News Archive - Page 5 of 40 - The Wellington Edit

International Polo Tour® & We Will Survive Cancer Highlight Importance of Philanthropy Through Sep. 19 IPT Sunset Polo™

Just over a week away from this year’s highly-anticipated IPT Sunset Polo™ White Lotus 250th Anniversary Polo Cup, taking place on September 19th at Morven Park, the International Polo Tour® and nonprofit partner We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC) are highlighting the importance of community connection and philanthropy, as well as sponsor PR Polo who are advocating for improved resources for cancer-stricken patients and families.

“This year’s Sunset Polo™ will be an extraordinary evening celebrating unity and appreciation for the sport of kings, but it will also be a night devoted to increasing support for an organization that is fighting for those in our local community,” explained Tareq Salahi, IPT Team Captain and Founder. “WWSC has been one of our closest allies for many years, and a victory for them is always a victory for us. We look forward to uplifting their messages of hope for those in need as we come together for one last Virginia polo night!”

Alongside the event’s array of incredible sponsors, PR Polo (standing for both Pine Ridge Stables and Pipe Restoration), led by cancer survivor Sabrina Giancroce, stands out as one of WWSC’s strongest supporters, with the company’s CFO serving on two breast cancer boards devoted to fundraising and patient support.

Giancroce stated, “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28, I fully understood the lack of resources and awareness available. I made it my mission to advocate for increased awareness, continued research, and greater access to early detection medical treatment. I am incredibly grateful to WWSC and the IPT, and am proud that my team PR Polo can be part of this wondrous event that aligns perfectly with our goals of creating meaningful impact.”

Honoring America’s vibrant anniversary as well as our nation’s legacy of international connection, this year’s IPT Sunset Polo™ is being held in connection with the Royal Thai Embassy, with His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, attending as a special guest to symbolize the event’s devotion to showcasing Thailand’s beauty.

Guests will enjoy polo and cultural programming from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Morven Park, followed by the Rooftop Après Polo at the official IPT accommodation partner, Hotel Burg from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Polo hotel guests and sponsoring partners will then be welcomed into The Diana Lounge to continue the evening with extended hospitality and bar service featuring the “IPT PoloTini ™ ” which Hotel Burg is generously supporting the drink profit proceeds to benefit We Will Survive Cancer. Guests traveling into town for the charity polo should contact the Hotel Burg for exclusive rates under the International Polo Tour special rate offer exclusive for polo guests.

The night’s itinerary will include a Celebrity All Star Polo Match, including icons like the NFL’s Tim Johnson, Team USA/Thailand, and the now-annual International Polo Tour Crypto Cup held in association with FAIM.WORLD. The final game will also be held in memory of Stuart Allen Weinstein-Bacal, an avid polo supporter and friend to the greater DC area who succumbed to cancer this February.

Event and Ticket Information: https://sunsetpolo.tscheckout.com/event/Americas250

Kids Helping the Kids: Teens Launch Community Drive to Support Local Families Through Clinics Can Help

Clinics Can Help is bringing a new generation of community advocates to the table with the launch of its CRIBS Junior Committee for its upcoming Cribs for Kids luncheon, led by local students Madison Martinez from Wellington High School and Sinedine Sundstrom of American Heritage, Palm Beach campus. The teen leaders are calling on fellow students, families, schools and local businesses to join them in collecting essential baby supplies for Palm Beach County families who are struggling to make ends meet.

As part of their efforts, the Junior Committee is spearheading a community-wide collection of diapers, wipes and other infant necessities to benefit Clinics Can Help’s CRIBS Project, which provides critical baby supplies and resources to families experiencing financial hardship. The goal is simple: bring together young people and local businesses to make sure parents have an opportunity to provide basic necessities for their babies.

“Sometimes the biggest impact starts with something as simple as asking, ‘How can we help?’” said Madison Martinez. “We wanted to get other teenagers involved and show that you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference in our community. If everyone gives a little, we can make a really big difference for families who need it.”

The Junior Committee is encouraging local teens, schools, sports teams, clubs and businesses to get involved by hosting their own diaper and baby supply drives, collecting donations among employees or customers, or simply purchasing and donating needed items. Businesses interested in participating can also serve as collection locations, helping expand the reach of the initiative throughout the community from now through November 30^th.

The effort supports Clinics Can Help’s CRIBS Project, an initiative created to help ensure babies and young children have access to a safe place to sleep, something that many families may struggle to afford. Through the program, donated supplies are distributed to families in need through Clinics Can Help’s network of

Sinedine Sunstrom — Sinedine Sundstrom, American Heritage

community partners.

For Clinics Can Help, the Junior Committee represents more than a new fundraising initiative—it is an opportunity to engage young people in the organization’s mission of improving health equity and providing dignity and independence to individuals and families throughout South Florida.

“Madison and Sinedine are showing what is possible when young people see a need and decide to do something about it,” said Owen O’Neill, CEO of Clinics Can Help. “The CRIBS Project addresses an incredibly basic but important need, and we are so grateful to have these young individuals using their voices and their networks to help families in our community.”

Clinics Can Help provides medical equipment and supplies to children and adults throughout Palm Beach County and South Florida, ensuring that individuals and families have access to the resources they need to recover, remain independent and improve their quality of life. The organization’s services are provided to those in need regardless of their ability to pay.

To participate in the CRIBS Junior Committee’s diaper and baby supply drive, host a collection, or learn more about supporting the CRIBS Project, contact Clinics Can Help at (561) 640-2995.

Promise Fund Hosting Free ‘Mammography Screening Days’ in Palm Beach County in September

Promise Fund, a South Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer, will host free Mammography Screening Days on the following dates:

September 12 at Family Resource Center of Palm Beach County, 1900 S Congress Ave, West Palm Beach from 9:00 am – 2:00pm
- In partnership with Family Resource Center of Palm Beach County, Monarch. Screenings provided by Florida Mobile Mammography
September 16 at Greenacres Community Center, 501 Swain Blvd,Greenacres from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- In partnership with Greenacres Community Center. Screenings provided by Florida Mobile Mammography

“The Promise Fund is here to make screenings accessible for everyone, especially those who might otherwise go without care,” said Lissette Lahoz, Promise Fund’s Palm Beach County Navigator. “Early detection can make a real difference. Treatment is often easier to manage, and people are able to focus more on their health, their families, and their everyday lives.”

While Promise Fund’s program reaches women across Palm Beach, Broward, and Martin counties, it currently operates four co-located screening programs within partner sites in Palm Beach and Broward, and is actively working to secure funding to establish a co-located program in Martin County.

Appointments are required. To register, call 877-427-7664.

Promise Fund reaches tens of thousands of women in Palm Beach, Broward and Martin Counties who are uninsured, under insured or have limited or no access to healthcare. The organization, founded in 2018 by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, 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 more than 145,000 women in South Florida through education and advocacy, and has impacted the lives of over 27,000 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care and Promise Fund has helped 286 women who were diagnosed with cancer navigate getting treatment.

The Mall at Wellington Green Welcomes National Hispanic Heritage Month

The Mall at Wellington Green is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15, with a lively lineup of dance, fitness, food, and inspiring stories that recognize the culture and contributions of the Hispanic community.

Guests can step onto the dance floor during a free Adult Latin-Themed Dance Class with Starpoint Dance Sport, held every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. throughout October during Hispanic Heritage Month. Classes will take place September 17 and September 24. Participants will learn Latin-inspired moves in an upbeat, welcoming environment designed for adults of all experience levels.

For another complimentary high-energy workout, Zumba with Jamie combines Latin rhythms, dance, and cardio for a feel-good fitness session every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.

National Hispanic Heritage Month also offers an opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit behind Lifetime Kitchen, located on the mall’s second floor. Owners Marianna Gaiani and Javier Perez immigrated to the United States from Cuba and Venezuela with the American Dream in mind. After years of experience in sales, cutlery, and cookware, the pair joined forces to create Lifetime Kitchen, an award-winning destination where home cooks and food lovers can discover quality kitchen tools, specialty ingredients, and the knowledge to use them well.

On Friday, September 18, at 11 a.m., Lifetime Kitchen will also host Baking with Ankarsrum, an interactive day of mixing, baking, and sampling. Local baker Heather Portnoy will introduce guests to the fundamentals of the iconic Ankarsrum mixer while guiding them through an easy-to-make banana bread recipe. Participants will sample their creations and take home a complimentary Nordic Ware mini bundt charms pan.

Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased here.

Portnoy returns later that afternoon for three complimentary chocolate chip cookie demonstrations at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. Guests can watch the baking process, pick up useful tips, and enjoy freshly baked cookies.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

Promise Fund Provides Cervical Cancer Screenings to Underserved Women in South Florida

As cervical cancer screening rates among young women continue to decline nationwide, a South Florida nonprofit is working to close the gap for women who face the greatest barriers to preventive healthcare.

Promise Fund, a South Florida-based nonprofit founded by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, has provided access to cervical cancer screenings to underserved women throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Martin counties. The organization focuses on women who are uninsured, underinsured or lack access to a regular healthcare provider.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable when detected early, yet a new study published August 27 in JAMA Network Open found that nearly one in three (32%) women ages 21-29 reported never having been screened for cervical cancer. That represents a dramatic increase from 2005, when 12.5% of women in the same age group had never been screened.

The study also found significant disparities based on insurance status, race and ethnicity, and education. The percentage of women who had never been screened was highest among those without health insurance (41.8%), followed by Asian American women (44.3%), Native American women (38.3%), Hispanic women (37.5%) and non-Hispanic Black women (33.9%). Nearly 40% of women with a high school education had never been screened, compared with 17% of women with master’s or doctoral degrees.

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and early detection holds the key to survival,” said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Promise Fund. “We are alarmed to see screening rates declining so dramatically. This study confirms what we are seeing in our own community: that lack of health insurance, access to healthcare, education and other barriers can prevent women from receiving potentially lifesaving preventive care. Here in South Florida, nearly 100,000 women are uninsured or do not have a medical home.”

Founded in 2018, Promise Fund is dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by providing women with guided support and access to screenings, early detection, treatment and care beyond treatment. Through its programs and partnerships, the organization helps women navigate the healthcare system and overcome barriers that can prevent them from receiving timely care.

“Screening is critical for detecting cervical cancer early, but prevention begins even earlier,” said Ambassador Brinker. “HPV vaccination can help prevent the infections that cause most cervical cancers. Unfortunately, we also see disparities in vaccination rates, and access to healthcare, education and other resources can have a direct impact on whether women receive this important protection.”

Promise Fund continues to work with healthcare providers, community organizations and other partners throughout South Florida to reach women who may otherwise go without critical cancer prevention and early-detection services.

For more information about Promise Fund and its programs, visit thepromisefund.org.

The Junior League of Boca Raton Celebrates International Find the Good Day on September 17

Junior League President Melody Cobbe receiving a proclamation from City Council member Yvette Drucker

The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) will celebrate International Find the Good Day on Thursday, September 17, bringing members and the community together for an afternoon centered on kindness, connection and community impact.

Created by The Junior League, Find the Good Day is an annual celebration encouraging people to recognize the good in themselves, their communities and the world around them — and to help create more of it through acts of kindness, service and connection.

JLBR invites the community to stop by its headquarters at 261 NW 13th Street, Boca Raton, from 4:00–7:30 p.m. to experience Find the Good Day, learn more about the Junior League of Boca Raton and its work in the community, and discover ways to get involved. Whether stopping in for a few minutes or staying awhile, all are welcome to join the celebration.

As part of the afternoon, JLBR will be Finding the Good Through Giving by collecting food for Boca Helping Hands. Community members are encouraged to bring donations of canned chicken or tuna, pasta sauce, canned fruit and canned vegetables.

Guests will also have opportunities throughout the event to connect with JLBR members, learn about the League’s community initiatives and upcoming opportunities, and take part in activities celebrating kindness and service.

“Find the Good Day is such a wonderful reflection of what the Junior League is all about — bringing people together, serving our community and recognizing the difference each of us can make,” said Melody E. Cobbe, President of the Junior League of Boca Raton. “We hope our members and our neighbors throughout the community will stop by, connect with us and help us create a little more good right here in Boca Raton.”

JLBR also encourages members of the community to celebrate Find the Good Day wherever they are by performing a good deed, volunteering, supporting a local organization or simply extending an act of kindness to someone else.

Participants are encouraged to share their Find the Good Day moments on social media and tag the Junior League of Boca Raton @ https://www.instagram.com/juniorleagueofbocaraton/ using #FindTheGoodDay. Find the Good Day is a reminder that creating positive change does not have to begin with a grand gesture. Small acts of kindness, connection and service can collectively make a meaningful difference.

For more information about the Junior League of Boca Raton and Find the Good Day, visit jlbr.org.

Nonprofits First Announces Julie and John Kime as Recipients of the 2026 Legacy of Giving Award

Nonprofits First is proud to announce that philanthropists Julie and John Kime will receive the 2026 Legacy of Giving Award at the 10th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards, taking place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Cohen Pavilion.

The Hats Off Nonprofit Awards celebrate the nonprofit organizations, volunteers, philanthropists, and community leaders who make Palm Beach County a better place to live, work, and thrive.

The Legacy of Giving Award recognizes individuals or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional generosity and commitment to philanthropy, creating a lasting impact on the community through their charitable leadership and service. The Kimes embody this spirit through decades of dedication to education, youth development, and community advancement.

Julie and John Kime are widely recognized throughout Palm Beach County for their unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities and improving lives. Their philanthropic investments have strengthened educational institutions, supported youth-serving organizations, and provided pathways to success for countless students and families. Through their generosity, they have helped create opportunities that will continue to benefit future generations.

The Kimes have been longtime supporters of Palm Beach State College, where their contributions have supported scholarships, academic programs, student resources, and campus initiatives. In recognition of their transformational support, Palm Beach State College named its new Dental and Health Innovation Building after Julie and John Kime in 2026. Their legacy on the campus also includes the Julie and John Kime Library Learning Resource Center, which serves as a hub for student learning and success.

Julie Kime has remained deeply committed to helping others pursue educational opportunities. Through initiatives such as the Julie Kime Hispanic Women Scholarship, she has helped open doors for students working toward achieving their academic and professional goals. Julie and John’s shared belief that education transforms lives has guided their philanthropic efforts.

Beyond education, the Kimes have devoted significant time and resources to organizations that strengthen the fabric of the community. Julie Kime has served as a board member and major supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to youth development. She is also a founding member of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and has received numerous awards recognizing her philanthropic and community leadership.

Throughout their years of service, Julie and John Kime have demonstrated that philanthropy is not simply about giving financial support; it is about investing in people, creating opportunities, and inspiring others to make a difference. Their steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life in Palm Beach County has strengthened organizations, empowered students, supported families, and left a lasting legacy of generosity and hope.

“The Legacy of Giving Award honors individuals whose generosity creates meaningful and lasting change,” said Trudy Crowetz, President & CEO of Nonprofits First. “Julie and John Kime have exemplified what it means to invest in a community. Their compassion, vision, and commitment to helping others have touched countless lives and inspired others to give back. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary legacy.”

About Nonprofits First
Founded in 2005, Nonprofits First is a nonprofit capacity‑building organization serving Palm Beach County. Through Accreditation, professional development, leadership training, and nonprofit management support, Nonprofits First champions nonprofit excellence by providing resources and training so every organization can achieve its mission and serve the greater good.

For more information about the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.HatsOffAwards.org.

Hanley Center Named Best Residential Addiction Treatment Center in West Palm Beach by Newsweek

Newsweek, a trusted voice in global media, has recognized Hanley Center as the top residential addiction treatment center in West Palm Beach, and ranked it as the No. 3 residential addiction treatment center in Florida for 2026.

Newsweek’s rankings are part of an annual evaluation, categorized by state, of the leading addiction treatment centers across the United States. Each facility’s score is based on Newsweek’s rigorous standards, including reputation surveys from medical peers and official accreditation data.

“These rankings highlight leading facilities that deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment and support long-term recovery,” Newsweek states on their rankings website. “By evaluating

centers using objective quality measures, professional reputation, and accreditation data, it offers patients and families a trusted resource for navigating care options and making informed, life-changing treatment decisions with confidence.”

For more than 40 years, Hanley Center has been a pioneer in addiction treatment, continuing to develop the best and most individualized treatments and services available. Hanley Center applies its philosophy of holistic, individualized care across age-specific and gender-specific addiction treatment programs designed for men, women, and older adults. In 1998, Hanley Center pioneered specialized addiction treatment for older adults with a groundbreaking program focused on personalized assessment and recovery services.

“Receiving this national and statewide recognition from Newsweek is a proud moment for all of us at Hanley,” said Rachel Docekal, CEO of Hanley Center and Hanley Foundation. “It is a reflection of our staff’s extraordinary work, and our ongoing commitment to offering hope, healing, and an exceptional standard of care to every patient who walks through our doors.”

In 2023, Hanley Center returned to its original nonprofit status through Hanley Foundation, which leads the organization’s prevention, advocacy, and treatment scholarship services. Since then,

Hanley Center has developed innovative programs to meet the specialized needs of first responders and veterans; pregnant women and their babies; and children.

Through its Capital Campaign for Recovery, Hanley Center will soon open its renovated public campus to connect and support the recovery community. The resource campus will feature a coffee shop, bookstore, and versatile meeting spaces, in addition to outpatient and family programming. Central to this space will be a groundbreaking employability and job training initiative designed to empower individuals in recovery with real-world skills, career pathways, and workforce support, alongside educational programming and peer services for lasting recovery.

Junior League of Boca Raton Announces 47 Nominees for the 39th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year The luncheon and fashion show will take place Nov. 5 at The Boca Raton

2026WVOY Nominees and the WVOY Commmittee Members

The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) has announced that forty-seven outstanding women volunteers have been nominated by non-profits throughout Palm Beach and Northern Broward counties for the prestigious award.

The 39th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year (WVOY) Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 5, at The Boca Raton, 501 East Camino Real, at 10 a.m. Tandy Robinson has been named honorary chair and Linda Paton and Victoria Matthews will serve as event co-chairs, as announced by JLBR President Melody Cobbe.

The nominees are:

4KIDS of South Florida — Janet Bozick

Alzheimer’s Association — Christine Pike

American Association of Caregiving Youth — Gay Gordon

Best Foot Forward Foundation — Danielle Rosse

Boca Ballet Theatre— Susan B. Buck

Boca Helping Hands — Dr. Sarah Lochner

Boca Raton Historical Society — Zoe Lanham

Boca Raton Police Foundation — Cathy Klein

Boca School for Autism — Beatrice Weinstock

Boca West Children’s Foundation — Suzi Selinger

Bridge Immigration Network — Milagros Vargas

Changing Lives of Boca Raton — Chelsea Cordner

Child Rescue Coalition — Lisa LaFrance

Children’s Home Society of Florida — Dr. Amy Ohana-Trujillo

Common Ground Community Development — Barbara Socher

Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League — Helen Kaye

Delray Beach Public Library — Joycelyn Patrick

Dress for Success Palm Beaches — Wendy Tannenbaum

Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation — Alex Welsh

Empath Trustbridge Hospice — Patricia Collazo

Fuller Center — Clara Acero

George Snow Scholarship Fund — Robin Deyo

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County — Julie Peyton

Hippocrates Wellness — Nancy Baldwin Fusco

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce — Jessy Allain Mena

Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative — Monica Ribeiro

Impact 100 Palm Beach County — Ingrid Kennemer

Impact Palm Beaches — Christine DelVecchio

Junior League of Boca Raton — Kristen Ross-Majhess

Love Serving Autism — Marla Garchik

Myla’s Beleaf— Camilla Goodwin

Mizner Park Cultural Arts Association — Peg Anderson

National Society of Arts & Letters, Florida East Coast Chapter — Marilyn Nelson

Palm Beach Symphony — Marietta Muiña McNulty

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches — Coco Schefmeyer

Roots and Wings, Inc. — Mary Stern

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton — Ingrid Fulmer

Scholar Career Coaching — Sasha Lopez

Speak Up for Kids — Jodie Arnold

Special Olympics Florida — Catherine Barton

Spirit of Giving — Dr. Katie Burke

Sweet Dream Makers — Debby Rales

The Giving Tree of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton — Lauren Gross

The Soup Kitchen — Joan Melesko

Touch A Heart Foundation — Jennifer Kaufman

Women’s Executive Club — Lauren Blosser

YMCA of South Palm Beach County — Amanda Perna

The Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon celebrates outstanding women in the community nominated by nonprofit organizations throughout Palm Beach County and Northern Broward County for their dedication and expertise as volunteers, as well as the work they do to further the missions of the organizations they serve. Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Boca Raton.

The much-anticipated event includes a runway fashion show by The Boca Raton, the iconic resort and private club.

The Presenting Sponsor of the Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon is the Junior League of Boca Raton’s 1971 Society. The Award Presentation Sponsor is The Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation. The Boca Raton is the Fashion Show Sponsor. The Media Sponsor is Boca Magazine.

“We are excited to honor these 47 outstanding women,” said Melody Cobbe, president of the Junior League of Boca Raton. “Their volunteer work sets the standard for community service.”

Sponsorships and tables can be purchased directly at https://wvoy26.givesmart.com/ or please call 561-620-2553. Platinum Tables are $4,000, Gold Tables are $3,000, and Silver Tables are $2,000. Each table level offers different benefits and recognition opportunities which will allow you to select the option that best fits your organization.

Local Family Leads Global Awareness Push for Rare Muscular Disease with Virtual 5K and School-Wide “Wear Green Day”

This September, CureSCG is inviting the public to take part in two events raising awareness for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), a rare, progressive genetic disease that causes muscle breakdown and can lead to loss of mobility, respiratory failure, and heart failure.

The awareness push is led by Sheena Urdaz, a physician assistant, CureSCG board member, and mother of two daughters, Donia (9) and Jayla (12), who both live with LGMD Type 2C. Their prognosis and long-term trajectory remain unknown, a reality Urdaz says drives the urgency behind educating the public now.

“LGMD is a disease most people have never heard of, and that has to change — not just for funding, but so people understand and include those living with it, and know how to keep them safe,” said Urdaz. “The more our community knows, the safer and more supported these kids are.”

Event Details

Virtual 5K Walk / Run / Roll — Sunday, September 27

Individuals, families, caregivers, advocates, healthcare professionals, and supporters everywhere are invited to walk, run, or roll in support of the LGMD community, from wherever they are. The event kicks off the lead-up to LGMD Awareness Day on September 30.

Wear Green Day — Wednesday, September 30

Wellington Elementary School will join classrooms and communities around the world in wearing green to show solidarity on LGMD Awareness Day.

Wellington and Palm Beach: Two Expressions of Luxury

As a successful real estate broker who lives in Wellington, I’ve had this conversation more times than I can count. A new client, a visiting friend, or a relative asks the natural question: Why not live in Palm Beach? The beaches are just minutes away, and the name alone carries an undeniable and iconic prestige.

I understand the appeal. I spend much of my time working in both markets and appreciate what makes each one so desirable. But the honest answer isn’t simply about preference. It’s also about the math.

Palm Beach real estate is shaped by geographic scarcity. The island is bounded by water, limiting its available land and creating an enduring sense of exclusivity. Price per square foot regularly falls within the $3,000-to-$5,000 range, while entry into the luxury tier is often closer to $10 million. Buyers there are purchasing more than square footage. They are investing in an internationally recognized address, proximity to the ocean, a walkable lifestyle and a stake within a market where inventory cannot readily expand to meet demand. I see the strength of that appeal every season.

Wellington offers a different kind of luxury value. Prices typically range from approximately $400 to $1,000 per square foot, and the higher tier begins at a considerably more accessible level, often around $2 million. The distinction isn’t one of quality; it reflects two very different real estate experiences. A $15 million property in Palm Beach and one Darlene Streit Realty in Wellington are not necessarily competing for the same buyer because they offer different settings, amenities and ways of living. In Palm Beach, that investment may secure proximity, prestige and a coveted position on an irreplaceable island. In Wellington, it may provide ten, fifteen or twenty acres, a professional barn, riding arenas, generous green space and a degree of privacy that is increasingly rare in South Florida.

That distinction helps explain why Wellington looks and feels the way it does. My neighbors here aren’t choosing land as a substitute for coastal living. Many could comfortably buy in either market. Here, they are choosing space, purpose, and a lifestyle with room for many possibilities: horses, recreation, privacy and property that supports how they genuinely want to live. It is a distinct expression of luxury, and it is the one I happily chose for myself.

There is also a practical dimension, particularly for anyone considering resale or long-term value. Palm Beach shares some qualities with the market for rare collectibles: limited supply, international recognition and strong demand for something that cannot be reproduced. Wellington’s value is often connected more directly to what a property offers – the quality of its equestrian facilities, its acreage, location and potential for customization. During the winter season, when the equestrian circuit draws riders, owners, and spectators from around the world, the importance of that functionality becomes especially clear.

Neither market needs to be declared the winner. Each answers a different set of priorities. Palm Beach appeals to buyers who want to own a place within one of the world’s most celebrated coastal communities. Wellington rewards those who want room to shape a life around land, green space, horses, privacy and community while retaining access to everything Palm Beach County offers.

So, when someone asks me, “Why not Palm Beach?” I’m never hesitant with my answer. The choice isn’t about deciding which market is better. It’s about understanding which setting – and which kind of value – best supports the life someone wants to live. Given how many people I’ve met who have chosen Wellington as an immensely fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle, I can only imagine that many of our neighbors here would say the same.

Mental Health Matters Regardless of How You Look | Dr. Ann Monis

As conversations around healthy aging increasingly focus on longevity, appearance, and physical vitality, one part of the equation frequently becomes overlooked: mental health.

People can look healthy, remain physically active, and invest significantly in maintaining their appearance; yet many still struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness, substance use, or other behavioral health concerns. Physical health and mental wellness do not always move in parallel.

“Regardless of how someone looks on the outside, their mental health remains an important part of their overall health,” says Dr. Ann Monis, MBA, PsyD, a licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and healthcare executive. “We have to be careful not to equate appearing well with actually being well.”

This distinction becomes particularly relevant as people age. With aging comes changes in identity, relationships, employment, family responsibilities, and physical health. Retirement, grief, social isolation, and chronic medical conditions can all have an impact on one’s psychological well-being. For some, these changes may contribute to struggles with mental health and the capacity for increased reliance on substances.

Addiction and recovery further demonstrate the connections between mental and physical health. Recovery is not simply about bringing the use of a substance to a halt. Long-term recovery is complex; it may involve addressing trauma, emotional regulation, underlying mental health conditions, relationships, sleep, stress, and a person’s broader environment.

“Recovery requires looking at the person rather than only the behavior,” Dr. Monis says. “If the underlying psychological and social factors are not addressed, it can be difficult to create lasting change.”

The growing interest in longevity medicine also presents an opportunity to reconsider society’s definition of healthy aging. Hormone replacement therapies, peptides alongside a myriad of other emerging interventions are increasingly discussed in connection with aging and physical health. While some areas of research are promising, evidence and clinical indications vary considerably among therapies. The desire to live longer or look younger should not overshadow the importance of psychological well-being.

Mental health does not become less important because someone appears successful, energetic, or youthful. In fact, a larger focus on maintaining psychological well-being can become increasingly critical as people navigate the transitions that accompany different stages of life.

That means conversations about healthy aging should extend far beyond physical appearance and lifespan. They should include quality of life, purpose, relationships, resilience, and access to appropriate mental healthcare.

For September’s Healthy Aging Month, perhaps the more meaningful question is not simply, “How long can we live?” but also, “How well can we live?”

Healthy aging should ultimately encompass the whole person, including the part that cannot be seen.