News Archive - Page 8 of 28 - The Wellington Edit

Galbani Festa Italian of Wellington Returns April 17-19 to the Amphitheater

Monday, March 23, 2026, (Wellington, Fla.)– The Second Annual Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington will be held at the Wellington Amphitheater on April 17-19, 2026, presented by Brian Marketing Group. The Second Annual Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington will create an experience rich in Italian culture through food, music, art, and tradition. There will be food booths serving up all the Italian favorites, from sausage and peppers, pasta, pizza, Italian ice, zeppoles, and lots more. There will be stage entertainment all weekend on the Beachside Golf Cars stage, and the Mistress of Ceremonies is Virginia Sinicki of The KVJ Show on 979WRMF. Performing will be Italian American entertainers or a tribute to them.

Friday night is Freestyle with DJ Anthony Mangini spinning the hits, performances by Lucas Prata and “Dream Girl”, Cynthia. There will be performers all weekend, including Angelo Venuto, Tony Romeo, Daniela Martino, Vince & Emily Riccardi, and Joanne Togati. Saturday night will feature The Atlantic City Boys as a tribute to Frankie Valli. Sunday will feature Tony Quaranti, “The Sinatra Songbook,” acclaimed singer, songwriter, entertainer, Anthony Nunziata, and the Voice of Romance, Franco Corso. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for seating.

Special VIP seating includes Reserved Stage Pods with a table and seating for four people, and VIP Villas include a 10×10 tent, table, and seating for eight for purchase on Eventbrite.com. Both offer cocktail service. Toast to your Italian American heritage with a Birra Moretti Italian beer or a wine at The Moretti Beer Garden or the Spritz Del Conte Wine Garden. In addition, there will be the Schumacher Auto Group family picnic area for festival goers to sit and eat while enjoying the concerts. Another highlight is the La Cucina Galbani® Cooking stage that will feature nationally known chefs, including Galbani Celebrity Chef Marco Sciortino. Known for his dynamic personality and culinary mastery, Chef Marco will be highlighting his signature dishes, blending authentic Italian flavors with his own innovative twists.

Festivalgoers are in for a treat as Chef Marco brings his passion for Italian cuisine to life, offering mouthwatering creations that highlight the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Galbani products. Local favorites and many others will also be featured. Do not miss a taste of the free Voga Wine seminars by wine connoisseurs throughout the weekend. On Saturday, The Sicilian Oven will host a pizza-eating contest, and Galbani will host the Celebrity Cheese Stacking Competition for Charity.

For the entire family, there will be festival rides and carnival games for all ages. Little Smiles will be on site with fun kids activities. The official festival charity is Little Smiles. This nonprofit organization tirelessly works to bring smiles to children’s faces by allowing them to be kids during difficult times. They will be on-site with kid-friendly activities. Come meet your favorite Italian brothers, Mario and Luigi, for a photo opportunity throughout the weekend sponsored by Charm Pop Party. Come to “Pin Your Roots” at the booth of Marcelo Montesinos Law Firm to place your pin on the map of Italy to designate the city where your family originates.

A special thank you to our inaugural sponsors: Galbani, Brian Marketing Group, Beachside Golf Cars, Schumacher Auto Group, Spritz Del Conte, American Bath and Shower, Riboli Family Wines, Birra Moretti, Voga Italia, Florida Window & Door, The Mall at Wellington Green, Cerrito Electric, The Law Office of Marcelo Montesinos, John Deer, Bedners, Du-All Plumbing, AMB Aesthetics and Wellness, Creative Contracting Group, Charm Pop Bar, Wellington Magazine, Wellington Town Crier, and Hubbard Radio. Admission is Free. Special VIP seating will be available on Eventbrite.com.

Festival hours are 4 pm-10 pm Friday, 11 a.m. – 10p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday. To learn more, visit https://wellingtonfestaitaliana.com. Free parking and shuttle service from The Mall at Wellington Green to and from the festival.

Transformative Healthcare Solutions Announces Kevin Harrilal as Chief Operations Officer

Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 2, 2026) – Transformative Healthcare Solutions, also known as the Mental Health Center of Florida, proudly announces the appointment of Kevin Harrilal as its new Chief Operations Officer. Kevin brings more than 13 years of executive leadership experience, along with a strong background in healthcare technology and artificial intelligence, to his new role.

*Kevin Harrilal, Chief Operations Officer*

Kevin has built his career on fostering innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Known for his hands-on leadership style and ability to inspire high-performing teams, he is deeply committed to advancing results across mental, financial, and professional domains. His vision and leadership uniquely position him to support Transformative Healthcare Solutions’ expansion and positively impact its care delivery methods.

Before joining Transformative Healthcare Solutions, Kevin was deeply involved in healthcare technology and artificial intelligence development, where he spearheaded innovative initiatives designed to improve healthcare delivery systems. His experience in these fields reveals his forward-thinking approach to integrating progressive technologies with patient-centered care, driving improved outcomes and operational efficiency.

Transformative Healthcare Solutions was founded to address the evolving mental health needs of today’s individuals by combining state-of-the-art care with affordability. The organization employs nearly seventy fully credentialed therapists who provide comprehensive psychological services for a wide range of mental health conditions and disorders.

A leading provider of mental health services in South Florida, Transformative Healthcare Solutions is dedicated to delivering accessible, high-quality, and culturally responsive care. With a team of experienced professionals and a commitment to innovation, the organization continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across the region.

WELCOME TO BUNNYVILLE: Easter-palooza at Hilton West Palm Beach

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Over Easter weekend, April 4-5, unwind at Hilton West Palm Beach. Treat your family to a laid‑back getaway filled with poolside activities, outdoor games, and movie nights set against the palm‑lined sky. Easter offerings include:

Easter Activities

Saturday,  April  4  | 12-1pm

Complimentary for hotel guests and ResortPass holders

Jump into holidays with festive Easter games and sweet seasonal treats for the whole family.

Purchase a Family ResortPass here.

Moonlight Movie 

Saturday,  April  4  | 8-10pm 

Enjoy a  movie  screening of Hop and complimentary popcorn on  Hilton’s  back lawn.  Grab a lounge chair or blanket and cuddle up under the stars with family favorites and cult classics.  Beverages and snacks are available for purchase.

To sign up, click here.

Easter Brunch at Galley

Sunday, April 5 | 10am-2pm

Experience  an elevated Easter celebration at Galley, featuring a decadent brunch buffet with chef-curated selections and raw bar, a welcome glass of champagne,  photos with the Easter Bunny, and a scavenger hunt for the kids.

Pricing: $125 per adult; $49 per child (ages 5-12); Children under 4 dine free. Tax & gratuity not included.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

For  reservations,  click  here.

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 5 | 9:30am (Hilton guests) & 12pm (Galley guests)

Complimentary for hotel guests and Galley diners

Kids under 12 will love searching for hidden eggs throughout the lawn while enjoying the excitement of this classic holiday tradition. Easter baskets will be provided.

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Sunday, April 5 | 10am-2pm

Complimentary for hotel guests and Galley diners

Bring your little ones, your biggest smiles, and your baskets for a cheerful photo opportunity by Shake and Share Media that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.  For more information,  call (561) 231-6000 or visit  hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center Recognized with National Award for Excellence in Wound Healing

March 31, 2026 – Wellington, FL – Physicians, leaders and clinicians at Wellington Regional Medical Center are proud to announce that The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine has been awarded the prestigious Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Clinical Excellence Award by Healogics. The Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center has scored in the top 10 percent of eligible Healogics® Wound Care Centers® on the Clinical Excellence measure, which is the Comprehensive Healing Rate weighted by wound mix. The award is named for Dr. Robert A. Warriner III, a pioneer in wound care and the former Chief Medical Officer for Healogics.

This prestigious award reflects our team’s relentless focus on healing patients and improving quality of life,” said Pam Tahan, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center. “We are proud of the specialized care our wound care team provides and grateful to our patients who place their trust in us every day.

The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine is part of the Healogics network, which supports nearly 600 hospital outpatient Wound Care Centers® nationwide. Through this partnership, the center is managed by Healogics and provides highly specialized and evidenced-based wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds.

Advanced care modalities provided by our wound care experts include cellular tissue products, total contact casting and specialized wound care dressings. The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen to help accelerate wound healing.

“This award reflects the outstanding teamwork and clinical excellence of our wound care specialists,” said Dr. Kyle Eldredge, Medical Director of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. “Through evidence-based care and advanced healing technologies, we remain committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients and community.”

Gil Martinez of Gil Martinez Agency – State Farm Joins Clinics Can Help Board of Directors

Palm Beach County, FL. – Clinics Can Help is proud to announce the appointment of Gil Martinez, owner of Gil Martinez Agency State Farm, to its Board of Directors. A respected community leader and insurance professional, Martinez brings a strong background in business development, client service, and community engagement to the organization’s leadership team.

Martinez, a State Farm agent serving the Western Palm Beach community, has built his agency on a foundation of trust, personalized service, and a commitment to helping individuals and families protect what matters most. His passion for giving back and supporting local initiatives aligns closely with the mission of Clinics Can Help, working to provide medical equipment and supplies to children and adults who need it most.

“Gil’s dedication to our community and his deep understanding of the challenges many families face makes him an invaluable addition to our Board,” said Owen O’Neill, CEO of Clinics Can Help. “Gil has been supporting our organization for nearly a decade in various capacities, and we are excited to welcome his leadership, insight, and enthusiasm through our board, as we continue to expand our impact.”

In his role on the Board of Directors, Martinez will support strategic planning, community outreach, and fundraising initiatives aimed at increasing access to essential medical equipment for underserved populations throughout South Florida.

“I am honored to join the Board of Clinics Can Help and support an organization that is truly changing lives,” shared Martinez. “TI have seen firsthand the impact their work has on individuals in a time of need. Such a simple concept, that can be out of reach for many, allows individuals to live with dignity and independence, and I look forward to continuing to work to bring that to many more children and adults.”

Clinics Can Help has served the South Florida community for over two decades, distributing thousands of medical devices each year, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, and pediatric equipment, to those who otherwise could not afford them.

For more information about Clinics Can Help, or to get involved, please visit clinicscanhelp.org.

inSIGHT Through Education Hosts 3rd Annual Leadership Circle Event Featuring Keynote by Nova Festival Survivor Natalie Sanandaji

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA – inSIGHT Through Education recently hosted its third annual Leadership Circle Donor Event, an intimate gathering held to recognize and engage the organization’s most dedicated supporters. The event celebrated the donors whose generosity sustains inSIGHT’s mission of providing critical Holocaust, genocide, and anti-bias education to students across South Florida.

The Leadership Circle serves as a vital community of champions for the organization. Their support provides the essential funding that brings impactful educational programming and meaningful learning experiences to more than 75,000 students and 600 educators throughout Palm Beach County and beyond.

The evening featured a powerful keynote address from Natalie Sanandaji, Public Affairs Officer at the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).

A survivor of the October 7th Nova music festival attack in Israel, Sanandaji shared her deeply personal story of survival and her transition into global advocacy. Drawing from her lived experiences, she underscored the urgency of education as a primary tool to combat hate and inspire action.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to challenge hatred and ensure that stories like mine are not just heard, but truly understood,” Sanandaji said. “When we invest in education, we invest in a future where empathy and truth can prevail.”

Executive Director of inSIGHT Through Education Roneet Edrich emphasized the transformative power of the partnership between the organization and its donor base.

“Our Leadership Circle members are more than donors, they are partners in this work,” said Edrich. “Their commitment allows us to educate, empower, and reach students in ways that create lasting impact. Together, we are building a more informed, empathetic, and resilient future through education.”

For 15 years, inSIGHT Through Education has been the backbone of the Holocaust Studies Program in Palm Beach County Public Schools, providing more than $2.5 million in program funding since its inception. The organization’s work is more critical than ever, as Florida currently ranks as the state with the fourth-highest number of antisemitic incidents in the U.S.

For more information about inSIGHT Through Education or to learn how to join the Leadership Circle, please visit www.insightthrougheducation.org.

About inSIGHT Through Education

inSIGHT Through Education is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization with a mission to inspire and educate, encouraging kindness, acceptance, and respect for all, using lessons learned from the Holocaust and other genocides, to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. inSIGHT is the backbone of Holocaust Education in Palm Beach County Schools, which is mandated in Florida, along with the study of antisemitism. inSIGHT knows that education is the key to change and is committed to opening the hearts and minds of young people, our future leaders. Learn more at insightthrougheducation.org

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Wellington Bay Residents Donate Nearly 80 Teddy Bears to Wellington Regional Neonatal Unit

WELLINGTON, FLA – Luxury senior living community Wellington Bay hosted its inaugural Teddy Bear Drive on Friday, Mar 20, 2026

Residents and staff collected teddy bears from March 1st through March 18th and gathered nearly 80 teddy bears to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

The drive followed a special presentation held at the community on March 18th by guest speaker Annette Isaacs, who shared the moving life story of Margaret Steiff, the creator of the world-renowned Steiff teddy bear.

The spirit of giving was amplified by Wellington Bay resident Patty Raff. In celebration of her 80th birthday, Raff requested that her guests donate teddy bears in lieu of traditional birthday gifts.

“When my son Kenny was born, he weighed just three pounds and spent over a month in the NICU at Mount Sinai in New York City,” Raff said. “I have everything I want and this year, I wanted to do something to help, so I told all my friends to bring a teddy bear to my birthday party. One of my friends asked if he could just give me a check instead of a bear and I told him, ‘No bear, no food!’”

Thanks to Raff’s selfless gesture and the overwhelming participation of residents and employees, the community exceeded its donation goal and Raff plans on hosting the drive again next year.

Representatives from Wellington Bay visited Wellington Regional to deliver the donations. The bears were received by Kimberley Masterson, NICU Director, alongside siblings of NICU patients who were among the first to receive the cuddly toys.

“The two youngest brothers grabbed the two biggest bears,” Raff said with a laugh.

Through this initiative and the generosity of its residents, Wellington Bay continues to foster a culture of compassion and community connection. By turning a milestone birthday into a tangible gift for local families, the residents have ensured that the smallest patients at Wellington Regional Medical Center feel the embrace of a supportive community.

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Wellington Bay is a rental retirement community featuring luxury apartments and a place for seniors to enjoy life. With something for everyone, Wellington Bay offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active aging and also provides assisted living support, respite care, and advanced, cutting-edge memory care at Lisbet Health Center, located onsite in Wellington, Florida. Named by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Retire,” Wellington is known for its golf courses, thriving equestrian community, and lovely homes.

Wellington Bay and Lisbet Health Center is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a Liberty Healthcare Management division specializing in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Wellington Bay, visit www.wellingtonbayfl.com.

To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.

Gastroenterologist Vikram Tarugu, M.D., Returns to Wellington, Expands Care After Serving Okeechobee

WELLINGTON, FLA – A familiar and trusted name in health care is returning to Wellington following his departure in 2013 to help address a critical shortage of gastroenterology care in Okeechobee County.

Vikram Tarugu, M.D., a board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, spent three years serving the Wellington community before leaving to open a practice in Okeechobee, where there was no local gastroenterologist. Now, he is establishing Wellington Digestive Institute, located at 1447 Medical Park Blvd. Suite 405 in Wellington, Florida.

59597008 5A68 4865 AA36 930133A4A153 — Dr. Vikram Taruga

After successfully establishing a presence in Okeechobee and improving access to specialty care there, Dr. Tarugu is now expanding his practice back into Wellington, where he will continue serving patients while maintaining care in both communities.

“Wellington has always felt like home,” he said. “After establishing strong access to care in Okeechobee, I’m proud to expand back into Wellington and continue serving both communities.”

Dr. Tarugu is double board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine and completed a gastroenterology fellowship with a specialty in endoscopic ultrasound. He completed advanced training in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, home to the largest hospital-based research program in the world, as well as advanced training in inflammatory bowel disease and endoscopic ultrasound at the University of Montreal.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Dr. Tarugu is a former faculty member at Marshall University and East Tennessee State University in the gastroenterology department.

The practice offers a comprehensive range of in-office endoscopic and gastrointestinal procedures, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies (EGD), flexible sigmoidoscopies, esophageal dilation, and video capsule endoscopy — many of which are minimally invasive and require little to no anesthesia. They also provide advanced liver diagnostics, including liver ultrasound and FibroScan technology.

Wellington Digestive Institute is located at 1447 Medical Park Blvd. Suite 405 in Wellington, Florida, and is now accepting new and returning patients.

Dr. Tarugu is affiliated with Wellington Regional Hospital. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Wellington Digestive Institute at (561) 767-8342.

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Wellington Digestive Institute is located at 1447 Medical Park Blvd. Suite 405 in Wellington, Florida, and is now accepting new and returning patients.

The practice offers a comprehensive range of in-office endoscopic and gastrointestinal procedures, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies (EGD), flexible sigmoidoscopies, esophageal dilation, video capsule endoscopy, and hemorrhoid banding — many of which are minimally invasive and require little to no anesthesia. They also provide advanced liver diagnostics, including liver ultrasound and FibroScan technology. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Wellington Digestive Institute at (561) 767-8342.

Wellington Bay and Lisbet Health Center Secure Top Honors in 2026 Palm Beach County Community’s Choice Awards

Gita Anderson - Lisbet at Wellington Bay

WELLINGTON, FLA – Wellington Bay and Lisbet at Wellington Bay are proud to announce their prestigious recognition in the 2026 Palm Beach County Community’s Choice Awards.

The community emerged as a leader across three major senior living categories, celebrating these achievements at the awards gala held on March 12, 2026 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

The community secured the following honors:

Winner (First Place): Memory Care – Lisbet at Wellington Bay
Winner (First Place): Assisted/Senior Living – Lisbet at Wellington Bay
Finalist: Retirement/55+ – Wellington Bay

The Palm Beach County Community’s Choice Awards is a community-driven program that recognizes excellence in over 170 categories. With more than 500 businesses participating, the awards serve as a trusted guide for residents seeking the highest quality services in the region. Winning or placing as a finalist is a significant milestone, reflecting a company’s deep-rooted commitment to the community it serves.

“Receiving these honors is humbling because they come directly from the community we care for,” said Jay Mikosch, Executive Campus Director. “To me, this recognition simply highlights the dedication and heart our staff pours into their work every day; I am so grateful to stand alongside a team that cares so deeply. Above all, I want to thank our residents and their families. We never take for granted the trust you place in us to look after your loved ones. It is your presence and your high standards that truly make Wellington Bay and Lisbet at Wellington Bay a place we are proud to call home.”

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Wellington Bay and Lisbet at Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a Liberty Healthcare Management division specializing in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Wellington Bay, visit www.wellingtonbayfl.com.

To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.

Satori, Beachway’s Holistic Wellness Center, Opened Today in Downtown West Palm Beach

Carrie Carlton, Paritosh Nath, Pamela Egan, Rachael Bass

West Palm Beach, Fla. (March 19, 2026)— Beachway Therapy Center unveiled a major addition to its award-winning recovery and treatment facility located in downtown West Palm Beach: a newly constructed wellness building and grounds designed to enhance trauma-informed, whole-person care for individuals in recovery. The new ‘Beachway Holistic Wellness Center’ will mark a meaningful evolution in integrative behavioral health treatment.

An open house to unveil the new facilities was held on Thursday, March 19 and included a wellness tea bar, intention card station, walkthroughs of the new space, guided meditations and sound healing, breathwork and sound bowls, wellness bites and a clinician Q & A. Beachway is located at 1700 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401.

Unlike traditional treatment environments, the standalone wellness building and Zen-inspired garden spaces were intentionally designed to support nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and connection. It will serve as a dedicated space for holistic programming and therapeutic groups within a calm, restorative setting.

Key features include:

A dedicated massage therapy suite
Meditation and mindfulness space
An on-site salon supporting dignity and self-care
Purpose-built areas for experiential and integrative therapies

“Beachway Holistic Wellness Center will support nervous system regulation by helping clients develop greater awareness of their physiological state. Through our resilience groups, clients learn to reduce chronic muscle tension and shift out of survival-based responses. Cultivating a relaxed muscle body becomes a foundational skill that supports emotional regulation, improved stress tolerance, and sustained recovery,” said Carrie Carlton, Beachway’s Chief Clinical Officer.

Beachway will also introduce or expand wellness initiatives within the space, which include sound healing, body-based trauma therapies, mindfulness practices, and other experiential modalities. Beachway Holistic Wellness Center reflects a growing demand among patients and families for environments that feel restorative rather than clinical; spaces that actively support healing beyond traditional therapy rooms.

Global Humane Opens Applications for Fifth Annual Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation Applications for the Prestigious Award and Corresponding Grant Close June 1, 2026

Photo credit: American Humane Society | Professor Theo Pagel holds the Kiessling Prize Award with Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO

PALM BEACH, FL – Global Humane Society opened applications for the prestigious Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation, now for a landmark fifth year, dedicated to protecting and preserving the remarkable animals of the world.

The Kiessling Prize recognizes scientists and leaders whose work has produced measurable, lasting impact on species and biodiversity. Named in honor of visionary conservationist Wolfgang F. Kiessling, recipients are awarded a grant to continue their work to advance species conservation.

At a critical time when Earth is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, and up to 1 million species are at risk, wildlife conservation is more important than ever.

“We look forward to receiving submissions for the next recipient of the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation and to continuing to honor Wolfgang Kiessling’s extraordinary legacy through this award,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society. “This prize celebrates the inspiring conservationists whose courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication are protecting endangered species and ensuring that the beauty and wonder of our natural world endure for generations to come.”

The president of Loro Parque, Wolfgang Kiessling, stated that “the opening of this fifth edition represents a source of deep satisfaction for me and, above all, an enormous responsibility. Over the years, we have had the honor of recognizing exceptional professionals whose dedication demonstrates that international cooperation and research are fundamental tools for halting the loss of biodiversity. At Loro Parque and the Loro Parque Foundation, we remain fully committed to conservation, science and animal welfare.”

The Kiessling Prize selection committee is led by Dr. Robin Ganzert, Brad Andrews, Christoph Kiessling, Cybell Kiessling, and Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez. The committee will review applications and ultimately select one recipient of the top prize and a grant to help further their significant contributions to the practical application, research and theory of species protection.

This past year, the committee awarded Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski, Director and Founder of the Dolphin Communication Project and Managing Editor of Aquatic Mammals journal, with the 2025 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation.

Dr. Dudzinski has spent over 30 years advancing the study and conservation of cetaceans. Through pioneering research, innovative underwater technologies and international outreach, she has deepened scientific understanding and promoted global efforts to protect marine life.

The Kiessling Prize has recognized other outstanding leaders in global species conservation over the past five years. In 2024, the committee awarded Dr. Arnaud Desbiez, President and Founder of the Wild Animal Conservation Institute (ICAS) in Brazil. In 2023, the Kiessling Prize was awarded to Professor Theo B. Pagel, CEO of the Cologne Zoo in Germany. The inaugural Kiessling Prize, awarded in 2022, honored Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez, former Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

The application period for the 2026 Kiessling Prize will close on June 1, 2026. Applicants can learn more about the prize and submit their credentials here.

About Global Humane Society

Global Humane Society is the international brand of American Humane Society, which is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

Palm Health Foundation Convenes Global Brain Health Leaders to Launch Inaugural Brain Coast Advisory Council

Steve Carnevale, Dr. Paul Evans, Dr. Randy Blakely, and Patrick McNamara

West Palm Beach, Fla.– Leaders in brain science, philanthropy, neuroarts, and community health from across the U.S. and abroad converged in Palm Beach County March 2–4, 2026, for the Brain Coast Advisory Council launch convened by Palm Health Foundation. The gathering marked a pivotal moment in South Florida’s emergence as a nationally recognized brain-forward ecosystem, linking the region’s world-renowned brain science institutions, community assets, and innovation to improve brain health and resilience.

South Florida’s Brain Coast has been identified as one of four regions central to an emerging U.S. brain economy strategy—alongside Houston, California, and Pennsylvania—with its unique differentiator being the ability to unite cutting-edge neuroscience research with community-centered action. That vision drew Council leaders to the table, united by a shared conviction cited by the recent McKinsey Health Institute report, The Human Advantage: Stronger Brains in the Age of AI: “Stronger brains strengthen resilience, productivity, and shared prosperity. It is time to invest accordingly.”

The Council explored three interlocking pillars of the Brain Coast vision: deepening brain science, education, and resiliency through research; engaging community to foster brain health across all ages and backgrounds; and spurring innovation to develop novel interventions for mental health illnesses and neurodegenerative diseases. Participants from the Brain Economy Hub, Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Baptist Health South Florida, Johns Hopkins University’s NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FAU’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Brain Health Network UK, and the Milken Institute’s SPARC initiative, among others, brought local, national, and global perspective to the Brain Coast’s distinctive role across the emerging brain health landscape.

“The opportunity is now,” said Palm Health Foundation President and CEO Patrick McNamara. “Our esteemed Council members see the potential to make Palm Beach County and the greater South Florida region a place where brain health is intentionally integrated and prioritized across science, care, education, civic life, and economic development. We invite others to join us in what is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in human potential for our region, and as a model for the nation.”

McNamara cites several converging forces that make the moment particularly urgent:

Nearly everyone is affected. About 8 in 10 Americans say they or someone close to them has experienced a brain health condition, making brain health a universal issue.
The burden on daily life is massive. Brain conditions drive a large share of disability worldwide, limiting people’s ability to learn, work, care for others, and live independently.
Brain health drives economic resilience. Healthy brains are core economic assets. Underinvesting in brain health undermines future innovation, productivity, and community prosperity.

Palm Health Foundation has already invested meaningfully to build the region’s brain health ecosystem, committing $500,000 toward the launch of the Center for the Resilient Mind at Florida Atlantic University’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, and another $1 million to support the institute’s Program in Computational Brain Science and Health. The foundation has also invested more than $500,000 to launch one of the country’s first named NeuroArts Coalitions, and another $500,000 in community-identified mini-grants to support brain health and well-being.

The Brain Coast reflects Palm Health Foundation’s role not only as a funder, but also as a strategic partner helping to bring together the people, institutions, and philanthropy needed to move the work forward. Early support from the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation and the David Minkin Foundation, along with a recent grant from the Carl A. DeSantis Foundation, is helping to build momentum and attract national attention.

“The science is accelerating, the need is undeniable, and South Florida has the institutions, the community, and the will to lead,” McNamara said. “The brain health choices we make as a region, in how we design our schools, our neighborhoods, our healthcare, and our civic life, will determine the cognitive and emotional health of generations to come. That is an incredible responsibility, and an incredible opportunity.”