premier Family Health Parking Lot.

SENIORfest 2023 is a unique celebration that brings together seniors and their families for a day of learning, fun, and community engagement. This event is designed to empower seniors by providing them with valuable resources, expert insights, and opportunities to connect with local healthcare providers, wellness experts, and fellow community members.

Senior couple

Highlights of SENIORfest 2023 include:

Informative Presentations: A lineup of expert speakers will cover a wide range of topics relevant to senior health and well-being, including chronic condition management, mental health, and healthy aging.

Vendor Tents: Explore a variety of vendor booths offering wellness products, services, and resources that cater to the needs of seniors.

Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and free dance classes, adding a touch of entertainment to the event.

Delicious Food: Savor delectable dishes from local vendors and embrace a culinary journey.

Exciting Giveaways: SENIORfest attendees can enter exciting drawings for a chance to win prizes and wellness baskets.

“We are committed to the well-being of our senior community, and SENIORfest 2023 is a reflection of that commitment,” said Dr. Vincent Apicella, President and Founder of Premier Family Health. “This event aims to provide seniors with the tools and resources they need to lead healthier and happier lives.”

Premier Family Health is proud to collaborate with esteemed partners and sponsors to make SENIORfest 2023 a reality. The event promises to be an enriching experience for attendees, offering them a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with healthcare professionals and explore resources for a fulfilling and active lifestyle.

Event registration is open, and seniors and their families are encouraged to secure their spots early. For more information and to register for SENIORfest 2023, please visit www.premierfamilyhealth.com/senior-fest

About Premier Family Health:

Premier Family Health is your comprehensive healthcare destination in Wellington and Loxahatchee Groves, Florida. Our network includes:

  • Primary Care: Personalized, compassionate healthcare for all ages.
  • Urgent Care: Prompt attention for non-life-threatening conditions.
  • Laboratory and Ancillary services: swift and accurate diagnostics.

With two convenient locations, we’re your trusted local medical home. Learn more at www.premierfamilyhealth.com
For media inquiries, please contact Vivian Schenk at [email protected] or 561-798-3030 x 30242.

Understanding the Four Levels of Medicare Part D and the Donut Hole

0

By Justin Scheiner

Medicare Part D, also known as the prescription drug benefit, is an optional program offered to those with Medicare. Its purpose is to help beneficiaries cover the costs of prescription medications. The structure of Medicare Part D coverage consists of four distinct levels, or “tiers,” each with its own cost-sharing and coverage nuances. Below, we’ll delve into these levels to give you a clearer understanding of what to expect.

1. Deductible Phase

  • Description: This is the initial phase where beneficiaries pay 100% of their prescription drug costs until they reach the set annual deductible.
  • What You Pay: The amount of the deductible can vary depending on the plan chosen, but there is a maximum limit set by Medicare each year. Some plans might have a $0 deductible for certain tiers of medications.

2. Initial Coverage Phase

  • Description: After meeting the deductible, beneficiaries enter the Initial Coverage Phase.
  • What You Pay: Beneficiaries will typically pay a co-payment (a fixed amount) or coinsurance (a percentage) for each prescription. The plan covers the rest of the cost. This continues until the total drug costs (what the plan pays + what the beneficiary pays) reach a certain limit, again set by Medicare annually.

3. Coverage Gap (Donut Hole)

  • Description: Once beneficiaries and their plan spend a certain amount on covered drugs, they may enter the Coverage Gap phase, often referred to as the “donut hole.”
  • What You Pay: In this phase, beneficiaries typically pay more for their medications than in the Initial Coverage Phase. However, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, discounts are provided for brand-name and generic drugs, helping to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries. The beneficiary remains in the coverage gap until their out-of-pocket costs reach a yearly limit.

4. Catastrophic Coverage Phase

  • Description: After spending up to the out-of-pocket threshold, beneficiaries enter the Catastrophic Coverage Phase.
  • What You Pay: In this phase, beneficiaries pay significantly reduced costs for their medications. They’ll either pay a small coinsurance or copayment for the rest of the calendar year.

Understanding the four levels of Medicare Part D is essential for those looking to manage their prescription drug costs effectively. By being informed about the different phases, beneficiaries can better anticipate their expenses and select a Part D plan that aligns best with their needs. For a free assessment call MedigapRX 800-235-1757

MedigapRX – Medicare Made Easy

www.Medigaprx.com

Wellington’s Holiday Food Drive is Underway

0

Through November 10th   


In the spirit of giving and in an effort to ensure that no Village resident goes without a hot meal this Thanksgiving, Wellington invites residents to participate in the annual Holiday Food Drive. The Village is partnering with local Community Partners and their various organizations to solicit and receive donated food items for this year’s Annual Food Drive and Distribution.

Donations are currently being accepted and will continue through Friday, November 10th. We kindly ask residents to contribute non-perishable food items and to please ensure the items have not exceeded their expiration dates.



Items Needed

• Mashed potatoes
• Cranberry sauce
• Cornbread muffin mix
• Canned vegetables (green beans, peas, corn, sweet potatoes)
• Packaged stuffing
• Turkey gravy

Wellington residents will find convenient drop-off locations for their donations at several Village facilities.

Drop-off Locations

• Wellington Community Center
• Village Hall
• Wellington Professional Center
• Tennis Center
• Village Park

Your participation is crucial in making this year’s Annual Food Drive a success. Let’s unite as a community and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Together, we can spread warmth and joy during this special time of the year.

As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.

CLOAKED IN MYSTIQUE IS COX SCIENCE CENTER’S INAUGURAL BLACK-TIE MASQUERADE BALL

0

Attendees encouraged to come in their best guise at The Colony

(Palm Beach, Fla) — As the sun sets and the moon takes its place, guests will engage in a night of elegance and intrigue for Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s Inaugural Black-Tie Masquerade Ball. On October 27 beginning at 7:30 p.m., guests will enjoy music, dancing, spooky science shows, Halloween-themed culinary delights, and “mystery” beverages at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. An air of mystery will fill the room as guests mingle, each donning their finest attire and a captivating mask. Supporting STEM Education has never been so alluring.

The event chairman is Alexandra Daniel with host committee members Katie Benjamin, Lulu Carter, Emily Coscia, Meredith Gregory, Judy Van der Grift, Heydyn Hernandez, Maddie Loeffler, Serena Mattson, Rosie Quick, Mimi Ryan and Allegra Garcia-Velez. Daniel, along with the host committee members, are part of the newly formed Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s Junior Committee, an engaged group of young individuals who share a deep appreciation of the science community, education, and an interest in advancing the mission and visibility of the Science Center.

“This event will be an exciting preview into the multimillion dollar capital campaign at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium,” said Kate Arrizza, President and CEO. “It will also drum up excitement for the Science Center’s signature event, the January 2024 annual gala, with the theme Oceans Alive! Exploring the Wonders of the Sea, with American oceanographer, Dr. Edith Widder.”

Sponsors for the Black-Tie Masquerade Ball include Margaret Coffey, Elizabeth Corbat, Lew and Kathleen Crampton, Tina Fanjul Associates, Taylor and Francesca Gerhardt, Kyle and Alicia Henry, Chris and Kelly Kempner, Bryan Mattson and Lucinda and Eric Stonestrom.

The event is for adults only. Tickets for the evening are $350 per person. To become a sponsor or purchase a ticket, please visit www.coxsciencecenter.org/masquerade

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” 18-hole conservation-themed mini-golf course and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail. One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows, and special event programming. The Science Center took on a new name at the end of 2021 when leadership announced a $20 million gift from Palm Beachers, Howard and Wendy Cox, to launch a transformative capital expansion campaign. Shovels will be going in the ground Spring 2024 with a target completion date of 2026. To learn more, visit coxsciencecenter.org/support-us.

THE ANNUAL HATS OFF NONPROFIT AWARDS

0

THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY WAS HONORED AT THE KRAVIS CENTER AT
THE ANNUAL HATS OFF NONPROFIT AWARDS

Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART

Wednesday, October 18, 2023- Nonprofits First recently held their Lucky 7th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards at the Kravis Center in the Cohen Pavilion. This year’s first Honorary Chair was Mayor Danielle Moore (Town of Palm Beach), and the event chair was Christine Pitts of Toshiba; the sold-out event celebrated nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County who contribute and dedicate themselves to improving and strengthening our community. The ballroom had nearly seven hundred people in the room wearing hats of all shapes and sizes, from cowboy hats, hard hats, and top hats to hand-made themed hats. The emcee was Bill Bone, who inspired the audience with his eloquent presentation. Music from the nonprofit Digital Vibez set the tone with popular beats to move and shake as people made their way to the stage to accept their awards. The energy felt in the room was a true sign that the nonprofit community is back stronger than ever.

“The Nonprofits First Lucky 7th Annual Hats Off Awards were the best ever! With a record-breaking number of nominees (167), attendees (680), and sponsors (85), the event was nothing short of magical. I am so proud of our nonprofit community; they do so much good, and they deserve to be honored and celebrated. It is truly our pleasure to host such an important and significant event!” said Jessica Cecere, CEO of Nonprofits First.

The honorees are:

Nonprofit of the Year:

Small: Path to College

Medium: Promise Fund of Florida

Large: Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County

Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year: Kimberlyn McCoy, Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Nonprofit MVP: Susan Christiansen, Junior League of the Palm Beaches

Nonprofit Professional of the Year: Lisa Greenwood, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County

Nonprofit Executive of the Year: Edna W. Runner, Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center

Lifetime Achievement: Robert Bertisch, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County

Community Collaborators Award: FoundCare, RBHI Resident Advisory Committee, Community Partners of South Florida, Health Council of Southeast Florida, American Heart Association (Palm Beach County), the City of Riviera Beach

Nonprofit Innovation Award: Student (Athletics, Character, Education) ACES


New Award-Arts and Culture Impact Award: Young Singers of the Palm Beaches

The Best Hat Award: Art Deco

People’s Choice: Best Foot Forward Foundation

Funds raised from the evening benefit Nonprofits First educational programs. These programs focus on professional development, leadership, and training that nonprofit community volunteers and employees need to lead and succeed.

About Nonprofits First, Inc.:

Since 2005, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants, and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of desired impact. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.

                                                                                          ###

Photos by Capehart Photography: 2023 Hats Off Nonprofit Awards