The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County will host its annual gala with a twist this year. Instead of gathering at The Breakers in Palm Beach, the organization will host a virtual “No Show” Winter Ball: Stand Up for the Children for guests on Friday, February 5, beginning at 7 p.m. The Boys & Girls Clubs will provide a fresh, healthy, and delicious dinner menu for guests to enjoy while watching the night’s virtual entertainment at gatherings across the county.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is excited to continue our focused Palm Beach County recovery efforts by once again working with our local farmers while making our ‘No Show’ Winter Ball a unique and memorable evening,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County president and CEO Jaene Miranda. “By sourcing produce from local farms, we’ll be able to supply fresh and healthy meals to our guests at their private dinner parties while supporting local farmers who continue to struggle since many farmers markets remain closed due to the pandemic.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs will team up with Fresh Rx, an organization that addresses nutritional inequality through innovative food programs that provide education and access to fresh produce. Local farms and farmers supported by Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County include Holman’s Harvest, Gratitude Gardens, Alderman Farms, Swank Specialty Produce, C&B Farms, and Michael Borek.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s “Farm to Family” program forged a relationship with Fresh Rx to help fight the dramatic increase in food insecurity. The Clubs distributed a week’s worth of organic produce and dry goods to more than 100,000 Club family members while helping to keep more than 35 local farms and businesses afloat. The gala menu created by Fresh Rx will also help local farmers directly. This comes at a crucial time as many farmers markets have closed due to an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“I am so grateful for Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and their continued partnership and investment in our vibrant, local farming community,” said Margaret Duriez, co-founder of Fresh Rx. “Our farm to table catering partnership for the Winter Ball is an incredible opportunity for Fresh Rx to assist in fundraising for Boys & Girls Clubs’ critical youth development programs, while also keeping farmers farming as small businesses, restaurants and families alike continue to be affected by the pandemic.”
Proceeds from the “No Show” Winter Ball will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s services during non-school hours and summer camp opportunities to more than 10,000 children ages 6 to 18. In addition, the funds raised during the event’s “Call to the Heart” will allow the Club’s critical Hunger Relief Program to continue serving boys and girls in 2021 after 1.2 million meals were served last year. Several donors have combined their efforts to offer a $250,000 matching gift to help continue the organization’s hunger-relief programs. Marjorie S. Fisher Fund, Smith Brothers Family Foundation, and Mr. & Mrs. Robert Stiller offered the match challenge for maximum impact.
Along with Chairman Hillie Mahoney, is Co-Chairman Gretchen Leach. Honorary Chairmen include, Julie & Mike Connors, Lydia & Robert Forbes, Mary & Mark Freitas, Judith S. Giuliani, Hon. Danielle H. Moore, Thomas C. Quick, Amanda & Charles Schumacher, Hon. Lesly S. Smith and Eddy & John Taylor.
Vice Chairmen include David Donten, Debbie & Bob Dunkin, Lois & Jeff Fiser, Jennifer & Christopher Harris, Carol & Thomas Kirchhoff, Joanna & Stephen Myers, Susan & Chris Pappas, Amy & John Phelan, Jeannie & Tom Rutherfoord, Helen & Charles Schwab, Diane & John Sculley, Vera & Julio Serrano, Christine & Bob Stiller, Felicia Taylor, Simone & Kerry Vickar, Lynne McGowan Wheat & Thomas Peterffy.
To watch the “No Show” Winter Ball- Stand Up for the Children, visit the event’s website. For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tim Tracy at (561) 683-3287 or email ttracy@bgcpbc.org.
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