South Palm Beach County Social Scene

By Pamela J Weinroth

Where were you last week?

Another week, another run for a cause. If you wonder how I still fit in my dresses after attending multiple fundraisers each week these runs certainly help!

This week began with the 7th Annual Run From The Rays held at Spanish River Athletic Complex. This is an epic 5K and 1 Mile run/walk presented by Vertical Bridge in Boca Raton.

Proceeds from the event will benefit selected charities which provide screening, treatment, education and research of Melanoma and other life-threatening forms of Skin Cancer. Congratulations to Fran and Dr Nathan E Nachlas on another great community event!

A complete list of award winners can be viewed at: www.accuchiptiming.com/images/race_results/2019/Run_From_The_Rays_5K_-_Age_Group_Results_2019.htm                            (Pictured: Delray Beach Firefighters)

For more than 30 years, Great Strides – the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event – has supported the Foundation’s mission to cure cystic fibrosis and raise awareness for this rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe and shortens lives.

The community’s walk, chaired by Rene Stern, on Sunday helped raise funds to support and accelerate innovative research and drug development, as well as advance care and advocacy. Nearly every CF drug was made possible by the Foundation and because of funds raised from Great Strides, people with CF are living longer, healthier lives and pursuing their dreams. The Foundation is working every day to build on this incredible momentum, and they won’t stop until there is a cure for all people living with CF.  (Pictured: Rene Stern and Ali Bethel)

The National Society of Arts & Letters, Florida East Coast Chapter held their 2nd Annual Star Maker Awards at Boca West Country Club on Sunday evening. During the event, scholarships were presented, and awards bestowed upon NSAL competition winners in drama, as well as scholarship winners in strings piano, woodwinds, theatre and visual arts.

This evening was a dazzling opportunity to experience the incredible depth of talent that our local emerging artists possess, according to event co-chair Kim Champion.

“Thanks to the tremendous supporters of NSAL, we are able to provide these young talents with the scholarships, awards and mentoring necessary to take their careers to the next level.” The evening also featured brilliant musical performances by the Lynn University Conservatory of Music and the FAU School of Music.

The NSAL Florida East Coast Chapter is comprised of dedicated volunteers who understand the critical importance of supporting the creative arts and keeping it alive for generations to come.

NSAL aims to discover talented young people at the beginning of their careers and provide scholarships and competitions in multiple disciplines.

A highlight of this year’s event was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Marilynn A. Wick, the Founder and Executive Managing Producer of The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum in Boca Raton.
“Marilynn is the perfect honoree for this award,” said event co-chair Howard Schwartz.

“Her dedication to preserving the history of Broadway through her costume collection is world-renowned. And her theatre not only provides tremendous joy to art patrons but has also become a vital source of employment and artistic expression for countless young actors, dancers and singers. She truly embodies NSAL’s mission, and we are delighted to be presenting her with this recognition.”

NSAL aims to discover talented young people at the beginning of their careers and provides scholarships and competitions in art, dance, drama, literature, music and musical theatre, and works to advance their careers and creative opportunities.

Excelling at the chapter level allows competitors to progress to national competitions and here, many stars have been discovered, including Shirley MacLaine, actress/dancer/writer; Jessye Norman,opera singer; Megan Hilty, Broadway and television star; Awadagin Pratt, pianist; and Amanda McKerrow, prima ballerina, and opera star Nadine Sierra who was discovered through the Florida East Coast Chapter.

For more information about NSAL scholarships, competitions and how to become a supporter, please visit www.NSALFloridaeast.org  (Pictured: Jay Stuart, Jan McArt, Robert Weinroth, Marilynn Wick & Marleen Forkas)

On Wednesday we were “Livin’ the Chai Life” celebrating 36 years of the Levis JCC at its Annual Meeting. In addition to honoring leaders, we watched as the new Officers and Board of Directors was installed.  Lori Fineman, President of the Board, and Randy Colman, Executive Director, performed “The Tonight Show” as they interviewed their guests, they highlighted a lot of the great programming that took place over the past year. Ryan Kalina was honored with the Levis JCC Avraham Halevi Youth Leadership Award. This award is given annually to volunteers 13-17 years old, in recognition of their commitment to a Levis JCC program or department in which they have demonstrated leadership, passion and reliability.  Ed Randell was named Volunteer of the Year.  This honor is given each year to an outstanding individual who embodies the spirit of leadership.

The Levis JCC promotes and enhances Jewish culture, heritage and values through educational, spiritual, social, wellness and recreational programs. From preschool and summer camp, to youth and family activities, from athletics to cultural arts, adult enrichment and special needs programming as well as Boca’s chic Resale Boutique, the Levis JCC offers something for everyone; ensuring that thousands in our community have a place to gather, connect, make friends, and enrich their lives. The leadership at the JCC welcomes everyone to be a part of it!

(Pictured: Elyssa Kupferberg and Judi Shuman)

On Wednesday morning the American Association of Caregiving Youth recognized Helen Babione for the many ways she (and her late husband) have changed our city for the better. Helen was honored with a Proclamation delivered by Mayor Scott Singer from the City of Boca Raton declaring May 1, 2019 as Helen Babione Day. She also received a Certificate of Appreciation from Palm Beach County Commisioner Robert Weinroth wherein she was duly recognized as a pillar of the community. Helen has made (and will continue to make) an indelible impact on many, many people of all ages! Ninety years young and going strong!

The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is a non-profit corporation established in 1998 by its founder, Connie Siskowski. AACY is headquartered in Boca Raton, FL and s the only organization in the US solely dedicated to addressing caregiving youth issues.

The vision AACY is to ensure that every youth caring for chronically ill, injured, elderly or disabled family members will achieve success in school and life. AACY is working to increase awareness and provide support services for youth caregivers and their families by connecting them with healthcare, education and community resources.

(Pictured: Connie Siskowski and Helen Babione)

Along with Adam Goodkin from Simply the Best Magazine, and Debbie Ellman and Donna Biase from Best Foot Forward, we were honored to serve as judges for the 3rd Annual Signature’s Got Talent Show at The Funky Biscuit on Wednesday evening. This year, event proceeds were awarded to Best Foot Forward, a non-profit organization that provides programs for the wholistic development and well-being of our local youth in foster care.

According to event co-chair, Wendy Pressner, Signature’s Got Talent is their way of appreciating each other in new ways while raising funds to benefit local charities. They have a strong commitment to their mantra: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Along with Wendy, Event Co-Chairs Dana Levy and Karen Evans chose to dedicate this year’s show to Jack Jaiven, who has a long record of philanthropy through Boca Helping Hands, Temple Beth El and Signature Gives Back, with decades of proven service to community affairs involving children’s welfare.

(Pictured: Robert Weinroth, Debbie Ellman, Donna Biase, Pamela Weinroth and Ivan Benjamin)

Ambassador Haley was the keynote speaker at the American Friends of Magen David Adom Boca-Delray Community Event on Thursday evening. Magen David Adom is Israel’s national EMS, blood-services, and disaster-relief organization. Ambassador Nikki Haley was US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 – 2019.

Her steadfast support of Israel 🇮🇱 was unparalleled as our representative at the UN. Her words in support of this sole democracy in the Middle East were heartfelt and very appreciated.

As UN Ambassador, Haley championed human rights. She challenged human rights violations across the globe, standing up to oppressive regimes in Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and Russia.

(Pictured: Ambassador Haley and Robert Weinroth)

On Friday Temple Beth El of Boca Raton presented the 10th Anniversary of the Project Nuremberg Lawyers Luncheon in conjunction with the South Palm Beach County Bar Association and Lynn University.

The event was generously underwritten by Jay and Marilyn Simon Weinberg with Event proceeds benefiting Holocaust, Law and Jewish Ethics Programming at Temple Beth El.

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Project Nuremberg, special recognition was given to Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates and the Project Nuremberg Committee.

Professor John Q. Barrett – Jay and Marilyn Weinberg Rule of Law Award Recipient. Barrett was the first speaker at the Nuremberg Lawyer’s Luncheon, ten years ago, St John’s University Professor of Law, expert on U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Nuremberg prosecutor Robert H. Jackson.

Former Mossad Agent Avraham – Jay and Marilyn Weinberg Rule of Law Award Recipient. Avraham is a former Mossad agent who famously worked to reveal and publicize the insider story of the historic 1960 capture of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann inspiring MGM’s movie “Operation Finale” starring Oscar Isaac and Ben Kingsley – for which Avraham served as a key consultant.

Florida Supreme Court Justice Robert Luck – Civility Award Recipient. Justice Luck was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by Governor Ron DeSantis on January 14, 2019. He previously served on the Third District Court of Appeal in Miami after his appointment there by Governor Rick Scott in March 2017.

We were honored to be joined by Ben Ferencz, an investigator of Nazi war crimes after World War II and the Chief Prosecutor for the United States Army at the Einsatzgruppen Trial, one of the twelve military trials held by the U.S. authorities at Nuremberg, Germany. His work has long focused on issues of international criminal justice and world peace. Nuremberg – From rule of force to rule of law!

(Pictured: Rabbi Jessica Mates, Ben Ferencz, and Marilyn & Jay Weinberg)

Mission Possible was the Saturday evening theme for SOS Children’s Village Florida Gala.Wanda Moran served as Honorary Chair with Marti White and Aubrey Zeigler as the event’s Co-chairs.

Jillian Smath, Executive Director spoke passionately about the mission and relayed a particular story of 2 brothers who came to SOS Children’s Village as adolescents.  Neither boy had ever played football, but both shared a passion for the game. Ms. Smath explained because of the positive environment, mentorship and encouragement the Village provides, both were drafted, last year, by NFL. The Children’s Village is a foster care neighborhood in Coconut Creek.

The street has 12 houses which are home to up to 75 boys and girls.  Their promise of “Healing, Hope and Home for Every Child” assures the children growing up in the Village a safe and secure home.  The children have been removed from their homes and families because of abandonment, abuse and/or neglect.  SOS Children’s Village’s main priority is keeping sibling groups together. By staying together, these children can grow up alongside each other which provides comfort and minimizes the trauma of being placed in care. In addition, SOS Children have accomplished a 100% high school graduation rate.

(Pictured: Neil Saffer, Sharon DiPietro and Matthew Linderman)

Next Week: 

Join the Boca Raton Police Services Department Friday, May 10th at 11AM for the Annual Police Memorial where they honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Immediately following the ceremony join them for a barbecue from Mississippi Sweets BBQ courtesy of Boca Raton Police Foundation and the Boca Raton Blue Benevolent.

Mom’s the word! 

Head to Tanzy to treat the #1 woman in your life to a Mother’s Day she won’t soon forget! Make her feel like a queen with a complete brunch buffet crafted by award-winning Chef Sherry Yard with items including a build-your-own omelet bar, main entrée choices such as stuffed French toast and eggs benedict, a homemade breads and pastries table, salad station, fruit station, cold station with poached shrimp and oysters, a Sherry Yard dessert station with individual warm mini molten cakes and much more. And, don’t forget to Mom up with a custom cocktail made just for her and appropriately titled the Mom-Osa.

And, that’s not all – surprise and delight with complimentary flowers for every Mom. For those looking for a flower that will stand the test of time, enter for the chance to win a gold rose from Goldgenie Intl. Call 561.922.6699 for reservations.

Five Star Diamond awarded venue the Addison  is opening its doors for a Mother’s Day brunch. The event includes live music, kids’ activities, and unlimited mimosas and bellinis. Reservations are available starting at 10 am and book quickly. Call 561.372.0568 to RSVP.

Strengthen Your Marriage with this one-time only FREE marriage seminar with Dr. Bob Barnes.

All married and engaged couples are invited to a FREE marriage seminar at The Journey on Tuesday, May 18^that 7PM, 2200 NW Boca Raton Blvd., led by author, pastor, and “Parenting on Purpose” founder, Dr. Bob Barnes. Dr. Barnes is the CEO of Sheridan House Family Ministries, the author of 10 books, and host of the Parenting on Purpose podcast.

This seminar will help strengthen your marriage (or future marriage) by teaching you Biblical principles for how to:

• Deal with conflict in a healthy way
• Experience God’s best for your marriage
• Move beyond superficial conversation to real communication
• Enjoy your spouse
• Forgive your spouse when they have hurt you

and much, much more!  For more information call 561.420.0606

Are you ready for hurricane season?

The Boca Raton Public Library wants to help! On May 15th at the Downtown Library, they will present “Prepare, Respond and Recover from Disasters and Emergencies.” In this free program from 6-8PM, representatives from the City of Boca Raton will discuss how the City prepares for potential threats. An accredited insurance advisor will also address what steps and preparations you can take in advance to protect yourself, as well as your family, home, property and business. An opportunity to ask questions will be provided.

Register at BocaLibrary.org 

International Museum Day is May 18^th.

The Boca Raton Museum of Art is open to the public free of charge, presented by PNC Bank. See exhibitions on view Beyond the Cape! Comics and Contemporary Art, Contemporary Sculpture: Sam Anderson & Michael Dean, John Ransom Phillips: Lives of the Artists, and more

Start planning:

Join Junior Achievementon May 21st for an evening under the banyan trees at The Addison with tasty bites, great networking and live entertainment. Celebrate the honorees for their unquenchable spirit and passion for giving back to the community.

2019 Honorees

• Michael Daszkal, CPA, Daszkal Bolton
• Ingrid Fulmer, Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT
• Scott Zankl, EXCELL AUTO GROUP

Tickets are $125 per person (includes open bar, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and networking).

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Kellie Hensley at 954.979.7124, email Kellie@JASouthFlorida.org or visit JASouthFlorida.org/LUTN

A Festive Celebration of Hispanic Heritage at the Y!

Join the Y for their 3rd Annual Baila Conmigo event – a festive celebration of Hispanic Heritage! Experience the beauty of the Hispanic culture through music, typical foods, dance, and art on June 8th from 5-9PM at the Peter Blum Family YMCA in Boca Raton. Everyone is invited to this FREE event, so bring your family and friends! There will be a Master Zumba Dance Party, live music, children’s activities corner including bounce houses, pinatas, food trucks and MORE!

For information and all vendor opportunities, please contact Chris Sapp at CSapp@ymcaspbc.org

For event more events, visit www.BocaCal.com