Published On: Sun, Apr 21st, 2019

South Palm Beach County Social Scene

By Pamela J Weinroth

Where were you this past week?

Tri-County Animal Rescue held its 17th Annual Doggie & Kittie Ball to benefit canines & felines this past Sunday evening. at Boca West Country Club. The old world “Casino Saloon” themed event included entertainment by Steve Chase Band, Dawn Marie and Alexandra Lewis. Firefighters walked the red carpet with rescue dogs and cats.

Guests enjoyed gaming tables followed by dinner, entertainment and a live auction with auctioneer and MC Neil Saffer.

The event chair was Sharon DiPietro, and Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg and Sergio DoRosario served as honorary chairs. Silent auction co-chairs were Susan Merkel and Laurie Udine.  Long time Tri-County supporter, Jeri Caprio, was the recipient of the Jeanette Christos award.

Proceeds from the event will enable Tri-County to continue its life-saving work, provide safe haven, nutritious food and veterinary treatment until animals can be adopted. 

The $10 million multi-phase capital campaign and build out began with a 9,000 square foot rescue clinic (a ($4.9) million capital campaign), which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in Spring 2019.  Phase two is an 11,435 square foot adoption and residential facility, a “Hos-Pets” center and Mausoleum ($5.1 million capital campaign).  The phase building will serve as an adoption and community program hub allowing temporary residents for 200+ dogs and 200+ cats.  This building will also include “cage-free” areas for age and size appropriate dogs.

Once complete, the new state of the art 64,000 square foot campus will feature a canine adoption center, a feline adoption center, long-term housing, veterinary surgical center and care and isolation areas for rescues and “Hos-Pets” for animals with special needs and extended care. Much of the new facility will be available to the public including a mausoleum with serenity garden, increased in-ground burial plots, agility course, in-ground pool, and boarding and grooming, as well as public spaces for education and community animal welfare training programs.

(Pictured:  Sharon DiPietro and Arlene Herson)

On Monday, we joined the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the opening of the new Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Milagro Junior Teen Center on SW 6th Street in Delray Beach.

The Junior Teen Center will be used for afterschool, out-of-school time and summer camp programs.

Located adjacent to the current Teen Center, this new facility will focus on the unique social and emotional needs of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, including academic support and tutoring, one-on-one mentoring and cultural arts.

The Center was created due to the desperate need in Palm Beach County for additional quality out-of-school time enrichment programs for economically-challenged children – especially programs that target students in middle school.

For more than 21 years, Milagro Center has been the premiere after-school and enrichment program for kindergarten through 5th grade elementary school students. The need for continuing academic and social support has grown exponentially for the economically disadvantaged middle school student.

Recent data from the Florida Department of Education reveals more than 40 percent of economically-challenged students in FL do not graduate from high school. 

Local reports show even worse statistics for Palm Beach County and worse yet for Hispanic and African American students. Barriers to academic achievement for these populations include chronic absenteeism, inadequate academic preparation, poor academic performance, poverty, repeating a grade, and multiple suspensions — all of which lead to dropping out.

The primary goal of the new Center is to establish a new and dedicated afterschool, out-of-school time program specifically structured for Middle School students.

This project will serve the economically-depressed Southern Palm Beach County communities and is expected to accommodate 60 middle school students (at least 90% of whom will make the critical transition to 9th grade).

The Center will offer:

★ A full after-school program, including academic classes, tutoring, cultural arts (dance, art, musical instrument lessons), mentoring & enrichment activities.

★ 13 weeks of full-time camp, including 10 weeks of full-day summer camp, two weeks of full-day winter break camp and one week of full-day spring break camp.

(Pictured:  Laura McCutcheon, Barbara Stark, Harvey & Virginia Kimmel, Jeb Conrad and Robert Weinroth)

Also on Monday evening, the Boca Raton Museum of Art held a Benefactors Circle Exhibition Preview: Beyond the Cape! Comics and Contemporary Art, Sam Anderson & Michael Dean: Contemporary Sculpture, John Ransom Phillips: Lives of the Artists.

The evening began with a presentation by John Random Phillips followed by a reception and spring exhibition preview. This exhibit will run through August 11th, 2019.

Beyond the Cape! Comics and Contemporary Art will run through October 6th, 2019.

You might wonder, why this new museum exhibition is called “Beyond the Cape!?”

Compared to so many other exhibitions around the world about comic books, this original and unconventional take soars well beyond just superheroes.

Beyond the Cape! Comics and Contemporary Art shows how some of the most currently sought-after contemporary artists are influenced by graphic novels and comic books.

The artworks in this pioneering show take viewers on a deeper dive into adult realms, tackling some of today’s thorniest issues: divisiveness, racial prejudice, feminism, planetary climate Armageddon, and LGBTQ rights.

Beyond the Cape! is the headline show for the museum’s new season, featuring video, photography, sculpture, prints, drawings, and tapestries. Rare comics will also be shown, as well as a series of contemporary animation coupled with remarkable historic cartoons from the early 1900s that are rarely seen.

(Pictured:  Irvin Lippman, Jody Grass, Robert Weinroth and Martin Grass)

Tuesday, again, was a double header. With a lead gift from Kathleen and Tom Lane, we watched as Charles BenderLisa McDulin and their team of staff, volunteers and supporters of the Lane Educational and Enrichment Center, located on the Place of Hope at the Leighan and David Rinker Campus, officially opened its doors. Special spaces within the Enrichment Center held mini ribbon cuttings with special recognition to:

  • Marshall E Rinker Foundation
  • The Scott Family
  • The Janetis Family
  • Susan and Peter Brockway
  • Whitney Chaffin
  • Mary and Bill Donnel
  • 4Girls Foundation
  • The Bonaros Family
  • Nikki and Craig Stelzer
  • Kelly Woods Fleming
  • Boca Rio Foundation
  • Quantum Foundation
  • Carly and Cutler Altier
  • Jill and John Didonna
  • Melissa and JP Dimisa
  • Kim and Daryl Fink
  • The Rubin Foundation
  • John Hurley and Jennifer Houston
  • Linda and Rob Taylor
  • Ivana and Hu Montague

Place of Hope is a unique faith-based, state-licensed children’s organization providing family-style foster care (emergency and long-term); family outreach and intervention; maternity care; safety for victims of domestic minor sex trafficking; transitional housing and support services for youth aging out of foster care; housing and support services for homeless families; foster care recruitment and support; hope and healing opportunities for children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect throughout our region.

Through faith, their family model approach, and committed service, they are dedicated to providing stable, loving, and nurturing environments and support for foster children while in state custody, following family reunification, pre-adoptive placement, and post-emancipation from care. Children and families can find dignity, guidance, and hope through various programs and efforts at Place of Hope at The Leighan and David Rinker Campus – Placing Hope in a Child’s Future.

With regard to children entrusted to their care and their families, Place of Hope strives to foster hope rather than despair, potential rather than limitations, healing rather than hurting, belonging rather than isolation, and what the future can be, rather than what the past has been.

Place of Hope at The Leighan and David Rinker Campus is dedicated to providing a stable and loving family environment for hurting children and their families. “We are committed to meeting desperate needs in our community by sharing God’s love and placing hope in their lives – one child and family at a time,” said Charles Bender, Place of Hope’s Executive Director.

(Pictured: Robert Weinroth, Charles Bender, Kathleen and Tom Lane)

Chaired by Ilene Wohlgemuth, the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services celebrated its 40th year of Health, Hope & Humanity within our community. The celebration was held in tandem with the annual meeting chaired by Lorrie Berkowitz, Stephanie Chestnov and Wendy Legum.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tholl

At its annual meeting, the history of the organization’s record of milestones and achievements was presented as past JFS Board chairs were honored. The agency welcomed new board members Lisa Goodman, Linda Behmoiras, Lori Gottsegen and Jill Swimmer.

The Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services was founded in 1979 as the first beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

Initially created to fill a need for social services in South Palm Beach County, what would be eventually named Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services in recognition of its benefactors and supporters, today offers help, hope and humanity through its comprehensive range of programs and services which support people of all ages and beliefs in the South Palm Beach County community.

JFS has provided support to over 15,000 residents annually for 40 years through programs and services such as affordable counseling and mental health programs; emergency financial assistance; feeding the hungry; career and employment services; services for seniors, including Holocaust Survivors; volunteer opportunities; as well as ongoing support for our youth, elderly, and people in transition or crisis.

Funding for JFS is provided by individuals and corporations, grants, special events and individuals who support its mission to bring hope to those in need.

“For 40 years, JFS has been there to provide assistance and critical services to our neighbors,” said Danielle Hartman, President and CEO of JFS. “We help people of all ages and beliefs from individuals to families, children, parents, and seniors during all phases of life and the challenging transitions in between. We are proud of the strong community we have helped create here in South Palm Beach County.”

Additionally, JFS has created a “40th Anniversary Fund” for new or increased one-time gifts, which will be used to support the organization’s current and future programs.

Here’s to the NEXT 40!         (Pictured:  Danielle Hartman and Robert Weinroth)

The Shine Like a Star Luncheon was held, on Wednesday, at Boca West Country

Club. The event, which benefits the Levi’s JCC Helene & Roy Swedelson Special Needs Department programs and scholarship fund.

Featured speakers, Gina Terrasi Gallagher & Patricia Terrasi (co-authors of the best selling parenting book, Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children) both have special needs children and wrote their book to celebrate the humor, joy and triumphs of raising “imperfect kids” in a perfection-obsessed world.

The Levis JCC Schwedelson Special Needs Department has embraced individuals with special needs and their families for more than 25 years. They strive to enhance the lives of children, teens and adults with disabilities. Families are embraced in Levis JCC life, with inclusion opportunities provided when possible.

(Pictured: Randy Colman, Pamela and Robert Weinroth with authors, Gina Gallagher, Patricia Terrasi and Matt & Marisa Baker)

The Palm Beach County Impact 100 Grand Awards Celebration was held on Wednesday evening at Lynn University’s Keith C and Elaine Wold Performing Arts Center. The event was introduced and emceed by Kirsten Stanley, President, and Kathy Adkins, President-Elect of Impact 100 Palm Beach County.

Each of the ten semifinalists made a 5-minute presentation to the membership, hoping to be awarded a $100,000 grant.

543 women pooled their funds (the Power of Women Giving as One). The result was they made five $100,000 grants to the winner in each of five categories:

  •   Arts & Culture: PB Dramaworks;
  •   Education: Streetwaves Corp;
  •   Environment: Inst for Reg Conservation;
  •   Autism After 21; and
  •   Health and Wellness: Center for Child Counseling

Nobody went away empty handed. The following semi-finalists were awarded a check for $8,600 with a suggestion that they consider applying next year.

  • Arts & Culture: Digital Vibes Inc;
  • Education: Florence Fuller CDC;
  • Environment: Wise Tribe;
  • Family: Habitat for Humanity; and
  • Health and Wellness: Veteran 2.0

The mission of Impact 💯 PBC is To provide a philanthropic opportunity for women to join together and make a big impact on south Palm Beach County.

Through high-impact grant making, Impact 💯 engages, develops and inspires women to effect positive change.

The guiding principle of Impact💯 Palm Beach County is efficient philanthropy: One Women, One Meeting, One Vote to impact lives.

Including the $543,000 that was just distributed, Impact 100 PBC has awarded over $3.3 million to our local community since its inception in 2011!

Pictured:  Kirsten Stanley and Kathy Adkins with 2019 Award Recipients 

Coming up quickly: 

7th Annual Run From The Rays 5K Run, presented by Vertical Bridge will be held at Spanish River Athletic Complex on Sunday, April 28th at 7AM.

Post run healthy & delicious breakfast provided by Fit Foodz Café.

Finisher medals and t-shirts guaranteed to first 750 REGISTERED & PAID participants!         1 Mile Run/Walk starts 8AM.

Proceeds from the event benefit selected charities which provide screening, treatment, education and research of Melanoma and other life threatening forms of Skin Cancer.  Past Race beneficiaries include: The Caridad Center of Palm Beach County, Melanoma Research at Moffitt Cancer Center now partnered with Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Lynn Cancer Center, Dermatology Medical Missions, Inc., The Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation, The League of Ribbons at Lynn Cancer Center, The Melanoma Foundation of New England, the Boca Raton High School Swim Team and The Boca West Children’s Foundation.

Call race director: Fran Nachlas, SafeSun, Inc. at 561.350.5110 for information. Managed by Runner’s Edge Foundation.

Also, on Sunday, the 28ththe Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of South Florida will present the Cystic Fibrosis Boca Great Strides WalkatBoca Raton Innovation Campus.

Registration opens at 8am and the walk begins at 9am.

This is a fundraising event which promotes awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Anyone of all ages can participate in the walk, and fun activities. All of the proceeds collected from this event will go towards finding a cure for CF.

For information visit: http://www.cff.org/GreatStrides

On May 1st, JFS challenges you and your family to participate in our 40th Anniversary Community Day of Action. The goal is to have 400 participants perform acts of kindness.

There are four ways to help:

  • Donate Food – Drop off groceries at the Jacobson Family Food Pantry or other designated drop off point.
  • Make a Card/Write a Letter – Share kind words with a Veteran to let them know you care; or write a letter to someone you know who may be struggling.
  • Visit a Lonely Senior – Give the gift of time by visiting a lonely senior or stop by the Weisman Delray Community Center and spend time with our senior Members.
  • Make a Gift – Donate to the 40th Anniversary Fund (ralesjfs.org/donate) and double your giving power!

Not local? Not a problem. JFS is seeking 400 participants to perform acts of kindness throughout the day regardless of your location.

Upload a photo of you “doing good” to our Facebook page (facebook.com/ralesjfs) and upload with

@ralesjfs   #JFSGivesBack   #JFSCelebrates40

On May 1st, bring your furry friend and head to Taverna Opain downtown Delray Beach for the return of Yappy Hour! Meet adoptable dogs while you and your pooch pose on the green carpet and dig into food specials – including a menu just for dogs. All canines will also enjoy doggy souvenirs including bowls, delicious treats and special discounts around town. While you’re there, don’t forget to sip on the featured drinks for the evening: The Pink Pooch and Salty Dog for just $7.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Tri-County Animal Rescue, a 100% no-kill shelter.

Yappy Hour will be held the first Wednesday of every month.

On Friday, May 3rd, come to The Flamingo Open presented by Comic Cure.

All Arts Open Mic at The Flamingo House Studio Every Friday 7 – 9PM

Be a part of an intimate studio audience as they record live sets of variety performances. Very limited seating. Performers will have their sets recorded and broadcast live on Facebook. Late night tv clean content, no vulgarity, no cursing. $10 in advance for attendees / $15 at the door. Ages 18+
Prosperity Brewers will be offering their wide selection of wine and beers.

Free for performers. Performers can sign up online at www.comiccure.com/artist-signup for a spot in advance (first come first serve) or at the door (if spots remain). Parking is located on the grass berm at 4160 NW 1st Ave.

Kicking off the Summer Series, Mizner Park Amphitheater and The City of Boca Raton will host a Battle of the Bands!

Submit your band!! Deadline to apply is April 30th: $1,500 cash grand prize
https://www.myboca.us/DocumentCenter/View/20908/Battle-of-the-Bands-Rules-v1

Sponsored by The City of Boca Raton the event will be held on Friday, June 7th.
Doors: 6:00 PM, Battle: 7PM   Free and Open to the Public

Applications are now open, apply today! Deadline to apply is April 30th. $1,500 cash grand prize for each category.

South Palm Beach County will have an exciting opportunity to celebrate Israel’s contributions to the high-tech revolution with an insiders’ view of some of its cutting-edge innovations – on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, the eve of Israel Independence Day. The program will begin at 7PM, and doors will open at 6PM.

Open to the public, IMAGINATION ISRAEL will bring the community together for inspiring and informative demonstrations of five high-tech innovations. The program is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required at jewishboca.org/imagination.

Presented by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and American Friends of the Hebrew University, IMAGINATION ISRAEL will take place at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th Street, Boca Raton. Following the demonstrations, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet the presenters. “Imagination Israel is a unique, exciting opportunity to get a close-up view of the phenomenon that has branded Israel the ‘Start-Up Nation,’ said Beth McCoy, CEO of the American Friends of the Hebrew University.

Israel’s high-tech industry and economy are lauded by Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and other magnates who make their own investments there. This tiny country’s high-tech efforts continually draw investments, partnerships and acquisitions from mega-corporations such as Apple Inc., Google, Intel Corp., IBM and Cisco Systems that create jobs in Israel and enable entrepreneurs to move on and start their next ventures. And, while Israel continues to create a lot of startups, more of them are scaling up and independently growing into larger companies.

“Israel produces astounding products that are changing the world we all live in for the better,” said Matthew C. Levin, the Federation’s President & CEO, who will moderate the program. “This tiny country’s high-tech prowess and ability to draw continually increasing investments for it make up one of the miracles of modern Israel to celebrate on Israel Independence Day. And Diaspora Jewish involvement in Israeli business is an important way to support our homeland.”

Developed in Israel by leading entrepreneurs and scientists for an array of uses, the innovations to be showcased – like so many others generated there – hold benefits for consumers far beyond Israel, in the United States and worldwide.

For additional information or to register, visit jewishboca.org/imagination, call 561.852.6002 or email jcrc@bocafed.org.

KidSafe Foundation, a non-profit organization established to help prevent child sexual abuse, is honoring renowned motivational speaker and former NBA player Keyon L. Doolingas the National Child Advocate of the Year andU.S. Rep. Ted Deutch as its Florida Advocate of the Year at its 10th annual gala on May 10th at the Polo Club in Boca Raton.

Keyon L. Dooling is a motivational speaker, life coach and author who recently retired from the National Basketball Association after almost 13 years as a professional athlete, including time with the Miami Heat. During his 12th season as a professional basketball player, Keyon Dooling was at the top of his game as the designated team leader of the Boston Celtics. Known for firing up his teammates with the challenge, “What’s driving you?” – found himself a few months later locked away in a mental institution, confused, frightened and on the verge of losing everything.

“Keyon’s bravery in telling his compelling story, which goes back to trauma he suffered as a child, will help protect children throughout the world,” said Sally Berenzweig, MEd,MA, co-founder & Executive Director KidSafe Foundation.  “Keyon is a role model for kids and basketball fans everywhere. His courage in sharing his story, helps empower all survivors, we are so thrilled to honor him.”

Florida honoree Congressman Ted Deutch represents Florida’s 22nd district. Now serving his fifth term in the 115th Congress, he is the Chairman of the House Ethics Committee and a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he serves as the Chairman on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. 

All funds raised at the “Shine the Light” Gala will go towards KidSafe’s extensive programs that bring direct services to thousands of children and adults.  Gala Co-Chairs are Sung Knowles and Elizabeth Kelley Grace.  The evening will include VIP Meet & Greet with Congressman Ted Deutch and book signing with Keyon Dooling. Each guest will receive a copy of “What’s Driving You?” Guests will enjoy entertainment, a premium open bar, dinner, dancing, silent auction and live auction hosted by Neil Saffer. Gala tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.kidsafefoundation.org. Tickets are $250.

Save the Date: 

Calling all non-profits, the Junior League of Boca will host the Woman Volunteer of the Year luncheon at the Boca Raton Resort and Club on November 8, 2019. This commemorative event profiles incredible women volunteers in our community doing amazing things to make our community better and brighter! Mark your calendars, you will not want to miss this spectacular event. For information: call 561.620.2552 or email: WVOY@jlbr.org

For more events visit my website www.BocaCal.com

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