Boynton Beach, Fla.– Healthier Boynton Beach, a Palm Health Foundation initiative, recently celebrated the unwavering dedication of family caregivers at its 9th Annual Caregivers Recognition Luncheon at Benvenuto Restaurant in Boynton Beach. More than 150 guests gathered for an afternoon of appreciation, connection, and joy.
 “Caring Hearts & Strong Hands – Celebrating the Love and Dedication of Family Caregivers,” honored 130 family caregivers during a celebration that featured laughter, music, and meaningful moments, giving caregivers a well-deserved respite from their daily responsibilities. Montre Bennett opened the program with a mindfulness moment, followed by Boynton Beach Mayor Rebecca Shelton’s heartfelt welcome and personal caregiving story. Vice Mayor Woodrow Hay delivered the invocation before lunch, then handed the microphone to event host Rod-Z, who entertained guests with comedy, songs, and dancing. The JSharp Band provided outstanding live music that had caregivers on their feet throughout the afternoon.
Highlights of the event included keynote speaker Charlotte Wright’s moving message acknowledging the challenges and profound rewards of family caregivers’ service, and the presentation of the prestigious Caregiver Award to Angela T. Williams of Delray Beach, recognizing her extraordinary dedication and selfless service to her husband.
Healthier Boynton Beach Project Director Ricky Petty reflected on the community support that made the event possible, including contributions from 17 sponsors. “We are a community-driven initiative that listens to voice and experience of caregivers to understand how we can best help them take care of their loved ones and themselves,” said Petty. “The luncheon and the community’s generosity reflect how much Boynton Beach values our work and the everyday acts of love provided by caregivers.”
Building on successes from the last several years, Healthier Boynton Beach received a $1 million, five-year grant in 2024 from the CVS Health® Foundation to improve health care access and resources for aging community members with brain, heart, and behavioral health conditions and their caregivers. The grant is funding Palm Health Foundation to create a Healthier Aging Initiative as part of Healthier Boynton Beach’s work to support caregivers who are over 60 years old.
Palm Health Foundation President and CEO Patrick McNamara commented, “By convening, connecting, and collaborating with caregivers, Healthier Boynton Beach has developed a deep understanding of how to lead change for better health. The luncheon celebrates caregivers’ important role, while the CVS Health Foundation grant strengthens the systems that support them and their family members.”
