Art was in the gimlet eye of the beholder at the “Celebration of Creativity” Art Show held on April 6-7 at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach, Florida.
Hosted by Orchid Island’s Art Club, the highly anticipated cultural extravaganza featured over 130 original framed artwork for sale by its members, including Mary Lou Bedford, Bruce Behrens, Polly Behrens, Diana Bickford, Christiane Casella, Muci Clemens, Loretta Curley, Kathleen Dunlop, Tim Gow, Carolyn Greifeld, Cornelia Gundlach, Henry Hamilton, Jacki Harding-Chernoff, Jay Hill, Terry Lansburgh, Robert Larsen, Yvette Lepera, Lou Lower, Ruth Martin, Reggie McCormack, Didi McCormick, Laurie McGrath, David McLean, Shelley Morrison, Nancy Ofstie, Janet Ramer, Cree Scudder, Cas Skrzypczak, Judy Stach, Ann Starkey, Mary Stewart, Dede Trefts, Diane VanVliet, and Julie Whitney. Artwork prices ranged from $125 to $8,200.
The annual art show also featured an artwork pop-up featuring 24 paintings for sale benefiting The Learning Alliance. On April 7, Orchid Island Art Club Members and Committee presented a $2,400 check to the nonprofit’s Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, Marie O’Brien.
The Art Show Committee included Event Chair Mary Stewart and Co-Chair Ann Starkey, Nancy Ofstie, Muci Clemens, Lou Lower, Ruth Martin, Reggie McCormack, Laurie McGrath, and Judy Stach.
“We are thrilled to host our annual art show event which benefits local nonprofits like The Learning Alliance,” said Rob Tench, General Manager of Orchid Island. “Supporting the community through philanthropic efforts is so important to our members.”
Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is located at One Beachside Drive, Vero Beach. For more information, visit OrchidIslandFL.com.
On Wednesday, May 7, at 7pm, enjoy an oenophilic tour of celebrated Oregonian vintages beneath a blanket of stars at Galley located at Hilton West Palm Beach.
Inspired by Willamette Valley’s most illustrious terroirs, guests will savor a five-course feast presented by Galley’s executive chef Rodrigo Mezadri. Each course will be complemented by violin music and fine wine from Lingua Franca Winery. The evening’s special guest is wine consultant Sherri Griffith who will present tasting notes on each tantalizing pour.
The evening’s menu:
FIRST COURSE
Seafood Ceviche
Scallop | Lobster | Shrimp | King Crab | Yellowtail Snapper | Leche De Tigre | Coconut Froth
Featured wine: Lingua Franca Estate Chardonnay 2022
SECOND COURSE
House-Cured Faroe Island Salmon
Orange Cured | Avocado Mousse | Beets | Maple Vinaigrette
Featured wine: Lingua Franca Estate Pinot Noir 2022
THIRD COURSE
Woodfire Grilled Chicken
Airline Chicken Breast | Herb Mashed Potato | Asparagus | Cognac Dijon Cream
Featured wine: Lingua Franca Tongue 'n Cheek Pinot Noir 2022
FOURTH COURSE
Australian Lamb Chop
Thyme Carrot Mousseline | Broccolini | Blackberry Demi
Featured wine: Lingua Franca Mimi's Mind Pinot Noir 2022
FIFTH COURSE
Key Lime Tart
Yuzu Lemon Curd | Strawberry Gelée
Cost is $225 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Complimentary valet. To purchase tickets, click here.
Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.
On Cinco de Mayo, make a culinary b-line for Hilton West Palm Beach, where guests can indulge in a delicious array of experiential quaffing classes, gourmand adventures, and pool party celebrations.
Snag a seat at Galley for the “Sip into Cinco” Cocktail Experience on May 1, from 7-9pm. Join lead mixologist, Hauk Cornell, for an interactive cocktail-making class featuring tequila-laced cocktails, Mexican light bites, and live Latin classical guitar music. Cost is $60. Make a reservation here.
On May 3–5, salud in the sultry weekend at La Playa. Feeling noshy? The hotel’s beach-chic restaurant will be serving Agua Chile Ceviche ($18), Birria Tacos ($20), Loaded Chicken Tamales ($16), and Dulce de Leche Churros ($14). Poolside drink especiales include a Mexican Mule and the boozy Patron Cocktail Tree ($65).
Poolside Sessions on May 3, from 12-4pm, is the perfect pitstop for luxurious lounging, plein air gastronomy, and vacation-mode beats by DJ Cristi Hernz. Purchase a ResortPass here.
Turn up the caliente during Latin Lazy Sundays on May 4, from 1-5pm. Enjoy poolside Patron specials, complimentary salsa and bachata lessons, and Latin-inspired beats by DJ Jorge Charun. Purchase a ResortPass here.
Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.
Hundreds of volunteers from Boca West Country Club participated in the Third Annual Hope Week, January 27-February 2, held by Boca West Cares. A number of local charities were recipients of Boca West members’ time, including Boca West Chapter of The Pap Corps, Gilda Mallin Boca West Chapter of Hadassah, Fuller Center, Habitat for Humanity-Greater Palm Beach County, Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Place of Hope-The Leighan & David Rinker Campus, Boca Helping Hands, Tri-County Animal Rescue, Boca West Children’s Foundation and the Lynn Cancer Institute - Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
More than 300 members volunteered and donated over 10,000 hours.
“Hope Week gave our club members the opportunity to learn about a number of non-profits while making a difference,” said Matthew Linderman, CCM, President, COO and General Manager of Boca West Country Club.”
Here's what Boca West Country Club members did for each non-profit:
Gilda Mallin Boca West Chapter of Hadassah—Volunteers made items for Fuller Center and Place of Hope (The Leighan and David Rinker Campus), as well as Gandel Rehabilitation Center and Hadassah Hospital in Israel.
Boca West Children’s Foundation--Volunteers sorted, labeled, and packed backpacks with school supplies.
Fuller Center--Volunteers created inspirational bracelets with the Center’s afterschool students. The bracelets, filled with well wishes, were given to patients at Lynn Cancer Institute.
Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County-Volunteers read one on one or with a small group of elementary students and participated in activities with the kids. The kids got to keep a copy of the book and take home the activity.
Habitat for Humanity Home Build, Greater Palm Beach County, South Bay--Members worked alongside Habitat families on a siding project.
Place of Hope, The Leighhan & David Rinker Campus, Boca Raton--Volunteers sorted and organized clothing, children’s items, diapers and more and cleaned out the non-perishable food pantry.
Boca Helping Hands--Volunteers packed non-perishable items in pantry bags and boxes, as well as stocked and sorted food.
Boca West Chapter of The Pap Corps--Volunteers made decorative centerpieces for a card party.
Habitat for Humanity Home ReStore—Greater Palm Beach County--Volunteers sorted donations.
Tri-County Animal Rescue--Volunteers participated in an orientation class, then walked, sat with, held and read to dogs.
Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital--Volunteers put together a box breakfast that was served following the Run for the Ribbons, assisted cancer patients and their families with tile painting for the Cancer Legacy Day Tile Painting Celebration, which celebrates cancer patients, and gave out wellness bracelets made by Fuller Center kids.
“Hope Week 2025 was a big success. Boca West residents enjoyed the opportunity to learn about different nonprofits while giving of their time,” Danny Schulman, Hope Week Chairman said.
Hope Week Steering Committee members included Matthew Linderman, CCM President, COO & General Manager of Boca West Country Club, Danny Schulman, Steering Committee Chairman and Board of Governors, Jeanine Banks, Chairman of the Board, Steve Roth, Steering Committee Vice Chair and Board of Governors. Staff participants include Christina Guilianti, Director of Activities and Kathy Kohlhepp, Director of Communications and Marketing.
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC) has appointed Igor Alterman President and CEO of the organization. He leads a dynamic organization that serves as the central address for Jewish life in the greater Boca Raton, Florida area.
“I accepted the leadership role to not only harness the youthful vibrancy and growing numbers of Jewish families who have recently relocated to the region, but also to build upon the charitable foundation established by long-standing members of Boca Raton’s diverse Jewish community,” said Alterman.
Previously, as President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, he spearheaded record-breaking annual campaigns, full-scale organizational digital transformation, and unified the community in the aftermath of October 7th.
With dual master’s degrees in Nonprofit Management and Religious Education and experience spanning philanthropy, higher education, and Jewish communal leadership, he has a proven track record of advancing mission-driven organizations.
Prior to his Federation leadership, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the University of Miami Hillel, where he oversaw a multi-million-dollar capital campaign, facility expansion, and strategic partnerships with private foundations and international organizations. He also served at Hillel organizations at Cornell University and Ithaca College.
A Wexner Fellow and ROI Schusterman Community Member, his professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to strengthening Jewish life through strong nonprofit leadership. Born in Russia and having lived and studied in Israel, Igor is deeply connected to the global Jewish community. He resides in South Florida with his wife, Olga, their two children, David and Alice, and their dog, Quentin, named after a renowned film director.
Photography by LuAnn Warner-Prokos at WP Photography[/caption]
The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Vegso Community Resource Center (VCRC) at the Countess DeHoernle Building on February 13. The Center, which serves as the organization’s headquarters, is a resource for community non-profits to hold meetings.
The VCRC also houses the Newman/Craske Family Foundation Center grant resource library and is a venue for non-profit training sessions hosted by the Junior League. The VCRC serves as a resource for a number of organizations, including Impact 100, Diaper Bank Covering South Florida and Nonprofits First.
“We were delighted to celebrate this milestone,” said Nikki Stelzer, President of the Junior League of Boca Raton. “The building has been such an incredible asset over the years to both the League and other non-profits in the community.
Anne and Peter Vegso were honored at the event for having named the building. Pattie Damron was recognized for chairing Funding the Future, a capital campaign for the VCRC.
Event co-chairs were Nicole Mugavero and Lisa Warren.
Many members of the Junior League and the community at large have contributed over the years to the building’s maintenance through the Junior League of Boca Raton Endowment.
“Maintaining this community resource over the years has been our mission,” said Lisa Bariso, Endowment Board President. “We were so delighted to celebrate 20 years of making a difference in the community.”
Norman Love Confections, the premier chocolatier specializing in edible artistry and Internationally renowned for ultra-premium, artisanal chocolates, is coming soon to Boca Raton, its second location in Palm Beach County.
Set to open later this spring at Boca Village Square by Town Center, 21200 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, the salon will be the company’s eighth retail location in Florida. Norman Love Confections’ salons offer culinary chocolate creations, confections and gourmet desserts from celebrated chef and chocolatier Norman Love, the company’s founder. The Boca Raton salon will also offer artisanal baked goods, gelato, and a variety of specialty coffees and drinks.
Founded in Southwest Florida in 2001, Norman Love Confections is recognized globally for its award-winning, edible artistry featuring handcrafted chocolates, innovative flavor combinations, premium ingredients, and artistic, colorful designs.
"We've enjoyed such a warm welcome in South Florida with the opening of our Delray Beach location last year," said Norman Love. "Boca Raton is the ideal market to expand our ultra-premium confections in Palm Beach County and we can't wait to be a part of its thriving community."
Norman Love Confections has been named the best premium chocolate company in the United States six times since 2006. In addition to its upscale retail locations, the company sells and ships products nationwide from its website – NormanLoveConfections.com - the demand for which has grown significantly in recent years.
Lisa Fisher, CEO of Norman Love Confections attributes the company's success to going above and beyond in their quest for perfection in its products, customer experience and reputation.
“Each one of our chocolates is handcrafted and brings to life our vision of celebrating Artistry in Chocolate,” said Fisher. “We don’t add preservatives or have mass assembly lines, and the end result is a signature line that tastes and looks unlike anything else.”
Retail and online offerings include Signature Gift Boxes, available in sizes from 5 to 50 pieces and include an assortment of flavors like Peanut Butter & Jelly, Sea Salt Caramel, Sicilian Pistachio and more; Norman Love Confections BLACK line, a must-try collection for any dark chocolate connoisseur, and a variety of specialty gift boxes including the Chocolate Truffles Gift Box, Macaron Gift Boxes, and many more. Limited-edition holiday collections are offered throughout the year around holidays including Christmas, Hannukah, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and more.
To learn more about Norman Love Confections, visit www.normanloveconfections.com.
Promise Fund, a South Florida-based non-profit co-founded by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, announced that Audrey Brown has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization.
With over 20 years of experience in the health care and insurance industry, coupled with her advocacy experience, Brown is a dedicated and proven leader. Before joining the Promise Fund, she served as president and CEO of the Florida Association of Health Plans, Inc. Prior to that, her extensive career included leadership roles with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, AvMed Health Plans, and the Executive Office of Governor Jeb Bush, reflecting her dedication to driving meaningful impact in Florida’s health care marketplace.
“Audrey brings an enormous amount of health care industry and policy experience to the Promise Fund,” said Ambassador Brinker. “She will play a critical role as we expand our geographic service area to help women throughout Florida, and we’re thrilled to have her on our team.”
Promise Fund reaches tens of thousands of women in Palm Beach, Broward and Martin Counties who are uninsured, underinsured or have limited or no access to healthcare. The organization, founded in 2018, is dedicated to increasing survivorship from cervical cancer and breast cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond.
To date, Promise Fund has reached 41,208 individuals through outreach and education and has impacted the lives of 14,576 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care.
“I know from first-hand experience that access to care is critical and early detection can improve health outcomes and save lives,” said Brown. “I am privileged to join the Promise Fund and work with the team to ensure we are removing barriers to access so that all women – both locally here in Palm Beach and ultimately across the state of Florida – can get screened and enter treatment at earlier stages to improve outcomes. Screening is a critical first step in ensuring that all women get the care they deserve, and the Promise Fund’s mission-driven work is changing lives.”
Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club recently hosted an inaugural Mixed Doubles Pickleball Scrimmage with members from John’s Island Club in Vero Beach.
The highly anticipated sporting event took place under postcard-worthy sunny skies at Orchid Island's new Pelican Pavilion, where the 12 top women’s and men’s players from each club celebrated the fun of the game on newly cushioned regulation size pickleball courts.
Afterward, players and guests rendezvoused to the Pelican Pavilion's elegant outdoor social area where they communed over a healthy gourmet lunch prepared by Orchid Island's executive chef Chris Sozio.
“We were delighted to host pickleball players from John’s Island Club as part of our new intra-club racquets program,” said Rob Tench, General Manager of Orchid Island. “It was a fun event and our members and friends from John's Island really enjoyed the friendly competition.”
Orchid Island is located at One Beachside Drive, Vero Beach. For more information, visit OrchidIslandFL.com.
