News Archive - Page 6 of 40 - The Wellington Edit

The Salt Suite Evolves into Salt Suite Wellness Center Wellington

The Salt Suite Western Lake Worth/Wellington is proud to announce an exciting evolution: our business is becoming Salt Suite Wellness Center Wellington. This updated name reflects how much we have grown while honoring the foundation that has always guided us—helping members of our community feel better, breathe easier and make time for their well-being.

When we purchased The Salt Suite in 2019, salt therapy was at the heart of the experience. It remains an essential part of who we are today. Our adult and children’s salt rooms continue to provide peaceful spaces where guests can relax while enjoying dry salt therapy in a comfortable setting. Over time, however, we responded to growth and a desire for additional natural wellness options under one roof.

We carefully introduced new services to include infrared sauna, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, red light therapy and our newest modality coming soon, molecular hydrogen therapy. Each service offers a different way to support relaxation, recovery and an overall wellness routine. The name Salt Suite Wellness Center Wellington now represents the complete experience available to our guests—not simply one service, but a thoughtfully chosen collection of wellness modalities.

Although our name is changing, the heart of our business is not. We remain locally owned and operated, and our commitment to personal attention will continue. We believe wellness should feel welcoming rather than intimidating. Our team takes the time to explain each service, answer questions and help guests choose an experience that suits their interests, schedules and goals. Whether someone visits for salt therapy alone or chooses to explore several services, every guest is treated like family.

This transition also gives us a clearer way to introduce ourselves to people who may know about salt therapy but do not realize how much more is available here. The Wellness Center identity communicates our continued growth and our belief that there is no single path to feeling your best. Sometimes wellness begins with a quiet hour to breathe and decompress. At other times, it may mean adding warmth, light, gentle energy or molecular hydrogen to a personal self-care routine.

We are deeply grateful to the customers, friends and community partners who have supported us throughout our journey. Their trust has allowed us to grow from a salt-therapy destination into a broader center for natural wellness. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new guests as Salt Suite Wellness Center Wellington—and to continuing our mission of changing lives, one breath at a time®.

Boca West Country Club Provides Scholarships and Student Support Through George Snow Scholarship Fund

Boca West Country Club is proud to celebrate its continued partnership with the George Snow Scholarship Fund, through which Boca West has provided $335,000 in scholarships and support services to help students pursue their educational and career goals since 2014.

The investment reflects Boca West’s commitment to supporting its employees beyond the workplace and creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact on their families and the broader South Florida community.

Through the George Snow Scholarship Fund, Boca West’s scholarship program provides financial assistance and support to eligible students pursuing higher education. The partnership is part of the Fund’s broader work throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties, where it has awarded 470 students a total of $7.3 million in scholarships and support services.

Matt Linderman, President, COO, & General Manager

“At Boca West, we believe taking care of our people means investing not only in their success today, but also in the opportunities available to them and their families tomorrow,” said Matthew Linderman, President, COO, & General Manager. “Education can change the trajectory of a family, and we are incredibly proud to partner with the George Snow Scholarship Fund to help make those opportunities possible.”

Celebrating the 2026 Jay DiPietro Scholarship Recipients

This year, Boca West is celebrating six students selected as 2026 Jay DiPietro Scholarship recipients, who will pursue studies at colleges and universities throughout Florida.

The 2026 recipients are:

Sarah Wheeler
Reese Metevia-Elders
Noah Gordon
Diego Estrada
Sarah Carter
Brooke Miller

The scholarship program represents an important part of Boca West’s broader commitment to its people by creating opportunities for professional growth, personal development and educational advancement that extend beyond an employee’s day-to-day role.

“Our employees are at the heart of the Boca West experience,” said Mr. Linderman. “When we have the opportunity to invest in their families and help a student take that next step toward a college education, that impact extends far beyond our Club. These students have worked incredibly hard to get here, and we are excited to see where their education takes them.”

Boca West congratulates this year’s scholarship recipients and their families and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the George Snow Scholarship Fund to help make higher education more accessible for future generations.

Beachway Therapy Center Announces Five-Day Reset & Resilience Retreat–Immersive Wellness and Personal Growth Experience Offers Guests a Chance to Pause, Reset and Reconnect

Beachway Therapy Center has announced its new Reset & Resilience Retreat, a five-day, four-night wellness and personal growth experience designed for individuals who may not need traditional treatment but are feeling overwhelmed, burned out, stuck or simply in need of time to step away from the demands of everyday life and focus on their emotional well-being. The retreat will be held in a beautiful home in historic Northwood Village.

The retreat will take place September 16–20, 2026, offering a small, intimate setting where guests can pause, reset and reconnect — with themselves, with what matters most and with the relationships that shape their lives.

“You don’t have to be falling apart to need a reset,” said Dina Sagarese-Coleman, Director of Family Services. “Sometimes the most important thing we can do for ourselves is step away from the noise, create space to breathe and reconnect. This retreat is a fantastic opportunity to pause, reflect and return home feeling grounded, inspired and renewed.”

Designed as a holistic experience for mind, body and soul, the Reset & Resilience Retreat combines therapeutic programming with restorative wellness experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in meditation and mindfulness, yoga and movement, massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, art therapy and reflective wellness work, along with therapist-led groups focused on inner child work, family dynamics and patterns, couples connection, communication and personal growth.

The retreat is intended to provide a meaningful opportunity for participants to disconnect from everyday stress and reconnect with themselves. Programming will focus on helping guests reduce stress and burnout, heal emotional wounds, gain a better understanding of family dynamics, strengthen communication, reconnect with themselves, gain clarity and direction, and prioritize their overall well-being.

“This is an opportunity to step away from the constant demands of daily life and focus on yourself in a supportive, private environment,” said Dina Sagarese-Coleman. “Whether someone is navigating stress, relationship challenges or simply feels the need to recharge, Reset & Resilience offers the time and space to reflect, heal and grow.”

The five-day experience includes private bedroom accommodations, daily wellness and personal growth programming, wellness treatments and activities, chef-prepared nutritious meals and time to relax and recharge at a beautiful private retreat property. The intentionally small group size will allow for a more personalized, high-touch experience and individual attention.

“You don’t need to wait for a crisis to take care of your emotional wellness,” said Dina Sagarese-Coleman. “This retreat is about giving yourself permission to pause, invest in yourself and return to your life with renewed perspective, stronger connections and a greater sense of well-being.”

To register or inquire about available discount codes, email john.r@beachway.com or call or text 561-400-5293. Space is intentionally limited to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.

See Vision Eye Institute Brings Advanced EVO ICL Myopia Correction to Palm Beach County

Jason Gorscak MD and See Vision Eye Team

See Vision Eye Institute Brings Advanced EVO ICL Myopia Correction to Palm Beach County Advanced lens-based procedure now performed in the practice’s accredited office-based surgery suite in Lake Worth

See Vision Eye Institute announced that it now offers EVO ICL, one of the most advanced surgical procedures for moderate to high nearsightedness, also known as myopia, at its Lake Worth surgical facility. For many patients, EVO ICL has become the preferred alternative to LASIK because it corrects vision without permanently reshaping the eye’s surface and offers the added reassurance of a removable lens. The practice is among a select few in Palm Beach County performing the procedure and is conveniently located near the Florida Turnpike, making concierge-level refractive care accessible to patients throughout the county.

EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a soft, biocompatible lens placed behind the iris to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, EVO ICL does not remove tissue from the front surface of the eye, which can make it especially appealing for patients who have been told they are not ideal LASIK candidates because of thin corneas, dry eye, or a high prescription. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes, both eyes are typically treated in the same visit, and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. The lens is removable, making the procedure reversible, giving patients an option no laser vision correction procedure can offer.

“For nearsighted patients, this procedure can be life changing,” said Jason Gorscak, MD, medical director and founder of See Vision Eye Institute. “For decades, LASIK was the procedure most people associated with surgical vision correction. EVO ICL changes the conversation. For many patients with moderate to high myopia, especially those who want the freedom of clear vision without permanently reshaping the eye’s surface, ICL is the more advanced choice.”
Michelle, one of the practice’s first EVO ICL patients, described the change as immediate and obvious to the people around her.
“I don’t live in a blur anymore,” Michelle said. “It feels like I’m seeing in high definition. My coworkers noticed right away, and I can finally see at night. It has been transformational.”

See Vision performs EVO ICL in its AAAHC accredited, office procedure suite. Patients are cared for by the same surgeon and clinical team from consultation through surgery and follow-up, in a private setting designed for individual attention, clear communication, and a more personal surgical experience. “EVO ICL fits the standard of care we deliver at See Vision,” said Myra Cherchio, COMT, COE, chief executive officer. “We combine advanced vision correction with the education, access, and concierge-level care patients expect when they are making an important decision about their eyesight. From the first consultation through recovery, our patients feel like our guests as they are guided by an expert team that knows them and is invested in their outcome.”

Sahlberg said that level of attention shaped her experience as much as the result. “The care was top notch from start to finish,” she said.
EVO ICL consultations are available now. Candidates are typically between 21 and 45 years old with moderate to high nearsightedness, with prescriptions generally starting at -3.0 diopters. Candidacy is determined through a comprehensive evaluation at the practice’s Lake Worth office.

To learn more about the practice or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.SeeVisionEye.com or call (561) 621-2020 5165 S State Rd 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449

Dr. John Hinson, Orthopedic Surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, is a Best of Florida® Winner

The votes have been counted, and the results are in! Dr. John Hinson, Orthopedic Surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, is a 2026 Best of Florida® Regional winner in Guide to Florida’s annual readers’ poll.

Dr. John Hinson, M.D., Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute

Guide to Florida readers and editors have weighed in on the best of everything in Florida, honoring thousands of businesses and organizations in more than 25 broad business and community sectors.

The process starts with a nomination on the Best of Florida website. Voting remains open throughout the year, with hundreds of thousands of votes ultimately received. The process culminates with the publishing of the annual Best of Florida Keepsake Annual along with a statewide publicity campaign.

Best of Florida winners and nominees are chosen by a combination of readers’ votes and editors’ input, and are vetted through several ranking sites, Better Business Bureau complaint reports, and voting pattern analysis reports.

Winners are named in hundreds of individual categories, providing Guide to Florida readers with a go-to-guide for the best of everything in Florida. Guide to Florida recognizes three levels of winners: The Best of Florida, Best of Florida Regional Winners, and Honorable Mentions. Within each category, there are multiple honorees named in each tier, depending on the size of the market sector.

You can view the full list of Best of Florida winners at GuidetoFlorida.com/best-of/winners/2026

###

Courtney Ross Escobar, Esq. Featured Woman of Influence Speaks at South Florida Women of Influence Circle

Wellington, FL (August 28, 2026) – Courtney Ross Escobar, Esq., founding COO and current Co-CEO & Chief Operations Officer of Safe Exit Initiative, spoke as the featured woman of influence at a recent gathering of the South Florida Women of Influence Circle (SFWIC), an exclusive invitation-only community of women leaders committed to creating significant impact in business, entrepreneurship, and the community.

Founded and led by survivors, Safe Exit Initiative has built a nationally recognized model centered on compassionate, trauma-informed care for individuals impacted by trafficking, exploitation, and the sex trade. While headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, the organization also serves communities throughout Massachusetts and Baltimore, Maryland, now expanding its reach in Florida to meet the growing need for survivor-centered services and community partnerships.

The evening brought together accomplished women from across South Florida for meaningful conversation, connection, and recognition of leadership that drives positive change. Guests enjoyed light bites and beverages while engaging with fellow women leaders and celebrating Escobar’s work and commitment to advancing equity and survivor support.

While speaking, Courtney discussed the realities faced by individuals experiencing exploitation, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to services and creating pathways toward long-term stability and independence. She shared how Safe Exit Initiative provides emergency exiting services, transportation assistance, medical care and referrals, mental and behavioral health support, case management, recovery resources, and other essential services designed to help participants rebuild their lives. She also spoke about the critical role that community organizations, business leaders, and local advocates can play in supporting survivors through education, collaboration, and awareness.

Courtney Ross Escobar, Esq.

As founding COO and current Co-CEO & Chief Operations Officer, Escobar has helped lead the organization from its grassroots beginnings into a leading advocate for systemic change and survivor-centered solutions. Under her leadership, Safe Exit Initiative expanded its work through the launch of its legal clinic and policy & research practice, strengthening the organization’s ability to provide direct support to survivors while advancing broader legal and policy reforms.

The SFWIC gathering underscored the power of bringing accomplished women together to celebrate leadership, exchange ideas, and inspire continued impact throughout South Florida and beyond.

For more information about Safe Exit Initiative, to donate, or to get involved, visit www.safeexitinitiative.org or email hello@safeexits.org.

###

ABOUT Safe Exit Initiative (SEI):

SEI’s mission is to create safe, sustainable exits from the sex trade and exploitation through quality services, strategic partnerships, and legislative advocacy. Headquartered in Worcester, SEI services include emergency day shelter (8 am–8 pm/7 days weekly), immediate basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene products, laundry, and safe space to sleep), transportation assistance, medical care and referrals, and mental/behavioral health services including residential recovery, case management, care coordination, and referrals to detox, treatment, and recovery services. SEI also supports youth and adults referred from across Massachusetts at Worcester-based programs.

SEI is survivor-founded and led. SEI’s Co-CEO & Chief Programs Officer and VP of Programs have over 30 years of lived and professional experience relevant to participants. Direct care services have operated for over a decade, supervised by survivors of the sex trade/trafficking.

To donate or get involved, please visit our website at www.SafeExitInitiative.org or contact us at Hello@safeexits.org.

Dr. Jonathan Shaw is a Best of Florida® Regional Winner | Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute

The votes have been counted, and the results are in! Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Orthopedic Surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, is a 2026 Best of Florida® Regional winner in Guide to Florida’s annual readers’ poll.

Guide to Florida readers and editors have weighed in on the best of everything in Florida, honoring thousands of businesses and organizations in more than 25 broad business and community sectors.

Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute

Dr. Jonathan Shaw is a local, fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon. He specializes in minimally invasive total hip and knee replacement, robotic surgery, revision joint replacement, and nonoperative care for hip and knee arthritis. Dr. Shaw trained at one of the top arthroplasty fellowships in the world, Midwest Orthopedics at Rush. He is currently an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

You can view the full list of Best of Florida winners at GuidetoFlorida.com/best-of/winners/2026.

###

About Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute:

For over thirty years, the doctors of Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute have provided their patients with the highest quality healthcare and treatment possible. Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute is a recognized leader in orthopedics. We have 18 doctors available to provide the most advanced orthopedic care. All PBOI doctors are Board-Certified, and many have completed fellowship training in their respective areas of expertise. With renowned experts in many major orthopedic sub-specialties, we take pride in offering comprehensive, cutting-edge care across the entire spectrum of musculoskeletal health.

Our practice is comprised of surgeons who specialize in sports injury, upper extremity, spine disorders, total joint replacements, MAKOplasty, podiatry abnormalities, musculoskeletal disorders, and surgical and non-operative treatment of the neck and spine. This sub-specialization provides patients with the highest quality of health care and treatment for their particular problem.

We take a “total body” approach to your wellness and pride ourselves on offering full-service, cutting-edge care. For sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, and every other aspect of orthopedic medicine, be assured that Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute brings each patient the best treatment that medicine has to offer. In order to achieve the finest results, we utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and procedural equipment, including digital x-ray, ultrasound, and laser technology. PBOI provides full-service orthopedic care at several surgical facilities and hospitals all over Palm Beach County, from Wellington to Jupiter.

Tandy Robinson Named Honorary Chair for Junior League of Boca Raton’s 39th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Linda Paton and Victoria Matthews Named Event Co-Chairs

Linda Paton, Tandy Robinson, Melody Cobbe, Victoria Matthews

The Junior League of Boca Raton’s (JLBR) 39th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year (WVOY) Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 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. Guests are invited to wear white.

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 of the event 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.

Tandy Robinson has been a dedicated volunteer with Boca Helping Hands (BHH) since 2010, serving in leadership roles including Chair of the Governance Committee and member of the Executive Committee. She has also contributed to the Strategic Planning,

Executive Search, and Finance Committees, and serves on the BHH Endowment Board of Trustees and Legacy Society. Tandy’s leadership has driven meaningful change. She spearheaded initiatives to enhance employee benefits, introducing a 401(k) with higher

employer contributions, expanded vacation time, and improved health coverage. She also led the search for two Executive Directors, resulting in strong, visionary leadership. Beyond BHH, Tandy serves on boards for Saint Andrew’s School, and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and is Co-Founder of Impact 100 Palm Beach County, where she continues to empower philanthropy and strengthen the community.

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 Sponsor. The Media Sponsor is Boca Magazine. The newspaper sponsor is the Boca Tribune. The radio sponsor is WRMF.

“We are so grateful to Tandy Robinson for serving as the honorary chair and to Linda and Victoria for their leadership,” said Melody Cobbe, president of the Junior League of Boca Raton. “We know that The Boca Raton will produce a spectacular runway fashion show.”

Assistant Chairs are Nancy Walsh, Joni Goldberg, Carla Thrower, Stephanie Newell and Alex Welsh.

Sponsorships, tables, and tickets 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.

National Experts Come to West Palm Beach for Two-Day Conference on Infidelity, Menopause, Desire and the Changing Erotic Self

What happens to desire after betrayal? How do couples rebuild intimacy after infidelity? What really happens to sexuality during perimenopause and menopause? And why are so many people struggling with changes in their bodies, relationships and sexual selves without knowing where to turn for reliable information?

Those conversations will take center stage at Still Wanting: Menopause, Infidelity, and the Evolving Erotic Self, a two-day conference taking place September 25–26, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Presented by Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (MSTI), the conference brings together nationally recognized psychologists, physicians, sex therapists, relationship experts and researchers for two distinctly themed days: Infidelity & Betrayal Trauma on Friday, September 25, and Menopause, Hormones & Midlife on Saturday, September 26.

Unlike many professional conferences, Still Wanting is intentionally designed to bring professionals and the public into the same conversation. Mental health clinicians, physicians and other healthcare professionals can attend for continuing education, while individuals and couples are invited to attend to gain credible, practical information they can use in their own lives.

“People are talking about infidelity, menopause, hormones and changing desire everywhere—on social media, in group chats and with their friends—but they aren’t always getting accurate information,” said Dr. Rachel Needle, psychologist, certified sex therapist and co-founding director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. “We wanted to create something different: a place where leading experts could have the conversations people are already having privately, but with science, clinical experience, honesty and absolutely no shame.”

Friday: Infidelity, Betrayal Trauma & Repair

Friday’s programming examines infidelity from multiple perspectives, moving beyond simplistic conversations about why people cheat to explore betrayal trauma, attachment, eroticism, disclosure, healing and the complicated question of what comes next for couples.

Featured experts include Alexandra Solomon, PhD, psychologist, author and internationally recognized relationship expert; Marty Klein, PhD, nationally recognized sex therapist and author; and Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, clinician, researcher, author and developer of the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT), along with other leading clinicians and educators working in sexuality, relationships and betrayal.

The day is designed not only for professionals who treat infidelity, but also for people who want a deeper understanding of betrayal, relationships, sexuality, healing and repair.

Saturday: Menopause, Hormones & the Midlife Sexual Self

Saturday brings together medical and sexuality experts to address what is happening to women’s bodies, brains, relationships and sexuality during perimenopause and menopause—and what can actually be done about it.

Sessions will address hormone replacement therapy, low desire, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, GLP-1 medications, systemic HRT, ADHD and executive functioning during perimenopause, relationships, identity and sexual vitality after menopause.

Featured medical and sexuality experts include Maureen Whelihan, MD, OB-GYN and sexual medicine specialist; Amy Pearlman, MD, urologist and sexual medicine specialist; Michelle Pearlman, MD, gastroenterologist and obesity medicine specialist whose work addresses metabolic health, GLP-1 medications and midlife health; Rachel Zar, LMFT, CST, sex and relationship therapist specializing in sexual health and intimacy; and other leading experts in menopause, hormones, sexuality, relationships and desire.

Together, the speakers will translate medical research and clinical expertise into conversations that are useful not only to healthcare and mental health professionals, but also to the people actually living through these changes.

“Menopause is finally having a cultural moment, but there is still an enormous gap between talking about it and truly understanding it,” Needle said. “Women deserve more than being told that painful sex, disappearing desire, brain fog or feeling disconnected from themselves is simply something they have to accept. And clinicians need better training to help them.”

The Saturday program is intentionally accessible to the public, and women are encouraged to attend with friends, partners or family members. The goal is to make complex conversations about hormones, health and sexuality feel informative, relevant and engaging—not like sitting through a medical lecture.

Education Without the Whispering

At its core, Still Wanting is built around a simple premise: sexuality does not stop mattering because a relationship has been wounded, a body has changed, hormones have shifted or someone has gotten older.

The conference aims to replace embarrassment and misinformation with evidence, conversation and practical tools—while creating a space where topics often discussed in whispers can be addressed openly.

Continuing education credits are available for eligible professionals through multiple mental health and sexuality education organizations.

Special student pricing is also available, and MSTI is committed to making attendance accessible to students who otherwise could not afford to participate. Students experiencing financial barriers are encouraged to contact the organization directly regarding scholarship, donation-based and reduced-cost opportunities.

Still Wanting: Menopause, Infidelity, and the Evolving Erotic Self
September 25–26, 2026
West Palm Beach, Florida

Conference schedule, speakers, registration and additional information are available at StillWanting.com.

Boca Helping Hands Names Winners of Third Annual Corporate Challenge

Local businesses competed for the title of 2026 Corporate Challenge Champion during Boca Helping Hands (BHH) Third Annual Corporate Challenge. 14 local companies hosted a workplace food drive to help stock pantry shelves with much-needed non-perishable food.

The companies that collected the most food by weight earned within their category took home

the boxing-style champion’s belt. Participating companies competed in one of three categories based on employee count.

A total of 22,195 pounds of food were donated by 14 companies. That is equivalent to 18,495.83 meals, or a total value of $51,270.45 on average.

Bantamweight Champion (50 employees or fewer) – SouthState Bank, coming in with 966 pounds of food

Middleweight Champion (51-100 employees) – Woolbright Development is coming in with 1,073 pounds of food

Heavyweight Champion (more than 101 employees) – ADMA Biologics coming in with 16,418 pounds of food

“Over the summer, demand for food stays the same, while food donations decline significantly because many people are on vacation and the snowbirds go back up north for the season,” said Andrew Hagen, CEO of Boca Helping Hands. “That’s what made the Corporate Challenge so important. It enabled Boca Helping Hands to provide food to people in need in our community while bringing local businesses together in a friendly competition in support of a great cause.”

Ready to step into the ring next year or help out now with a food drive? Contact Kori Ernst at Kori@BocaHelpingHands.org or call (561) 417 – 0913 ext. 205 to get started.

HCA Florida JFK Hospital Names Sarah Siebert Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

HCA Florida JFK Hospital has named Sarah Siebert, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, assistant chief nursing officer (ACNO). In her new role, Sarah will join assistant chief nursing officer Lisisbell Melendrez in supporting the hospital’s nursing teams and advancing its continued commitment to clinical quality, patient safety and nursing excellence.

Sarah brings more than 16 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience across acute care and

procedural services. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives focused on strengthening professional nursing practice, developing and engaging colleagues, enhancing patient experience and supporting strong operational performance. Her leadership experience spans critical care, medical-surgical services, cardiovascular care, rehabilitation and procedural services.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to our nursing leadership team,” said Jodi LoDolce, chief nursing officer of HCA Florida JFK Hospital. “Sarah brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for supporting and developing nurses. Her commitment to quality, patient safety and professional nursing practice aligns strongly with our culture and our continued pursuit of nursing excellence. I look forward to the impact her leadership will have on our colleagues and, most importantly, the patients and families we are privileged to serve.”

Most recently, Sarah served as director of critical care services at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, where she provided operational leadership for critical care and related services and led a team of more than 120 colleagues. In that role, she focused on strengthening shared governance, colleague engagement and professional nursing development, including efforts to increase nursing education and specialty certification. She also held leadership roles in critical care, telemetry safety and other multidisciplinary initiatives at the hospital and division levels.

Prior to joining HCA Healthcare, Sarah held nursing leadership roles with responsibility for surgical services, medical-surgical nursing, cardiovascular services and acute rehabilitation. Her career progression from bedside registered nurse and nurse manager to director and administrative director has given her extensive experience leading nursing teams and complex clinical operations.

Sarah earned both her master of science in nursing and bachelor of science in nursing from Florida Atlantic University, where she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She is a board-certified Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a graduate of the Cornell Leadership Institute and HCA East Florida Division Leadership Institute Academy.

Boca Helping Hands Annual “Bowling for Bread” to Support the BHH KidsPack Weekend Meals Program

Boca Helping Hands (BHH) will hold its annual Bowling for Bread event on Sunday, August 30, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Lucky Strike, 21046 Commercial Trail, Boca Raton. BHH brings kids from local children’s charities to enjoy an afternoon of bowling, food, and fun at no cost. Proceeds from the event will support the BHH KidsPack weekend meal program for kids in area schools.

The children’s charities invited to participate include 4Kids, Achievement Centers for Children & Families, Adopt a Family of the Palm Beaches, Inc., American Association of Caregiving Youth, Boys & Girls Club Boca Raton, Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, Fuller Center, HomeSafe, Pearl City Cats, Place of Hope at the Leighann and David Rinker Campus, and Propel.

Members of the community are encouraged to sponsor a child for $100, sponsor a lane for one of the children’s charities for $500, or make a donation of any size to support the KidsPack program to feed kids in area schools.

In 2025, the KidsPack Weekend Meals Program provided 288,546 meals to children from 15 schools and five summer camps, providing a consistent source of nutrition over the weekend when school lunches aren’t available.

Bowling for Bread is part of Boca Chamber Festival Days—a series of fun-filled August events intended to raise awareness and funds by pairing nonprofits with for-profit members of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. Ovation Home Insurance Exchange is Bowling for Bread’s For-Profit Chamber Partner, and the Event Sponsor is the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation. The Strike Out Hunger Sponsor is the Gary Peters Family Foundation. The Ten Pin Sponsors are Ovation Home Insurance Exchange and Lawrence A. Sanders Foundation.

This is the Lee Pearlson Steinberg Foundation’s 15th year sponsoring the event. “Being part of the fun at Bowling for Bread and seeing the kids enjoy themselves is something I look forward to every year, “said Foundation Trustee Lee Steinberg. “My mom Pearl’s love for children’ s causes inspired me to support Bowling for Bread in her memory. It’s a wonderful way to honor her legacy.”

For more sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.bocahelpinghands.org/bfb or contact Steve King at steve@bocahelpinghands.org.