BOCA RATON — Whoever said Democrats and Republicans couldn’t see eye to eye?
Notable leaders of both parties in Palm Beach County are doing just that, joining forces for a major fundraiser to benefit the Florida Fishing Academy, a nonprofit after school provider that builds character, self-confidence, environmental awareness and a passion for learning among at-risk kids in South Florida.
Mike Dukakis
Headlining the Thursday, April 29 event at the City Fish Market Restaurant is former Delray Beach resident and one-time Democratic Party presidential nominee, Michael Dukakis. Other Democrats who have lent their name to the event include former U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, newly elected U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, former Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer and former Delray Beach Mayor Jay Alperin.
But this is not a Democrats-only event. Also on the fundraiser’s host committee are county Republican leaders, including local GOP strategist Jack Furnari, Palm Beach County BizPac Chairman John R. Smith, Boca Raton Deputy Mayor Susan Haynie and newly elected Boynton Beach Mayor Jose Rodriguez.
Because of donations from title sponsors, City Fish Market Restaurant and Chops Lobster Bar, 100 percent of ticket costs will go toward FFA programming.
Other event sponsors include the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and U.S. Sugar, and the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund, part of the McCormick Foundation; Fish Florida Tag, the Sam W. Klein Charitable Foundation and the Florida Marlins.
Begun in 2006, the Florida Fishing Academy, through partnerships with the DeVos Blum YMCA, the city of Boynton Beach and local city-run Youth Violence Prevention Centers, uses fishing in a hands-on, youth oriented after school sports curriculum to build in disadvantaged youth a passion for ethical angling, marine conservation and a potential career in the marine industries. Last year alone, the academy had 900 students complete its course and gave away more than 1,000 free rods and reels.
A supporter of the program since he learned of it in 2008, Dukakis will be joined by his wife, Kitty, at the cocktail reception at City Fish Market Restaurant in Boca Raton. Tickets are $150 each and silent auction items will include private lunch with Michael Dukakis, Guy Harvey fine-art prints and fishing and pleasure boat charters.
During his stay, Dukakis will also be speaking at a luncheon of the Palm Beach County Democratic Professional’s Council and at a reception of the Harvard Club of Palm Beach.