Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) hosted its annual Friendsgiving celebration for residents of its supportive housing community, The Villages, on Friday, November 14, 2025.
A heartwarming occasion dedicated to celebrating community and giving thanks, Friendsgiving brings together CPSFL staff and volunteers to share a meal with the residents of The Villages. The event serves as a communal celebration, fostering connections and support among those living in the supportive housing community.
A central element of the celebration is the distribution of essential resources. Leading up to Friendsgiving, members of the CPSFL Development Committee hosted drives to collect non-perishable food items and toiletries, which were distributed to residents after the meal.
This year’s celebration also featured a special Gratitude Garden project, facilitated by Arts for Smiles. Residents decorated flower pots and planted seedlings, expressing creativity, gratitude, hope, and personal growth.
“Friendsgiving is one of my favorite events of the year because it embodies the spirit of partnership and community that drives our mission,” said Kelly Powell, CEO of Community Partners of South Florida. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the law firm Cohen Norris Wolmer Ray Telepman Berkowitz & Cohen, which helps make this celebration possible. A huge thank you also goes to Arts for Smiles for bringing the beautiful Gratitude Garden project to life and to our dedicated CPSFL Development Committee for their unwavering assistance in bringing this annual event together.”
CPSFL remains committed to building supportive communities and helping individuals and families achieve stability and independence.
In October, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County and Wellington Florist joined dozens of florists across the country for Petal It Forward, a nationwide “random acts of kindness” initiative organized by the Society of American Florists (SAF).
The joyful effort surprised people throughout the county with two free roses—one to keep and one to give away—bringing smiles to thousands in the community.
“Petal It Forward is one of the most heartwarming initiatives we take part in each year,” said JP Varvarigos, owner of Wellington Florist. “It’s incredible to see how a single flower can spark connection, spread kindness, and brighten someone’s day. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity allows us to reach even more people and remind our community that small gestures can make a big difference.”
The Habitat team, joined by community partners and supporters, distributed nearly 5,000 roses generously donated by Wellington Florist at locations including the Riviera Beach VA Hospital, a local fire station, The Lord’s Place, Royal Poinciana Plaza, and all Habitat ReStores.
“This is our second year participating in Petal It Forward, and it’s one of our favorite days of the year,” said Julia Murphy, Chief Advancement Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. “We’re honored to take part in a national movement that shows how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. This event also reflects our ongoing partnership with Wellington Florist, our Annual Florals Sponsor, and we’re deeply grateful for their continued generosity and support.”
Launched in 2015 by the Society of American Florists, Petal It Forward is an annual nationwide initiative inspired by research from the University of North Florida (UNF), which shows that living with flowers reduces stress and increases happiness. The program encourages participants to share kindness and connection through flowers.
Gift Establishes “Nancy’s NEST,” a Dedicated Counseling Room to Support Girls’ Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Palm Beach County, Fla. – Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach has received a generous gift from Rick, Lauren, and Aly Baer and their families to support the creation of a dedicated counseling room at its Palm Springs, FL, location. Made in loving memory of Nancy Baer, the donation will establish “Nancy’s NEST,” a warm, welcoming space where Pace girls receive the Nourishment and Emotional Support to Thrive. While development is already underway, this transformative gift secures the future of the counseling center, which will nurture the mental health and well-being of Pace girls for generations to come.
Nancy Baer left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. She was a fierce advocate, a loyal friend, and a source of unwavering compassion and strength. As a core component of the Day Program, the Pace Counseling Program at Nancy’s NEST is integrated into a broader wraparound model that includes academics, college and career readiness, life skills training, and therapeutic support. This approach equips each student with the tools, resources, and confidence to succeed in all areas of life.
Nancy herself emerged from a childhood marked by physical and emotional abuse, yet she committed her life to ensuring that no girl would suffer as she did. “Nancy’s NEST” honors her legacy. She lived each day making sure every person she met felt seen, heard, and understood. Known for her sharp wit, warm humor, and quiet generosity, Nancy had a gift for making people feel loved and accepted—without judgment. Her enduring legacy will now be reflected in every girl who finds comfort, guidance, and courage within Nancy’s NEST at Pace Palm Beach.
“Nancy believed in showing up for others, without conditions,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “This gift from the Baer family allows us to create a space that embodies who she was—one of safety, dignity, and deep care. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership and for the opportunity to carry Nancy’s legacy forward in a way that will uplift girls for years to come.”
The new counseling center will play a vital role in the holistic development of students enrolled in Pace Palm Beach’s Day Program. Through one-on-one counseling sessions, girls will receive individualized support tailored to their emotional and mental health needs, in an environment intentionally designed to feel safe, calm, and restorative. This vision aligns closely with Pace Palm Beach’s mission: uplifting girls ages 11–17 through strength-based, trauma-informed care.
This generous gift reflects a shared commitment to creating brighter, more equitable futures for young women in Palm Beach County. By driving meaningful, sustainable change, Pace strengthens the community by cultivating confident, educated, and engaged young women ready to contribute meaningfully to society. Nancy’s values will live on in a space that serves hundreds of girls facing extraordinary challenges and allows Pace Palm Beach to expand its programming aimed at enhancing girls’ mental health, social-emotional growth, and academic success through trauma-informed care.
Pace Palm Beach extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Baer family, along with its partners, advocates, and the broader community, for believing in the transformative impact of programs that uplift every girl.
This season, everyone is invited to celebrate the holidays and the spirit of community by attending Children’s Harbor’s annual Boat Parade Watch Party, presented by Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, on Saturday, December 13, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Grateful Palate Waterfront, located at 3003 NE 32nd Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This isn’t your typical fundraiser—there will be no formal pitch or donation ask. Just good company, great views, and a chance to celebrate the season while supporting an incredible cause. Attendees will have prime viewing opportunities of the stunning boats decked out in seasonal décor cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway in the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade route.
The event offers guests an all-you-can-eat feast, an open bar, and a prime view of one of Fort Lauderdale’s top holiday experiences, hosted at an iconic South Florida restaurant. Front-row seats not only provide the best visibility to the parade but also spotlight the impactful work Children’s Harbor is doing for families in the community.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and cared for,” said Jesse Bernheim of Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers. “Children’s Harbor makes that possible every day, and I’m proud that our team can play an important part in helping those kids build brighter futures. At Bernheim Kelley, giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are.”
Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization that provides safe shelter and support to teens in foster care while strengthening families in the community. With a main campus in Pembroke Pines, Children’s Harbor provides a supportive environment for teenagers and their siblings, offering programs focused on strengthening the family as a whole. The nonprofit’s services include free in-home counseling to prevent children from entering foster care and a Maternity Home program for safe intergenerational living for teen mothers. For over 27 years, Children’s Harbor has been a sanctuary of hope and healing for children affected by abuse, thanks to the support of community donors and sponsors like Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers.
“We’re incredibly thankful to Bernheim Kelley for stepping up as our presenting sponsor for the second year in a row. They are heart-deep and mission-focused, and that level of commitment truly empowers us to provide the critical interventions at Children’s Harbor that wouldn’t be possible without private funding,” said Tiffani Dhooge, President and CEO of Children’s Harbor. “With partners like them in our corner, we can reach even higher for our kids.”
Wellington, FL – Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute Celebrates Flagship Location with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute celebrated its flagship location with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Southern Boulevard. The orthopedic urgent care center provides comprehensive orthopedic services, including on-site X-rays, MRIs, and physical therapy. The Palm Beach Central Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joined the celebration to share in the excitement. This new location delivers the trusted care patients expect from Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, while offering added convenience for residents of southern Palm Beach County.
In addition to the institute’s 18 partner physicians, the urgent care facility features top orthopedic specialists, including Dr. John Hinson and Dr. Jonathan Shaw. Dr. Hinson brings over a decade of experience treating complex shoulder and elbow conditions, offering advanced procedures such as arthroscopic surgery and shoulder replacements. Dr. Shaw, a fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon, is recognized for his minimally invasive hip and knee replacements, with expertise in robotic and revision surgeries.
The Southern Boulevard location addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including arthritis, tendon injuries, joint instability, and acute or chronic joint pain. Conditions treated at the facility include shoulder and elbow pain or dislocations, bone fractures, finger and hand injuries, hip and knee trauma, ligament sprains, muscle and tendon strains, sports injuries, and muscle tears.
Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute Urgent Care provides timely solutions for injuries that require immediate attention but may not necessitate a trip to the emergency room. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on weekends. Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute is located at 7701 Southern Blvd, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33411.
To learn more about Dr. John Hinson, Dr. Jonathan Shaw, and Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, visit www.pboi.com. To schedule an appointment, text (561) 788-7031 or call (561) 694-7776.
Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) and a team of resident leaders from Riviera Beach successfully completed the prestigious NeighborWorks America Community Leadership Institute (CLI) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, held from October 30 to November 2.
The resident team, composed of parents participating in the BRIDGES at Riviera Beach program, spent three days refining their leadership skills and developing a comprehensive action plan for local change. Their efforts culminated in securing a $4,000 NeighborWorks grant to implement their project over the next ten months.
The team will launch “Skate at Tate,” a community event designed to engage teens and their parents. The initiative aims not only to bring Riviera Beach teens together for positive interactions but also to serve as a hub for sharing vital resources with parents. The team hopes to partner with the City of Riviera Beach to establish “Skate at Tate” as an annual event.
“The Community Leadership Institute is impactful because it puts power directly into the hands of the people who know their neighborhoods best: the residents,” said Kelly Powell, CEO of Community Partners of South Florida. “We firmly believe that invested resident leadership is the backbone of truly resilient and thriving communities. When residents are deeply engaged, they create strong communities that drive sustainable change from within.”
NeighborWorks America’s Community Leadership Institute is an annual, invitation-only training program that strengthens the voices and skills of community, resident, and volunteer leaders from across the U.S., D.C., and Puerto Rico. NeighborWorks America awards more than $200,000 annually for community-based projects born out of the CLI. CPSFL, the only NeighborWorks America affiliate in Palm Beach County and one of 12 in Florida, has been sending resident groups to the CLI since 2010.
Indiana Jones and 87-year-old Kenneth Borow might be miles apart in terms of their careers, the places they’ve been, and the fact that Indiana Jones is a fictional character while Kenneth is a very real resident of the luxury senior community Wellington Bay—but they do share one thing in common (besides rugged good looks): the belief that in life, it’s not the years that matter, but the mileage.
For his birthday each year, Kenneth celebrates by riding his bicycle the number of miles he’s turning. This year, he rode 87 miles throughout Palm Beach County—roughly the equivalent of cycling to Port St. Lucie and back.
Kenneth’s journey inspired Wellington Bay’s Director of Business Development, Dana Ray. For her 54th birthday, Dana set a personal challenge of riding 54 miles.
“When Kenneth told me about his most recent birthday ride, it inspired me to set a personal goal: riding 54 miles for my own birthday. I plan on riding on Sunday, October 26,” she said. “We have such a vibrant, active lifestyle at Wellington Bay, and I hope Kenneth’s story will inspire others who may not think they can accomplish such goals.”
Dana completed her ride through the Village of Wellington.
“The highlights were riding through Wellington Preserve Park and the Aero Club. I finished through Wellington Bay to get a picture with Ken, and then the ride to my house put me at 54.78 miles. The ride took a total of 4 hours and 55 minutes,” Dana said. “I hope between Ken and me, we can inspire everyone to ‘bike your age’ on your birthday! It’s definitely going to be a new tradition for me, and I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.”
Setting goals paired with physical activity is an important part of staying mentally and physically fit.
As we age, our bodies naturally slow down and our joints begin to wear, with osteoarthritis affecting more than half of Americans over the age of 80. But activities like cycling can help.
“Staying active will help keep the knee joint moving, improve strength, and reduce pain, allowing you to ease some of the side effects of arthritis,” said Dr. Jonathan Shaw, a local hip and knee orthopedic surgeon at the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. “Living with knee arthritis can be challenging, but staying active is key to managing the condition. Movement like bicycle riding helps maintain joint flexibility, reduces stiffness, and alleviates pain, which ultimately improves your quality of life.”
Palm Beach, FL — The Rotary Club of Palm Beach hosted an upbeat and inspiring fashion show at BiCE Ristorante on Worth Avenue during the Club’s weekly luncheon, where a packed room came together in support of the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope. The event opened with welcoming remarks from Club President Paul Tripaldi, setting the tone for an afternoon dedicated to community, philanthropy, and style.
Models graced the runway wearing designs by cancer survivor Julie Miles, whose pieces are featured at the iconic Worth Avenue boutique Coastal Girls Co., bringing energy, elegance, and purpose to the show. A special guest appearance by Palm Beach fashion icon and influencer Sue Belle added excitement and flair to the luncheon.
The highlight of the afternoon included four check presentations benefiting the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope: United Way Palm Beach donated $1,000; the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation donated $3,500; the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County donated $1,000; and the Fellowship of Christians and Jews donated $667.
The Rotary Club of Palm Beach extends heartfelt thanks to its partners, donors, and attendees for helping make a meaningful impact in the lives of local cancer patients and their families.
An afternoon of style, sparkle, and a little seasonal magic.
Prom Beach is rolling out the bubbles and opening its showroom for a one-day event that celebrates everything we love about dressing up — the fabrics, the flair, and that feeling when you slip into a gown that just gets you.
On Friday, December 5th, from 11 AM to 7 PM, step into a beautifully curated space filled with stunning ball gowns and special-occasion looks, all thoughtfully selected for the busiest (and most glamorous) season of the year. Whether you’re prepping for a winter gala, a holiday party, a school formal, or simply love the elegance of a great dress, this event is designed with you in mind.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco as you browse, try on your favorites, and get personalized help from stylists who know how to make a vision come to life. The atmosphere is light, festive, and fun — the perfect mix of luxury and laid-back charm.
LOCATION 5840 Corporate Way, Suite 105 West Palm Beach, FL More details: prombeach.org
If you’re looking for a little sparkle, a little girl time, and a whole lot of gorgeous gowns, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Sip, explore, and let your next unforgettable look find you!
More than 150 world-class experts unite to deliver science-backed tools, community connection, and breakthrough longevity innovations at a moment when prioritizing health has never been more urgent
Photo By Ali Kaukas Photography
On Sunday, Eudēmonia Summit concluded its second-annual three-day event in West Palm Beach, Florida, attracting a record 5,000 attendees exploring health, well-being and human potential. Participants experienced cold-plunge sessions at dawn, movement classes blending strength, yoga and mindful breathwork, and treatment areas offering hyperbaric oxygen, contrast therapy, cryotherapy and sensory optimization. New for 2025, the gathering introduced the Health Innovation Lab in partnership with Fitt Insider where founders, investors, and executives convened to shape the future of health, wellness, and longevity with Eudēmonia as the backdrop.
“We set out to create a gathering where science meets soul, a place where people are not only inspired, they are equipped,” said Sean Hoess, Founder and CEO, Eudēmonia Summit. “2025 proved that good health is not a solo journey but a collective adventure. Looking ahead, Eudēmonia will continue to refine its platform and programming, leveraging the momentum of 2025 to reach broader audiences, deepen scientific rigor and expand the community’s impact.”
The summit brought together more than 150 leading experts from neuroscience, longevity, functional medicine and wellness technology under one roof, including wellness experts, celebrities and CEOs in the world of health and wellness. Notable names included Andrew Huberman, Mark Hyman, Gabby Reece and Academy Award-winning actress and producer, Halle Berry.
“Menopause, longevity and midlife health are not optional topics—they are the new frontier of empowerment,” said Halle Berry, equity owner, Chief Communications Officer of Pendulum Therapeutics, and founder of Respin.
Across 40 venues, more than 270 expert-led talks took place over the course of the summit. With over 250 on-site treatments, ticket holders experienced the cutting edge of health technology, including Aescape Robotic Massage, full-body Function MRI scans, Ammortal Chamber, alongside a 20-person wood burning sauna and premium treatments, such as red light therapy, PEMF, IV drips, hyperbaric oxygen, and more. The summit’s community-focused ethos was equally apparent: networking, meaningful conversations and tangible takeaways dominated the agenda.
EXPOSŌME Health and Wellness Expo
To expand access to the local community, the EXPOSŌME wellness-tech expo showcased over 138 brands and more than 60 talks across two stages, providing attendees hands-on access to the latest in wearable biometrics, advanced recovery modalities, AI-driven diagnostics and more.
Fitt Insider x Eudēmonia Health Innovation Lab
The newly launched executive track, the Health Innovation Lab, created in partnership with Fitt Insider, brought together founders, investors and operators shaping the future of health tech.
“Founders and investors need community just as much as consumers do,” said Tyler Wakstein, Partner and Head of Partnerships at Eudēmonia Summit. “Health Innovation Lab proved that when you curate a space for the people shaping this industry, one with 5,000 consumers living in it, it unlocks energy and opportunity you can’t fake.”
Attendees returned home with actionable protocols: personalized wellness practices, tools for preventive health, and connections to a thriving community of foundational health-focused individuals. The event reaffirmed its mission: to empower individuals to become the architects of their health, bridging rigorous science with human-centered experience. The city of West Palm Beach further cemented its reputation as a premier destination for wellness, innovation and experiential gatherings.
To download hi-res images and content from the event visit HERE.
Competition began on a strong note with the $6,000 CSI3* Bainbridge Companies 1.40m, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies, marking the first international challenge of the day at Wellington International. FEI Level 3 course designer Hector Loyola (PUR) introduced a track that prioritized measured pace, thoughtful lines, and deliberate execution. Its subtle technical elements required riders to demonstrate both precision and adaptability, offering a meaningful first look at the standard of riding anticipated for the week. With a confident and commanding performance, Turkey’s Selcuk Koksalan and Flying Echo, owned by Leyla Stables LLC, captured the win in 30.35 seconds. Alison Robitaille (USA) guided Dagny, owned by Alison Firestone LLC, to a commendable second-place finish in 31.9 seconds, while Puerto Rico’s Freddie Vazquez rounded out the podium aboard Hero, owned by Ilan Ferder, with a clear in 32.2 seconds.
The afternoon continued with the $32,000 CSI3* Keyflow Feeds USA 1.45m Power & Speed, the second international class of the day, which offered riders a dynamic test of accuracy and pace. The format required competitors to navigate a careful opening phase before shifting into a more aggressive approach in the speed portion, providing a stage for both strategy and athleticism. Ireland’s Philip McGuane claimed the victory with My Lady Van De Krekel, owned by Evergate Stables LLC, delivering an efficient and fault-free performance in 36.3 seconds. In a closely contested finish, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) guided Bull Run’s Celestial to second place with a clear 36.41-second effort. Egypt’s Nayel Nassar took third aboard Dorado De Riverland, owned by Evergate Stables LLC, completing the course in 37.41 seconds. The class underscored the precision required at this level and maintained strong momentum for the day’s CSI3* competition.
RESULTS: $32,000 CSI3* Keyflow Feeds USA 1.45m Power & Speed
1. Philip McGuane (IRL) | My Lady Van de Krekel | Round 1: 0 faults, 30.38 sec | Round 2: 0 faults, 36.30 sec
Founded in 2009 by Mark and Paige Bellissimo, the GCC brings together the thrill of equestrian sport and the power of community giving. Thanks to the generosity of local donors, sponsors, and Wellington International’s commitment to covering all event costs, 100% of donations go directly to nonprofit organizations serving Palm Beach County residents.
“Every year, the GCC reminds us of what’s possible when people unite around a shared goal: to create a stronger, more compassionate community,” said GCC Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin. “This year’s recipients showcase innovation, heart, and resilience across every sector—from youth development and education to animal rescue, veteran support, and environmental sustainability.”
Nonprofits at Work: Real Stories of Hope and Change
To view the final report of the funds at work, please click here. Below are just a few highlights of the benefitting organizations:
The Arc of Palm Beach County
175 adults with disabilities gained employment and dignity through vocational training and job placement programs.
Friends of Palm Beach
Removed over 15,700 pounds of marine debris, employing individuals seeking independence and mobilizing 150 volunteers.
The George Snow Scholarship Fund
Supported nine scholars through four years of college — providing mentorship, supplies, and a 90% graduation rate.
Fuller Center
Installed critical kitchen equipment to serve 900 children daily with nutritious meals in a safe and efficient environment.
Villages of Hope
Expanded its housing and life-skills program, helping foster youth and young parents transition toward independent living.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Rehabilitated 100 sea turtle patients, monitored 20,865 nests, and removed nearly 1,900 pounds of marine debris, strengthening coastal conservation.
Chasin A Dream Foundation
Provided direct assistance to 57 local families of children battling critical illnesses — and launched the Mindful Haven program to support parents’ mental health.
Grey Team
Delivered transformative therapy programs for veterans, helping them regain emotional balance, health, and family connection.
Community Impact by the Numbers
· $2+ million distributed locally in 2025
· 90 nonprofit organizations supported
· 150,000+ lives positively impacted
· 100% of donations returned to the community
· $20+ million raised to date, benefiting over 300 local charities
Join Us for the 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge!
The movement continues in 2026! Together, we’ll create even greater impact — uniting riders, donors, sponsors, and community members to change lives one jump at a time.
Your support makes this possible — from corporate sponsorships to personal contributions, every gift helps a local nonprofit thrive.
Become part of the story. Join us in championing Palm Beach County’s next chapter of giving. Please click here to learn more & get involved.
