News

24 Apr

Posted at 13:23h in News
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.”

24 Apr

Posted at 10:55h in News
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.

24 Apr

Posted at 10:40h in News
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.

24 Apr

Posted at 10:23h in News
The 2024 Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers skated into Palm Beach Autographs at The Mall at Wellington Green last weekend where they signed autographs and spent quality time mingling and hanging out with their fans. Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe, left winger Jonah Gadjovich, and right winger Evan Rodrigues spent a rousing afternoon posing for photos, signing memorabilia, and even getting into an occasional fight pose with die-hard fans and families (and a few jersey-clad canines) who waited for hours in line to see their favorite players. “We always look forward to doing these in-store signings with the Florida Panthers," said Jim Dodson, owner of Palm Beach Autographs. "It's really fun for the fans and the players really enjoy it, too." The event also included a silent auction featuring must-have memorabilia like a 2023-24 Panthers team signed poster as well as a hat trick mystery box containing autographed items. Palm Beach Autographs is located at The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 340-2921 or visit palmbeachautographs.com.

24 Apr

Posted at 10:08h in News

Nearly 100 golfers and altruistic supporters came out for a shotgun start on April 11 to celebrate philanthropic sportsmanship at the American Humane Society's 5th Annual PupsFOREPatriots Golf Invitational in Palm Beach. Teams were treated to playing on the legendary greens of Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course, which was voted one of the best courses in South Florida by Golf Digest.

The sold-out tournament included breakfast and an awards luncheon. All proceeds from the event will benefit American Humane Society’s Pups4Patriots™ program, which pairs highly trained service dogs with veterans and retired first responders in need.

Notable guests included Greg Braca, Kathy Duffin, Sharon Jablin, Leigh-Anne Kazma, Katie Kristiansen, Joe Metzger, Sharon Bush Murray, Bob Murray, Chrissy Oakes, John Payne, Marilyn Pelstring, and Ronnie Perl.

American Humane Society would like to thank the event's “Top Dog Title Sponsor,” the Kazma Family Foundation.

09 Apr

Posted at 14:46h in News
Boca Helping Hands (BHH) is proud to announce the appointment of Andrew D. Hagen as its new Executive Director, effective June 2025.
Andy brings decades of leadership experience, a deep commitment to service, and a strong connection to the Boca Helping Hands mission. For the past 20 years, he has served as Senior Pastor of Advent Life Ministries in Boca Raton, leading an $8 million organization with 90 employees across two church campuses, two schools, and a Senior Living Center. His tenure was marked by vision, compassion, and a focus on building meaningful impact both locally and globally. “Boca Helping Hands is a first-class charitable organization providing food, resources, and job training to those in need,” Hagen said. “They seek to offer more than a ‘handout’—they offer a ‘hand up’ to a better life.” Born and raised in Michigan, Andy earned his undergraduate degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and went on to receive both a Master’s Degree and Doctorate from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He served as pastor at two Lutheran churches in Chicago before relocating to Florida. A longtime supporter of BHH, Andy has served on the organization’s Board of Directors for the past eight years and actively volunteers at BHH’s Lake Worth Pantry Distribution site, where he helps provide food and support to families in need. “Andy’s long history of service, his leadership skills, and his heart for the community make him an ideal choice to lead Boca Helping Hands,” said Gary Peters, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We are excited for this next chapter.” Beyond his professional accomplishments, Andy is a published author, an avid guitar player, a passionate cook, and an enthusiastic traveler. He has participated in mission trips to Haiti, the Bahamas, India, and Bangladesh. He is happily married to Susan Dingle, a Clinical Psychologist, and is the proud father of two married children and grandfather of three. As Executive Director, Andy will oversee BHH’s daily operations, staff, and programs, including food distribution, job training, financial assistance, and medical and dental care—serving nearly 35,000 people annually.

09 Apr

Posted at 14:04h in News
More than 850 guests enjoyed the 22nd Annual Delray Beach Home Tour hosted by Achievement Centers for Children & Families on March 11th.  Guests visited seven unique homes that included breathtaking intracoastal views, eclectic art collections, and perfectly manicured landscaping during the walking tour, which raised more than $200,000 for the organization. The Home Tour was first held in 2002 and was conceived of by board members Anne Bright and Barbara Murphy.  This year’s returning Co-Chairs were Deborah Dowd, Noreen Payne, and Kari Shipley, all of whom are long-time supporters of Achievement Centers for Children & Families. “Each year we select a different Delray Beach neighborhood where homeowners can showcase their interior designs and architectural styles,” said Noreen Payne, one of the co-chairs of this year’s organizing committee. “The Home Tour featured a variety of homes that ranged from elegant Florida bungalows to waterfront estates with lush tropical gardens, providing home decorating and gardening enthusiasts with an inside look into the world of distinctive Delray living.” During the tour, which attracted visitors from throughout South Florida and beyond, guests enjoyed a leisurely day exploring unique residences, strolling through the neighborhood, and a catered luncheon. All Home Tour ticket sales and sponsorships benefitted Achievement Centers, which supports children and families throughout Delray Beach and the surrounding community. At Achievement Centers, children are involved in Early Learning (Toddler and Preschool), Out-of-School (After School and Summer Camp), and Teen Mentoring programs that prepare them for academic and social success and empower them to discover their talents. Achievement Centers families are served through programs like Family Strengthening and Economic Stabilization, which benefit the community by helping families in crisis, enabling them to serve as the foundation of their child’s growth. We are grateful for the support of our over one hundred hardworking volunteers, the homeowners who graciously allowed visitors into their homes, and, of course, our dedicated sponsors,” said Kari Shipley, co-chair of the event. Julie Livingston won the VIP Home Tour Experience, which included special VIP seating with champagne at the luncheon, a personal golf cart driver for the day for her and two of her ticket-holding friends, and special surprises. The Presenting Sponsor was Delray Buick GMC. "We are proud to be sponsoring Achievement Center’s Home Tour for the ninth year. Achievement Centers provides the groundwork of learning and academic success for over 700 of our local youth, and we invite the community to join us in supporting their work," said Kevin Connolly, General Manager. Douglas Elliman - Lisa Wennick was the Dessert Sponsor. Lost Craft Builders was the Trolley Sponsor. Home sponsors included Azure Development; Engel & Volkers; Mr. Larry Eaton, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Laura Finn; Mouw Associates; Northern Trust; Opal Grand; Stuart & Shelby Development; and Lisa & Michael Tiernan. The Trolley Sponsor was Lost Craft Builders. Golf Cart and Parking Sponsors included BETR Project; Mr. Nick Cortezi & Family; Mr. Mike Cruz & Family; Delray Beach Concours; Delray Dermatology; Shelly & Billy Himmelrich; On the Sea Design; Pechter Family Foundation; Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley; Sklar Furnishings; The Tern Studio; Young Dentistry; and Zappitell Law Firm. Tour sponsors included Baptist Health South Florida; Christina4Delray; Coldwell Banker Realty Delray; LaRonda and Mark Denkler; The Dodge Family; Kathryn Fitzgerald + Mark Ford; Marion Fazio Insurance Agency; Grimes Events & Party Tents; Sandy & Dave Henninger; Island Air Conditioning; Lang Realty - Amy and Noreen Team; Mr. & Mrs. Thomas N. Murphy Jr.; Deidre and Mike Neal; One Sotheby's International Realty; The Porten Family; and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Vickers. Friend sponsors include Arden Insurance Associates; Maria Beckett; Anne and Reeve Bright; BSA Construction, LLC; Carney Stanton; Diane Colonna & Jeff Perlman; Michelle Doggett;  Deborah Dowd; Flagler Credit Union a Division of Dort Financial; Stacey Hallberg & David Reilly; Patty Jones; Erin McLaughlan-Graham; Kevin McNally; Stephanie & Steve Miskew; Karen Norton; Mary Rose O’Connell, Attorney; Sarah & Gregory Polling; Stephanie Reubins & Michael Padovano; Kari & John Shipley; Schwartz Family; and Jessica Wolfe & Tom Bloch. Other supporters include Barkingham Palace; Exhilaride Golf Cart Rentals; and Chet Gary. Committee Members included: Amy Antoniak; Sherry Davis; Sheila DeMarco; Cheryl Forman; Sheila Greene; Jessica Hall; Kate Hutchinson; Shelly Likosar; Erin McLaughlan-Graham; Barbara Murphy; Julie Peyton; Bianca Pucci; Stephanie Reubins; Dina Schwartz; Nancy Swaney; Kimberley Trombly-Burmeister; Kim Truesdale; Melinda Webster; and Jessica Wolfe.

28 Mar

Posted at 15:10h in News
When life hands you clams, shuck 'em!  Celebrate National Clams on the Half Shell Day at City Oyster and Sushi Bar in Delray Beach. On March 31, the award-winning half-shell haven and executive chef Jordan Stilley will showcase wild littleneck clams on the half shell (market price) throughout lunch and dinner.  Guests who order a dozen bivalves (served with chef-made mignonette and cocktail sauces, horseradish, and lemon wedges on crushed ice) will receive a complimentary glass of chilled prosecco to salud the holiday.
City Oyster and Sushi Bar is located at 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 272- 0220 or visit cityoysterdelray.com.

27 Mar

Posted at 14:28h in News
In partnership with XO, Slate Aviation®, will launch per-seat private shuttle service to Nantucket (ACK) from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) and New York, including HPN and other member-only terminals, from April 26 through September 30.  Introductory fares for the luxury shared private shuttle service to Nantucket will start at $695. In January, Slate Aviation, one of the largest operators of VIP Bombardier CRJ and Challenger 850 aircraft in the United States, and XO, the global private aviation marketplace part of the Vista group, announced a partnership agreement aimed at expanding and enhancing per-seat shuttle operations to and from premium leisure destinations in the U.S. through Slate Aviation. The new Nantucket service builds upon the existing XO-branded shuttle operations between New York and South Florida. Additionally, starting in April, Slate will begin to introduce upgraded cabins to existing routes, enhanced on board dining options, as well as new premium lounges at most airport locations.  The Nantucket flight schedule is as follows: South Florida to Nantucket (April 26 – May 31): Saturday:  FLL - ACK - FLL Departing FLL at 10:30 AM, arriving in ACK at 1:15 PM Departing ACK at 3:00 PM, arriving in FLL at 5:45 PM   Sunday: PBI - ACK Departing PBI at 10:30 AM, arriving in ACK at 1:15 PM New York to Nantucket (April 26 – May 31): Wednesday: NYC - ACK - NYC Departing NYC at 1:30 PM, arriving in ACK at 2:30 PM Departing ACK at 4:30 PM, arriving in NYC at 5:30 PM   Sunday: ACK - NYC Departing ACK at 3:00 PM, arriving in NYC at 4:00 PM South Florida to Nantucket (June 1 – September 30): Monday: FLL - ACK Departing FLL at 9:30 AM, arriving in ACK at 12:15 PM   Wednesday: ACK - FLL Departing ACK at 1:30 PM, arriving in FLL at 4:15 PM   Thursday: FLL - ACK Departing FLL at 10:30 AM, arriving in ACK at 1:15 PM   Saturday:  FLL - ACK - FLL Departing FLL at 1:30 PM, arriving in ACK at 4:15 PM Departing ACK at 6:00 PM, arriving in FLL at 8:45 PM   Sunday: ACK - FLL Departing ACK at 5:30 PM, arriving in FLL at 8:15 PM   New York to Nantucket (June 1 – September 30): Monday: ACK - NYC Departing ACK at 1:30 PM, arriving in NYC at 2:30 PM   Wednesday: NYC - ACK Departing NYC at 10:30 AM, arriving in ACK 11:30 AM   Thursday: NYC - ACK- NYC, ACK- NYC Departing NYC at 1:30 PM, arriving in ACK at 2:30 PM Departing ACK at 3:00 PM, arriving in NYC at 4:00 PM Departing ACK at 4:00 PM, arriving in NYC at 5:00 PM   Friday: NYC - ACK - NYC Departing NYC at 1:30 PM, arriving at ACK at 2:30 PM Departing ACK at 4:00 PM, arriving in NYC at 5:00 PM   Saturday: NYC - ACK - NYC Departing NYC at 1:30 PM, arriving at ACK at 2:30 PM Departing ACK at 5:00 PM, arriving in NYC at 6:00 PM   Sunday: NYC - ACK - NYC- ACK Departing NYC at 10:00 AM, arriving at ACK at 11:00 AM Departing ACK at 12:30 PM, arriving at NYC at 1:30 PM Departing NYC at 3:00 PM, arriving at ACK at 4:00 PM   Slate’s 18-seat all-business-class CRJ-200 aircraft offers the most comfortable and luxurious travel option between the Northeast and Florida, with private terminal departures from several convenient NYC airports (including select member-only terminals), nearly 50 inches of legroom and extendable foot and leg-rests at every seat, Avance L5 Wi-Fi and on-board streaming entertainment, along with gourmet dining and wine service by Slate’s highly trained cabin attendants. Bookings are currently available through XO’s booking platform at flyxo.com or the XO mobile app on the App Store or Google Play. About Tri State Charter and Slate Aviation® Slate Aviation is the new marketing name of Tri State Charter.  Operating over 3,500 flights annually and with over 100 employees nationwide, Tri State is the chosen large cabin operator for discerning clients throughout the United States, including government officials, former heads of state, award-winning artists, and private principals and their families.  The Company and its affiliates own and/or operate nearly 30 Bombardier aircraft, with a uniform fleet type that supports in-house, vertically integrated pilot training and maintenance operations. Slate is an ARGUS Platinum Safety rated carrier. For more information, visit flyslate.com About XO XO is part of Vista, the world’s leading global private aviation group. XO provides simple, immediate access to a hand-selected, alliance fleet of safety-vetted, premium aircraft through its cutting-edge app and dedicated, 24/7 personal service team. Clients enjoy broad aircraft choice across all cabin classes, flexible booking options without ownership or long-term contracts, and more opportunity for value with every flight. Membership offers maximum benefits. Through its partnership with Slate Aviation, XO clients can also access per-seat flying options through its website or app. For more information, visit flyxo.com “Vista” is a trade name for Vista Global Holding Limited. Vista does not operate any aircraft. All flights are performed by properly licensed operators, which may include subsidiaries such as VistaJet Limited or VistaJet GmbH. Vista also holds a non-controlling minority stake in FAA-licensed and DOT registered US direct air carriers XOJET Aviation LLC (DBA Vista America), Red Wing Aeroplane LLC (DBA Vista America), Western Air Charter, Inc. (DBA Vista America), Jet Select, LLC (DBA Vista America), and Talon Air LLC. All Shared Flights are XO Global LLC Public Charters organized under 14 CFR 380 and will be operated by properly licensed air carriers.

27 Mar

Posted at 14:18h in News
Facialworks, the original facial bar and spa founded in 2013, will open its first Florida location in May 2025. The spa will be located in Mizner Park, the popular shopping, dining and entertainment district in downtown Boca Raton. The expanding brand operates five popular facial spas in Southern California, including Newport Beach, Manhattan Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach and Dana Beach. The Boca Raton location will be the company’s first foray into South Florida. Facialworks offers customers luxury facial services, through individual sessions or through its popular membership program. Facialworks Boca Raton is offering a limited quantity of Founding Membership packages for participating customers that include complimentary services, gift cards and discounts on products. Facialworks Boca Raton will feature five facial bar chairs, two private treatment rooms and a skincare shop where products from Facialworks’ exclusive clean skincare line created by Meghan Gilboa, Master Esthetician and Facialworks co-founder, will be available for purchase. “I’ve seen firsthand how facials can transform not just your skin, but your confidence and well-being,” said Gilboa. “Our bar concept and the curated products we use brings professional skincare into an easy, accessible format. Whether you’re new to facials or a regular, it’s about making self-care simple and effective, with results you can see and feel.” Gilboa began her career in medical esthetics and saw the need to make high-quality skincare affordable and accessible. The skincare line is ocean-inspired and botanical-infused, utilizing marine ingredients and extracts from plants, herbs and fruits. “Our products are designed to help heal and rejuvenate South Florida sun-kissed skin.” Treatments are customized to each guest’s skin, using Facialworks’ exclusive and professionally curated skincare product line. All facials are provided by licensed estheticians, who are trained and experienced in helping individuals with a variety of skin types and conditions. Since its inception, Facialworks has served over 100,000 individuals, and performs more than 10,000 facials annually. Each facial begins with a complimentary drink of choice and a thorough consultation with an esthetician, to ensure a seamless experience. Every facial includes a thorough sonic cleanse, gentle enzyme or chemical exfoliation and a targeted mask that combines Facialworks massage techniques with Face Ice cryo wands. Each treatment concludes with a hyperbaric oxygen infusion of Facialworks’ signature Love Ocean serum, which is packed with antioxidants that rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. Bar facial options include the CleanSea Facial ($89), Glo2 Facial ($139), and a Seasonal Facial ($95). Treatment room facials include the HydraFacial ($215), We Love Your Face Facial ($215), DermaPlane Facial ($215), Peel by PCA Skin ($215), a Seasonal Facial ($215) and The Works Facial ($365). Customers also have the option to add enhancements and upgrades, such as a Gua Sha Lymphatic Massage ($25), peptide infusion ($25), LED-light therapy ($50) and more. Facialworks Boca Raton is located at 439 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. For more information or to book an appointment, visit thefacialworks.com. About Facialworks Inspired by the vitality of the ocean, Facialworks’ treatments combine relaxation with visible results, featuring our exclusive CleanSea skincare line, crafted with nutrient-rich marine extracts and botanicals. Founded by esthetician Meghan Gilboa, Facialworks blends holistic and advanced techniques to promote healthy, glowing skin. Facialworks’ expert estheticians deliver a soothing yet invigorating experience, leaving complexions balanced and radiant. Every treatment is designed to brighten, restore and refresh, offering both deep relaxation and proven results. To learn more, visit thefacialworks.com and follow on Instagram @facialworks.