Published On: Sun, Apr 7th, 2019

South Palm Beach County Social Scene

By: Pamela J Weinroth

Where were you this past week?

Impact 100 Palm Beach County will hold its Grand Celebration on April 17th, at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University. On Monday, April 1st, the ten finalists (from over 50 grant requests) were announced at a special celebration for the women who have chosen to support Impact 100 Palm Beach County’s mission.

Impact 100 Palm Beach County is a women’s charitable organization funding local nonprofit initiatives in southern Palm Beach County . It is comprised of a growing number of women (532 members last year) who donate $1,000 annually, pool their funds and vote to award multiple $100,000 grants to local nonprofits in southern Palm Beach County.

Impact 100 Palm Beach County is a progressive leader in women’s philanthropy, committed to strengthening our community through the collective resources of its members by awarding high-impact grants in five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness.

Finalists this year are:

Arts and Culture

Digital Vibez, Inc – Digital Expression- Lifetime of Consequences

Palm Beach Dramaworks – One Humanity Tour- Human Trafficking and Digital Citizenship

Education

Florence Fuller Child Development Centers – Digital Divide

StreetWaves Corp. – Maritime Education After-School Program at Village Academy

Environment

The Institute for Regional Conservation – Restoring the Gold Coast

WiseTribe – Junior WiseTribers

Family

Autism After 21 – Soar Program

Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County – Project Uplift

Health & Wellness

Center for Child Counseling – School-Based Mental Health

HOW Foundation of South Florida – Veteran 2.0

Also on Monday, the Boca West Children Foundation’s 7th Annual Golf Challenge was held on a picture perfect day on a picture perfect course at Boca West Country Club.

Players enjoyed a great day of golf, followed by cocktails, dinner, and live auction.

Each player also received a concert ticket for Tuesday’s Battle of the Bands II,

‘Remember When Rock was Young.” The concert celebrated the music of Elton John and The Fab Four who brought us the greatest Beatles hits. Funds raised during both events helped to fund the twenty-five, nonprofit, partner agencies of the Foundation. More than $7 million has been raised since BWCF was established in 2010 and more than 5,000 children are served each day through projects with partner agencies.

We were pleased to join members of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and Boca Raton City Council in celebrating the grand opening of FAU Medicine on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 880 NW 13th Street Boca Raton (just up the street from Boca Raton Regional Hospital).

FAU Medicine, a Primary Care facility, located 2 minutes from the FAU Boca Raton Campus, is a university-operated facility where FAU’s experienced physicians combine the latest innovations in primary care medicine with a personalized patient centered approach.

The Friends of the IDF held the first event designed for women, by women on Wednesday afternoon. The event was chaired by Robin Rosenbaum and Co-Chairs were Nancy Iscowitz and Bonnie Silverman.  Israeli Consul General Lior Haiat gave special greetings.

The women of Boca Raton have a reputation for being strong and accomplished, so they set out to find compelling women to feature. Sharon Tal, world renowned designer of “Maskit” and Israel’s 2018 AT Magazine Designer of the Year nominee was shaped by her experiences as a soldier in the IDF.  Chen Logassi, an IMPACT! Award recipient, who overcame many obstacles to achieve the career of her dreams, all the while giving back as a volunteer, rounded out the impressive speakers.

As the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces risk their lives to serve and protect Israel, the FIDF raises critical funds for IDF soldiers and their families.  FIDF programs address the educational, financial and emotional needs of the soldiers, fundamentally changing their lives.  Last year alone, FIDF raised over $139 million and touched the lives of over 105,000 soldiers, veterans, and their loved ones.

On Wednesday, Torah Academy celebrated its 20thAnniversary Journal Dinner.

From its humble beginnings with just 18 children in 1999, Torah Academy of Boca Raton now boasts close to 450 students ranging from our Early Childhood program through 8th grade. There’s a buzz, a hum, and an energy that is palpable. In this dynamic environment, there is no such thing as student apathy.

Children at TABR find their own comfort level in a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes the highest academic standards.

Honorees for the evening included Tomer and Sandrine Cohen, Hal and Ayelet Matheson and Rabbi Dovid and Ayelet May.

We joined the celebration as Robin Bresky was honored by FAWL as Woman Lawyer of the Year. It was a who’s who of the South PBC judiciary and attorneys to mark the occasion.

The mission of FAWL is to advance the science of jurisprudence, promote reform in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, uphold the highest standard of integrity, learning, honor and courtesy in the legal profession, and cultivate a spirit of cordiality and fellowship among the members of the Bar and between them and the Bench. Originally (in 1852) only female members of The Florida Bar were eligible for membership in the Association.

FAWL and its local chapters focus upon the professional advancement of women lawyers and the promotion of women’s rights generally. To accomplish these goals, FAWL provides a statewide forum for the exchange of political views, public and private sector employment opportunities, and continuing legal and management education.

In keeping with its objectives, FAWL was a strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and raised funds for the ratification of ERA in Florida.

As the number of women lawyers grows from year to year, their strength and effectiveness can be increased by working together as members of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.

On Saturday evening, we put on our roller skates.  It was a trifecta of events:

First stop was the Boca Baccanal’s Grand Tasting event at the Boca Raton Resort. The event began with a VIP Party held dockside at the Resort’s marina and featured a special menu and wine list. Additionally, all VIP Party guests had the opportunity to meet this year’s featured vintners. Appetizers and light fare were generously sponsored by Gourmet Phile, rare wines and fine food.  At the Grand Tasting event, over 1,00 guests mingled with world-renowned chefs and vintners and indulged in 130 wines, while feasting on by the bite specialties from over 20 outstanding South Florida restaurants.  The Boca Bacchanal weekend of activities was committee run and chaired by Heather Shaw and Samantha Vassallo.

Next stop was the FAU President’s Gala. It was the perfect formula to highlight the Charles E Schmidt College of Science and enjoy a “Stellar”evening. The College of Science is dedicated to launching the scientific discoveries of tomorrow through collaborations with world class research institutes, outstanding academic opportunities and engagement with the community.  They strive to provide the highest caliber of research, scientific innovation and education in the country. Money raised during the evening goes to support students with academic scholarships.

According to FAU President, John Kelly, he and, First Lady Carolyn Kelly, were able to receive their degrees thanks to scholarship support. He noted, “we strive to pay it forward by supporting students on their academic journeys. Scholarship donors have the power to change lives by giving students the opportunity to fulfill their educational dreams and realize their potential.”

To end the evening, we stopped in at Congregation B’nai Israel where they were already celebrating Beatles style with Beatles Tribute Band, “Across the Universe.”  Guests enjoyed action food stations with silent and live auctions. Kudos to new comer auctioneer, Bill Riddick, who did an awesome job!   We’re waiting to find out who won “Be a Palm Beach Commissioner for a Day.”  “With a Little Help from my Friends,” we have a “Good Day Sunshine” planned.

 

Coming up very quickly

5th Annual Brain Bowl 

Celebrity guest Marilu Henner will be the key note speaker at the 5thAnnual Brain Bowl on April 12that Boca West Country Club.  Henner has starred in over 50 films, seven Broadway shows, and two classic sitcoms (Taxi and Evening Shade).  The five time Golden Globe nominee is also a New York Times Best Selling author.

Romeo & Juliet

Boca Ballet Theatre will present Romeo & Juliet, Shakespeare’s classic tale of two ill-fated lovers set to the beautiful haunting music of Prokofiev. Prepare to be swept off your feet with romantic and regal ballroom scenes, spirted swordplay and poignant pas de deux as Boca Ballet Theatre portrays this timeless tale of tragic love with passion and poise.

Boca Ballet Theatre welcomes guest artists Nayara Lopes Soloist with Pennsylvania Ballet as Juliet and Sterling Baca Principal Dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet as Romeo.

Mark Your Calendar: Friday, April 12, at 7:30pm; Saturday, April 13, at 7:30pm; and Sunday, April 14, at 2:00pm at the Countess de Hoernle Theatre (Spanish River High School, 5100 Jog Rd Boca Raton FL). Ticket Price: $40 for adults and $30 for children and seniors. Tickets and Information: (561) 995-0709 www.bocaballet.org

Start planning 

The Virginia & Harvey Kimmel Milagro Junior Teen Center Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon cutting will officially open the new Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Milagro Junior Teen Center (346 SW 6thAve Delray Beach FL) on April 15that 5:30pm. Join us as the Milago Center thanks the Kimmels, DPR Construction and their trade partners, their valued donors, funders, leaders and the many people who made this vision possible. Cheers to the many deserving children and teens whose lives the Center will impact.

Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Shine Like a Star Luncheon

Join Honorary Chair, Judy Levis Markhoff, Co-Chairs, Marisa Baker, Elyssa Kupferberg, Nicole Ruderman and Erica Solodkin for the Levis JCC Shine Like a Star Luncheon benefitting the Special Needs Programs at the JCC on April 17th.

The luncheon will feature Gina and Patty, co-authors of the bestselling, parenting book Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children, and creators of a nearly one-million strong worldwide Facebook community.

Gina and Patty both have children with special needs and have written their book to celebrate the humor, joy, and triumphs of raising “imperfect kids” in a perfection-obsessed world.

For more information or for sponsorship opportunities contact Cindy Bergman at 561-852-3253 or CindyB@levisjcc.org.

The Gateway Gala Festival of Giving 

Enjoy a night of food and festivities on April 24thfrom 6-10pm, featuring the cuisine of top area restaurants along with a fine selection of wines, craft beers and other beverages.  Penn House Productions will be providing sounds and sights to entertain whether you want to dance or just enjoy a festive night at The Parkland Golf and Country Club.

The evening festures:

  • Wine Tasting, Craft Beers & Exotic Spirits
  • Great Cuisine from Top Local Restaurants
  • Silent Auction & Raffles
  • Music, Dancing & Entertainment

While you are enjoying the tropical themed “Festival of Giving,” thousands of local families will be benefiting from your contributions, funding the work of Gateway Community Outreach in providing people in need with help and hope to restore their self-sufficiency. For tickets and information, go to:http://gatewaygala.org/buy-tickets/

Star Maker Awards

The National Society of Arts & Letters, Florida East Coast Chapter will present their Star Maker Awards, chaired by Kim Champion, on April 28th, at 5PM at Boca West Country Club, honoring Marilynn Wick. This spectacular event will feature brilliant musical performances by the Lynn University Conservatory of Music and the FAU School of Music, along with delicious hors-d’oeuvres and an open bar.

During the event, scholarships will be presented, and awards will be bestowed upon NSAL competition winners in Drama as well as scholarship winners in strings, piano, woodwinds, theatre and visual arts. For tickets, sponsorship information and more ways to become involved, please visit, www.NSALFloridaEast.org.

For even more events, visit my website,www.BocaCal.com

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