The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County gave a big “Howdy” to over nearly 500 guests at its annual Palm Beach County Mayors’ Ball on Saturday, August 29, at PGA National Resort, raising almost $450,000 through tickets, sponsorships, silent and live auctions, sponsor activations and donations all to support the Coalition’s efforts in addressing homelessness throughout the county.
Presented with this year’s “Boots & Bourbon” theme, the evening brought together Palm Beach County’s mayors, elected officials, business leaders, community partners and philanthropic supporters for a celebration with a purpose: helping ensure that local families and individuals have access to safe, stable housing and the resources necessary to rebuild their lives.
Boots, Bourbon and a Community Coming Together
Guests embraced the upscale western theme, with boots and hats filling the room. Those who arrived without a hat, or wanted to make theirs one of a kind, visited the CG Hat Bar where hats were branded, braided and decorated throughout the cocktail hour.
Country artist Jordan Oaks performed an acoustic set as guests had a surprise visit from TVC Event’s Cowboy Robot while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres and a bourbon tasting bar, sponsored by Verdex Construction, setting the vibes for the night. A silent auction spanned the entire event space. Every auction item was donated by members and businesses throughout the community, creating a visible representation of the extraordinary support behind the Coalition and its mission.
As the doors opened to the ballroom, Jordan Oaks and his band kicked up the energy with country favorites. Guests entered a transformed space featuring a mix of round and long, family-style tables adorned with cowhide and leather table coverings and overflowing arrangements of roses, hydrangea, snapdragons, Queen Anne’s lace and other themed foliage accented with horseshoes, bourbon bottle lamps, ropes and elevated western accessories completed the setting.
A Shared Responsibility to Address Homelessness
Programming began with a welcome speech from the evening’s emcee, CBS12’s Matt Lincoln followed by remarks from Homeless Coalition’s Board President Melissa McKinlay and Palm Beach County’s Vice Mayor The Honorable Marci Woodward. 
Homeless Coalition CEO Alexandria Ayala then took the stage to speak about the changing face of homelessness in Palm Beach County and the critical need for collaboration among organizations working throughout the community.
To underscore that message, Ayala invited representatives from The Lord’s Place and Adopt-A-Family join her at the front of the room, recognizing their work and emphasizing that addressing homelessness requires organizations across Palm Beach County to work together.
“Palm Beach County showed up, not for politics, but for people,” said Ayala “Homelessness is not political, and no single organization or elected official can solve it alone. It takes an entire community working together. That is what the Homeless Coalition does: we turn community generosity into community action, bringing people, resources and solutions together to ensure there is a place in Palm Beach County for everyone.”
Honoring Those Who Make A Difference
Ayala also recognized community leaders with appropriately on-theme, boot-shaped awards, honoring their contributions to the community and the fight against homelessness. Recognized that evening were:
2026 Boots & Bourbon Top Sponsor: Florida Power & Light, received by Ilan Kaufer, FPL and Homeless Coalition PBC Board Member
2026 Boots & Bourbon Top Sponsor: Re World, received by William Meredith, ReWorld
The 2026 Retirement Award: Colonel Eric Coleman with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and a 2026 Mayors’ Ball Event Chair
The 2026 Retirement Award: Deputy James Mackey with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
The 2026 Appreciation Award: Melissa McKinlay, Outgoing Board Chair for the Homeless Coalition PBC
Before boots hit the dance floor, Matt Lincoln along with Event Chair Todd Bonlarron and PBSO’s very own Deputy “Coach T” Kenneth Torrence led a live auction that included everything from a “Sheriff for the Day” package to amazing adventures to Tuscany or Africa.
Turning One Night of Generosity Into Year Round Impact
Funds raised through the Mayors’ Ball help the Homeless Coalition support the organizations, service 
providers, programs and partnerships that help connect residents with housing, resources and long-term support to prevent homelessness and to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness move toward stability.
“The Mayors’ Ball demonstrates what is possible when leaders from across Palm Beach County unite around a shared responsibility. Every person in that ballroom helped send a powerful message: homelessness is not someone else’s problem, it is a community challenge that requires a community response,” said McKinlay. “The generosity we witnessed will translate into real support for local families, young people, veterans and individuals working toward a more stable future. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood with the Homeless Coalition PBC not just on Saturday night, but throughout the year.”
Although the evening has concluded, the need continues. Individuals and organizations can support the Homeless Coalition’s work throughout the year by donating, becoming a community partner or learning more at homelesscoalitionpbc.org.
