Robert’s Community Report: 11/3
By: Robert Weinroth
– The FAU Tech Runway held its annual Maverick Reception. As Rhys Williams, FAU Tech Runway Managing Director, explained, Mavericks see unconventional opportunities. The evening was designed to highlight the success of FAU Tech Runway’s amazing entrepreneurs. Williams went on to acknowledge those individuals who have played a crucial role in assisting the entrepreneurs.— the FAU Tech Runway mentors, advisory board members, our corporate partners, and the generous donors who enable their companies’ successes. Ryan Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Chewy.com, was the keynote speaker. At just 32, he has already made history. Since founding Chewy.com in 2011, Ryan with his management team, grew the company to be one of the largest and fastest growing retailers in America. With more than 6,000 employees, 3 million-square-feet of warehouse space in six states and 3.8 million customers, Ryan created a highly scalable, vertically integrated e-commerce retailer with world-class customer service and fulfillment operations which, in 2017 was acquired by PetSmart for over $3 billion! One can only wonder what he’ll accomplish before he’s 40!
– A pre-Halloween Party was the order of the day at the Boca Raton Children’s Museum on Friday night. Lottsa goodie and family friendly games and activities were the order of the evening. The Museum continues to attract new visitors every week with its innovative programming. A big thank you to Ellyn Okrent and the Board of Florence Fuller Child Development for being such great partners with the City of Boca Raton as the exhibits continue to be updated and new opportunities to engage our children’s imaginations are unveiled.
– That same evening, it was a Nautical Art & Wine Extravaganza, “Hook, Wine & Sinker” benefiting the Twin Palms Center for the Disabled at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center. The Center was turned into a “Cork Popping, Paint Dropping Extravaganza,” (rescheduled, due to Hurricane Irma). Guests had an opportunity to mingle and socialize while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvers paired with exceptional wines alongside community members and local renowned artists. The event offered an opportunity for some of our local artists to display and sell their artwork with a portion of each sale going to Twin Palms. It was also an opportunity to meet the program’s new executive director, Chris Berens.
– On Saturday morning it was time for the hurricane-delayed” Coastal Cleanup. Irma really caused a great deal of beach erosion, which the city will be addressing in the coming months. The task for hundreds of volunteers was to remove the trash along the beach (much of which was deposited on our beach by the waves rather than “trashy” residents). The International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest, one-day volunteer effort to clean up the marine environment. Every year volunteers from over 100 countries descend on local beaches, rivers, lakes and canals to show their commitment to cleaner waterways. The Ocean Conservancy has sponsored this annual event for the past 31 years.
– On Saturday night, the Boca Chamber held its 65th Annual Gala at the Boca resort, recognizing business excellence. Ethel Isaacs Williams will be serving her second term as Board Chair. The MJ “Mike” Arts Award of Excellence was presented to Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Executive Leadership Team. It was a great opportunity to celebrate how Boca Means Business, which translates, to opportunities for our residents.
– The FAU Owls, playing at Western Kentucky, brought home another impressive win. In a topsy-turvy football game, it was Florida Atlantic that found its way at the end.
Devin Singletary ran for 244 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Owls to a 42-. The win was the Owls fourth in a row and puts them one victory away from securing their first .500 or better finish since 2013 and a probably bowl appearance.
The Owls are now 5 and 3 (4 and 0 in the Conference USA East).
The Owls control their own fate. They entered Saturday tied with Marshall for the division lead. The Thundering Herd, travel to FAU on Friday, fresh off their loss to FIU. According to Coach Lane Kiffin, the Marshall upset at the hands of FIU shocked him as the Herd had been playing as well as anyone in the country lately. It is clear the Owls will have their hands full and could use the energy of a large crowd in the stands to cheer them on!
– On Sunday it was the 26th Annual “A Princely Affair” held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club for the benefit of the Boca Ballet Theatre. The Boca Ballet Theatre, established in December of 1990, is the 5th largest dance company in Florida and one of the top civic companies in the United States. Over the last 25 years, the School of Boca Ballet Theatre has educated more than 9,000 young people and has performed for over 200,000 audience members from the Tri-County area and beyond. Under the loving attention of its co-artistic directors, Jane Tyree and Dan Guin, the audience was treated to a sampling of ballet productions, performed by BBT students with a special performance from Act III of Black Sean with American Ballet Theatre dancers, Sarah Lane and Aran Bell.
– There’s a full season of ballet awaiting residents beginning, of course, with the annual production of The Nutcracker (Nov 24th – Nov 26th) at Olympic Heights Performing Arts Theatre. In March there will be a one night only, special performance with the stars of American Ballet Theatre and the Boca Ballet Theatre. The event will be staged at the Countess de Hoernle Theatre at Spanish River HS on March 18th. For a full schedule of next season’s performances and tp secure your seats, go to: www.bocaballet.org/box-office/
– On October 31st The Addison opened its doors to the public for an over-the-top Halloween event experience to benefit Slow Burn Theatre. Following a very successful first year, this year’s party was themed “A Horror Story” and featured an extravagant event production (with a haunted walk-through and themed rooms), live music and entertainment, foodie-approved & themed fare.
– We were privy to discover the top secret role the isolated village of Boca Raton played in winning the war in WLRN Public Television’s documentary Boca Raton: The Secret Weapon That Won World War II.
– After the fall of France, England stood alone. Hitler’s U-boats ruled the Atlantic, sinking American ships and openly patrolling the American coastline. As Britain prepared for a German invasion, Winston Churchill sent Britain’s top scientists to America with the military secrets of England. A secret weapons laboratory is set up in Boston to design an invention that could alter the course of the desperate conflict.
– If the American and the British scientists working together succeeded with their critical task, they could turn the tide of the war from defense to offense. The risky gamble Roosevelt and Churchill embarked on is also the story of South Florida’s pivotal role in the conflict, one that made the small town of Boca Raton – the new battle front that would prove decisive in winning the war!
Coming Up
– On Saturday November 4th it will be the 8th Annual Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival at Sanborn Square Park from 6-10PM. Chefs from the tri-county area will converge upon the festival grounds for the Best Florida Food Festival event, the Grand Tasting, A Culinary Affair. Craft Brew lovers will have a special area inside the Grand Tasting for the 4th Annual Craft Brew Battle, A Hoppy Affair. Use the url below to receive discount group prices when you purchase 4 or more tickets: BocaRatonWineandFoodFestival.
– On Wednesday November 8th, Jerry Fedele President and CEO of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital will speak at the Tiger Bay Club’s monthly meeting. For info visit: goldcoasttigerbayclub.
– That evening, the City of Boca Raton will recognize a group of our residents as the Historical Society holds its 21st Annual Walk of Recognition at The Addison. The event will be held from 6-8PM. The celebration will recognize individuals who have served in the interest of the community and have enriched the lives of the citizens of Boca Raton. This year, the Walk of Recognition will honor Boca Raton’s oldest institution of higher learning, Lynn University. Event Chairs are Marta Batmasian and WVOY winner, Joyce DeVita. The 2017 Inductees are Lynn University – Institution;
Morgan Pressel Bush; Dr. Joseph (Jody) Forstot; and
James A. Rutherford – Wall of Honor
– On Thursday November 9th the Faulk Center for Counseling will hold its Community Impact Awards recognizing individuals who support the Faulk Center for Counseling’s mission of providing free and low-cost mental health services to individuals of all ages. For more information about our commemorative ad journal contact Ali Rubin at 561-5300 or a.rubin@
– Also on November 9th, the Boca Bowl is hosting its Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase and college Spirit Night from 6-8:30PM at the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel. Admission includes open bar, plenty of ‘not so typical tailgate culinary fare’ and lots of spirited FUN! It is a Lead-in community ‘fan-raising’ and ‘fund-raising’ event to promote the fourth annual Boca Raton Bowl on December 19th at FAU Stadium. Boca’s top chefs will showcase their culinary tailgate fare seeking one of the judges and people’s choice awards. The evening benefits the Spirit of Giving’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive, granting Holiday wishes to over 4,000 underserved children in our community.
– The YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 7th Annual Corporate Cup Challenge on November 11th promises to be unlike any traditional networking or 5K event! This is a one‐of‐a‐kind Olympic‐style co‐ed team‐building, opponent‐taunting, skills‐flaunting event that promotes health and wellness in the workplace for local companies and organizations. Competition/Event starts at 8AM at the Peter Blum Family YMCA in Boca Raton and includes a variety of challenges such as: relay races, obstacle courses, a twist on volleyball, rock wall challenge, waste paper basketball, gaga ball, charades, the infamous, tug of war and so much more!
– Join the Junior League at 5:30PM on November 11th for the first annual tree lighting and holiday celebration at Boca Center. Enjoy holiday performances by local choirs, Christmas carolers, photos with Santa and other festive surprises for holiday fun with the whole family. General Admission – a new, unwrapped toy for Spirit of Giving Reserved Seating $25 and VIP Seating $50. Stay tuned for the ticket link and more details!
– “Saddle Up” for Caregiving Youth! Dine and Dance in Your (Optional) Western Wear. The Saloon Opens at 6PM on November 11th. For additional information, go to: saddleupgala@gmail.com or call 561.391.7401
– Gregory Fried is the honorary co-chair along with his wife, Mary Ann Morgan-Fried, for Connected Warrior’s Veterna’s Day Gala (November 11th) at the Marriott Boca Raton. Barbara Schmidt, whose Peaceful Mind/Peaceful Life program is already connected with the program, will be the keynote speaker.
– The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Sunday November 12th. The annual walk is held in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. Boca Raton Walk is held at Mizner Park. The Alzheimer Association invites you to create a team or sign up as an individual walker at http://act.alz.org/
More events to plan for:
– On November 15th the College of Business and Management at Lynn University will host the International Business and Entrepreneurship Symposium. The IB&E Symposium will take your business to the next level with this one-day, on-campus forum featuring nationally-recognized speakers, panelists and innovators. Deep dive into some of the hottest business topics, including innovation and creativity, cyber security, data analytics, will position your business for the future, and more. Guests will hear from over 20 speakers.
– Also on November 15th Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County will host its opening event. Join them for a fun evening as they kickoff the new season! Enjoy unlimited cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and live music by Turnstiles, A Billy Joel Tribute Band. Will entertain. A minimum household gift of $500 to the 2018 UJA/Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Annual Campaign is required to attend. For more information, contact Francesca Lewis at 561.852.6058 or email francescal@bocafed.org.
– On November 17th you’re invited to raise a glass at the 4th Unicorn Foundation Annual Celebrity Bartender’s Battle for the awareness of Neurodiversity. These are children and young adults who think, learn and communicate differently.
– Who will win the coveted trophy? $10 Donation = 1 Vote for your favorite team! Tickets: $30 in Advance or $40 at the Door Chance to win GREAT prizes! http://donate.
Don’t forget, follow me on @BocaCalendar and our new website lists many more events at: www.BocaCal.com
