Story, photos by Barbara McCormick
BOCA RATON — The GFWC Boca Raton Women’s Club recently celebrated National Doctor’s Day at the 12th Annual Honor Your Doctor
Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel, left, is shown with Janice Williams, event chairperson, and Pernille Ostberg, club advisor
Luncheon, held at Boca West Country Club.
Luncheon proceeds benefited the Helen M. Babione Medical Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship assistance for students enrolled in medical studies at Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University and Palm Beach State College.
The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the Distinguished Doctor of the Year Award to Dr. Dorothy Murray, a physician at Hospice by the Sea. Dr. Murray was honored for providing quality care to her patients for more than 43 years. Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel read the proclamation from City Hall declaring “Dr. Dorothy Murray Day.”
Luncheon honorary chairs Richard and Barbara Schmidt were lauded for their dedication and commitment to members of the medical field and their generosity to the Boca Raton Community.
The impressive afternoon affair was chaired by Janice Williams. She was assisted by Club President Gwen Herb, event co-chairs Betty Pepper and Joan Weidenfeld, honorary advisor, Patti Carpenter; club advisors Helen Babione and Pernille Ostberg. Luncheon committee members included Mary Ellen Courier, Lucille Matthews, Teri Martin, Laurdes Rey, Phd., and Etta Schaeffer.
Dr. John Strobis, honored twice as Doctor of Distinction in 2001 and 2009, acted as honorary physician advisor.
Choral selections by the West Boca Raton High School group Encore, added to the ambience of the afternoon.
Founded in 1964, the GFWC Boca Raton Woman’s Club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, one of the world’s oldest and largest nonpartisan, nondenominational, women’s volunteer service organizations.