South Palm Beach County Social Scene
By Pamela J Weinroth
Where Were You Last Week?
It was a simple request, please help us help those in need in Venezuela 🇻🇪. A Formula for Love, held this past Monday evening, at the Boca Ratón Children’s Museum, collected baby formula, bottles and diapers for at risk babies in Venezuela in partnership with Mas is More Foundation. 
Rayma Suprani and Katherine Gruber, as founders of Mas is More, spoke about the impact their organization has on the children of Venezuela, victims of the largest humanitarian crisis the Western Hemisphere has ever experienced. Thank you to Mary Sol Gonzalez for bringing awareness for Boca Raton.
On Tuesday, the 6th Annual ChildNet Care for Kids Luncheon, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, was held at Woodfield Country Club. Proceeds from the event will benefit Palm Beach County children in foster care.
ChildNet has been chosen by the Florida Department of Children & Families to serve as the Community Based Care (CBC) lead agency in both Broward and Palm Beach Counties. As such, it is the single private non-profit entity responsible for managing the local system of services and supports for the communities’ most vulnerable children.
Their system of care was developed with extensive input from local stakeholders and its effective implementation depends upon their continued support. Its mission is to “protect abused, abandoned and neglected children in the communities we serve.”
ChildNet recognizes that foster and adoptive parents are an essential and invaluable part of the System of Care and will provide them with comprehensive support services. The service provider network, also, is essential to the well-being of the children ChildNet serves. (Pictured: Jan Savarick, Allyson Harmon, Pamela Weinroth and Ann Weinwurm). 
With a lead gift of $10 million, the Schmidt Family Foundation hopes to solve Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s longstanding parking problem. Patients and visitors want convenience and easy access. The garage tends to be the first and last impression of the hospital by patients and visitors.
Ground breaking for the construction on the 972-space Schmidt Family Parking Garage was held on Wednesday. When completed, the garage will be connected to the hospital via a new hospital lobby with completion expected in a little over a year. In the interim, the hospital will use golf carts to ferry patients and visitors from remote parking areas. Employees will be asked to park off-site and take a shuttle to the campus to leave the limited available spaces for patients and visitors.
The garage is the first project in the hospital’s plans that include a new, seven-story patient tower and other major upgrades to the hospital campus The hospital recently unveiled a $250 million campaign that will support the most ambitious period of growth and expansion in its history, valued at more than half a billion dollars. The fundraising effort, entitled Keeping the Promise…The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital, is highlighted by eight-figure philanthropic gifts to date from five long-tenured members of the BRRH family, including Christine E. Lynn, Stanley and Marilyn Barry, Richard and Barbara Schmidt, Elaine J. Wold, and Louis B. and Anne W. Green. Keeping the Promise…The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital is the largest campaign in the Hospital’s 51-year history and has already raised $115 million.
The multi-level project the campaign supports features several key components. The new 180,000 sq. ft. seven-story patient tower is the centerpiece. The tower will feature an expansion of the surgical suites, and new patient lobby, and three floors set aside for future growth. These investments are the initial steps toward an even broader vision for the campus over the next decade with greater access points and even more specialties. (Pictured: Christine E Lynn, Barbara Schmidt, Terry Fedele and Dick Schmidt) 
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County held its annual meeting on Wednesday evening, where, in addition to the election of new officers and directors, the community joined together in celebrating 40 years since its incorporation in November 1979. Considered the hub of the Jewish community for Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach, today the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County engages donors, supporters and community partners in addressing and planning for current and future needs of the Jewish community and the Jewish people.
The Federation brings together Jewish and human service organizations, synagogues, schools, and individuals to provide and support critical services and programs for recipients in the community, Israel and around the world. Some of its funded organizations, which are also located on the Federation’s 100-acre campus in West Boca, include: Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, JARC FL, Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center, Donna Klein Jewish Academy, Katz Hillel Day School, Katz Yeshiva High School, HUD apartment buildings and more.
“Celebrating 40 years is a commemoration of how far we have come,” said Matt Levin, President & CEO of Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “We are a Jewish community that has matured and evolved into a multi-generational community where boards are populated by young and old.”
Al Gortz, who is one of the founders of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and later became a Chair of the Federation Board, described how, in the beginning when the Federation first separated from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. The founders of the “South County Jewish Federation” including Gortz, saw the population was quickly growing in the south part of the County where there was a need for senior and social services, a day school, a summer camp, and more.
Led by Jimmy Baer, the “founders” quickly found a significant number of local leaders who wanted to join addressing urgent current needs and planning for future needs. Thanks, in large part to Carole & Dick Siemens, the land that would become the cornerstone of the Federation campus became available. The Siemens donated over 20 acres to begin the growth of the campus.
Today, the South Palm Beach County Jewish community is home to dozens of synagogues, Jewish day schools, agencies, and organizations that benefit thousands of people locally, in Israel and around the world. The Federation supports over 70 local and overseas beneficiaries, engaging more than 6,500 donors and brings together a vibrant, diverse Jewish community of nearly 135,000 residents. (Pictured: Lorrie Berkowitz, Eydie Hotz, Dale Filhaber and April Leavy and Pamela Weinroth, Robert Weinroth and Anne Jacobson)
On Thursday evening, Women of Tomorrow held its 6thAnnual Palm Beach County Wine Dinner. Presenting sponsor was Under the Sun and the event was chaired by Robbin Newman and Krista Rosenberg. The Women of Tomorrow mission is to inspire, motivate and empower at-risk young women to live up to their full potential through a unique group mentoring program with highly accomplished professional women and scholarship opportunities.
Women of Tomorrow engages highly accomplished professional women as mentors in a small group setting. We operate in partnership with public school districts; all activities are held during the school day, under the auspices of the school district. The schools select at-risk girls for participation based on a broad definition of “at-risk” including low income, abuse, disability, likelihood of dropping out of high school, becoming involved in gangs, drugs, criminal activity, getting pregnant or academic, social, behavioral, medical or other risk factors. Each group is diverse in its composition with girls in 9th – 12th grade who have varying strengths and weaknesses so they can learn from and empower each other. Girls in the program typically do not know each other prior to joining the group.
For more information email: womenoftomorrow@womenoftomorrow.org or call: 305.371.3330
On Friday, the 5th Annual Brain Bowl, for the benefit of the Louis & Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, the Alzheimer’s Association; Alzheimer’s Community Care and The Parkinson Foundation, was held at Boca West Country Club.
Marilu Henner was a very special speaker! Shehas an unusual claim to fame, one that puts her in a very elite minority: She is one of a handful of people confirmed to have highly superior autobiographical memory — the unique ability to be able to recall what happened on any day of one’s life.
The theme of the afternoon – the silver tsunami is coming. We cannot hide but must fight to attack this insidious disease, head-on! This horrific disease affects so many South Florida residents. In Palm Beach County alone, an estimated 1 in 3 individuals, over the age of 65, is impacted by Alzheimer’s or dementia. Caring for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia poses a huge cost to those in the labor force, in terms of personal stress and lost work hours. 
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cost American businesses at least $61 billion a year, just in lost productivity, related to employees providing care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, including Lewy Body Dementia, from which many with Parkinson’s suffer. Alzheimer’s remains the only leading disease in our country that no one overcomes — your support will help make that no longer true!
The 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Sunday November 10th 2019.
To learn more or to register, go to: http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2019/FL-SoutheastFlorida…
Pictured: (Marilu Henner and Marilyn Swillinger, Pamela Weinroth, Arlene Herson, Shari Upbin and Donna Biase)
Over 5,000 residents came out to join the JDRF One Walk in Boca Raton on Saturday morning. JDRF One Walk has one goal: to create a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D). The money raised at the JDRF One Walk supports life–changing breakthroughs that give hope to everyone impacted by this disease.
Five years ago, a valued member of our community and a well-known local business leader lost his life while taking a bicycle ride in West Boca Raton. His name was Steve Brown. This tragic event inspired a group of Temple Beth El Brotherhood and Sisterhood members to create an annual event (now in its third year) in his memory, to foster the importance of bike safety while enjoying the magnificent South Florida outdoors.
Distracted driving kills! Please be safe and share the road with people on foot and on bicycles.
(Pictured: Robert Weinroth and Dana Brown)
Connor Jimenez took top honors at Boca Helping Hands 13th Annual Monopoly Event & Casino Night on Saturday night at The Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club. Co-chairs for the event were LouAnn Such and Dale Workman.
Guests vied for the Boca Helping Hands title of MONOPOLY® Game Champion, and the evening includes hors d’oeuvres and dinner, a silent and live auction by auctioneer Neil Saffer, casino gaming and a DJ. Two-time National MONOPOLY® Champion Gary Peters served as the MONOPOLY® tournament mediator. 
“This event is both fun and something different,” said Gary Peters, Boca Helping Hands Board President. “Most everyone loved Monopoly as a kid, so this is their chance to come out and enjoy the game again.”
The Event Sponsors were Michelle & Michael Hagerty. The Dinner Sponsor was Tandy and Joe Robinson. The Auction Sponsor is JM Family Enterprises, Inc. Park Place Sponsor was Oasis Championship, A Paychex® Company. Charity Navigator awarded Boca Helping Hands a Four Star Charity for the 12th Consecutive Year. (Pictured: Gary Peters, Mr Monopoly, Pamela Weinroth and Robert Weinroth)
Coming Up Quickly
CROS Ministries: Raise Your Glass to End Hunger on April 24that 6:00PM at Delray Beach’s Old School Square. Raise Your Glass to End Hunger is a beer and wine tasting featuring signature dishes from local restaurants and caterers. This year’s event features beer from Copperpoint Brewing Company, wines from Signorello Estate Wines, and food from City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Culinary Flair Catering, Banyan Restaurant & Bar, and Palermo’s Bakery. There will be incredible items to bid at both a silent and live auction. For tickets or more information, go to: https://giving.crosministries.org/event/details/24
In Jacob’s Shoes will hold its 9th Annual Dinner & Auction “Every Sole Counts” on April 25that 5:30P at the Boca West Country Club. Honorees for the evening: Lifetime Achievement Award ♦ Joe & Toni Mastrullo; Community Leadership Award ♦ Parkland Commissioner Ken Cutler; and Star Volunteer Award ♦ Elise Goldman & Ileen Messinger 
“The Jacob S. Zweig Foundation, Inc. was formed in honor of the life of Jacob S. Zweig who was tragically killed at the age of seventeen on November 15, 2008. Jacob touched and inspired many people, volunteering as a Soccer Buddy for children with special needs and making friends across the globe. It was clear early on that Jacob had a natural gift for making everyone, regardless of ability, feel accepted, loved and part of a group. To honor Jacob’s legacy, his family and friends wanted to support local organizations and continue Jacob’s way of treating others with dignity and inclusion. Formed in 2009, the Foundation, known as In Jacob’s Shoes, honors the love and encouragement Jacob gave to all who knew him and will strive to continue Jacob’s way of making a difference in the lives of others. His smile, his hugs and his huge heart will never be forgotten.”
To buy tickets or sponsor: www.eventbrite.com/e/in-jacobs-shoes-9th-annual-dinner-auction-every-sole-counts-tickets-54805006249 For more information: https://injacobsshoes.org/ijs-every-sole-counts-event-2019/ or call (954) 905-2505
Florence Fuller Child Development Center will hold its 18th Annual Men with Caring Hearts on April 26that 11AM at the Boca West Country Club.
Come out to celebrate the OUTSTANDING MEN IN OUR COMMUNITY! South Palm Beach County’s non-profit organizations are given an opportunity to recognize and honor their male volunteers who selflessly commit to making life better for others living in South Florida at the 18th Annual Men with Caring Hearts Awards Luncheon. Co-Chair and FFCDC Board Member Heather Shaw, and Co-Chair and FFCDC supporter Scott Van Wyngarden welcome the community to join them at 10:30AM. for a champagne reception as 
well as a raffle and silent auction. The afternoon will kick off with a sit-down luncheon and awards ceremony with a special presentation from some of FFCDC’s children.
Every year the program honors two extraordinary men who have personally dedicated their lives to the betterment of our community. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the remarkable Gary Peters, Board President of Boca Helping Hands, for his transformative work. The Biggest Heart Award will be presented to the innovative John C Tolbert, President of the Boca Raton Resort and Club.
All proceeds directly impact FFCDC’s most vulnerable children and their families through the power of education. For a full list of sponsors and nominating non-profits, please visit www.ffcdc.org. Tickets are $125. For more information on how to participate, call Alana Lagerström at 561-391-7274, ext. 134, or email alagerstrom@ffcdc.org.
Best Foot Forward will host the “Dare to Dream Bash” on April 27that 7PM at the Polo Club Boca Raton. 
Lisa and Jim Wheeler are the event chairs with Lisa and Todd Orlando as rising chairs for the signature event. Guests will enjoy a wonderful cocktail hour with an exciting silent auction, a fabulous dinner and live auction followed by dessert and dancing. Barbara C. Gutin will serve as Honorary Chair, and Dr. John Kelly, President of Florida Atlantic University, will be recognized as Champion of Children.
Best Foot Forward is a non-profit agency that offers programs for foster care youth to provide the opportunity for academic success. The agency implements several programs aimed at specific age groups. Each program provides guidance and support for children through a team-oriented approach. As part of this strategy, BFF pairs program participants with an Academic or Graduation Coach from kindergarten to college. Through one-on-one support, each Coach provides a range of educational planning and monitoring to ensure academic success. By working together as a team, Coaches provide students with the necessary resources to graduate from high school with a plan for their future.
To register, visit: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eg5i0ou0dd135663&llr=miilt5dab
Start Planning
The 10th Anniversary Project Nuremberg Lawyers Lunch and Learn will be held on May 3rdat Noon at Temple Beth El Boca Raton, FL. The Temple presents the Luncheon in conjunction with the South Palm Beach County Bar Association and Lynn University. This event is generously underwritten by Jay and Marilyn Weinberg.
Proceeds will benefit Holocaust, Law and Jewish Ethics Programming at Temple Beth El. Sponsor, register for tickets or place an ad in the Tribute Journal. CLE credits will be applied. In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Project Nuremberg, special recognition will be given to Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates and the Project Nuremberg Committee. To sponsor, register for tickets or place an ad in the Tribute Journal. Questions contact Aileen Spilka at 561-391-8900.
The annual Butterfly Release will be held at the Faulk Center for Counseling (22455 Boca Rio Rd Boca Raton FL) on May 9that 5:30PM as part of their observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.
For 45 years, the Faulk Center for Counseling has provided free and low-cost mental health counseling to thousands in the community. Early detection and treatment of mental health problems is essential to an individual’s overall health and well-being. Like the transformation of a butterfly representing change, rebirth and renewal, individuals who seek help from the Faulk Center for Counseling learn to think differently, feel healthier and live happier. Proceeds from this event will provide free and low-cost mental health counseling to those less fortunate in our community. There is no cost to attend. Donations are appreciated. For more information or to RSVP, contact Ali Rubin at 561-483-5300.
For more events, visit, my website at www.bocacal.com
