Patty Larkin holds her cat, Tres, in the lobby of her Boca Raton condo. She volunteers at HomeSafe for abuse victims and is organizing its Jan. 24 Classic Rock & Roll Party. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
By Kathleen Kernicky
For almost a decade, Patty Larkin has been a pivotal force behind the scenes at HomeSafe, a nonprofit organization in Palm Beach County that serves victims of child abuse and domestic violence.
As a community volunteer and donor, Larkin helps plan and organize HomeSafe’s signature fundraising events, including the annual Classic Rock & Roll Party, and she serves as an ambassador at its charity golf tournament. (She and her husband also play in the tournament.)
HomeSafe, founded in 1979, operates programs that serve more than 15,000 infants, children and families each year, including residential group care for abused children and an independent living program for young adults aging out of foster care.
To Larkin, 68, of Boca Raton, HomeSafe is investing in the community by improving the future of children, teens and young adults.
“They help children and families who are struggling and that benefits everybody,” Larkin said. “If we can help young people in our community who are struggling, it might help with some of the problems we see nationwide, including mental health issues. These are kids who have had a tough life.”
Larkin was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Her family later moved to Colorado before they settled in Augusta, Georgia. Her parents “immersed themselves in the community,” instilling that value in her. After graduating from Augusta College with a psychology degree, she worked as a substitute teacher and traveled extensively during a 30-year career as a flight attendant at Delta Air Lines.
She has lived in South Florida since 1980. At Delta, she met her husband, Peter Larkin, now a retired airline captain who is a volunteer and supporter at HomeSafe. Married for 34 years, they live near a son, daughter and grandson in Boca Raton, where they’re members of the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club.
“About a decade ago, a friend of mine who was involved in HomeSafe brought me into it,” Larkin said. “These events are a lot of fun to plan and organize. They raise a lot of money. The main goal is to grow the amount to continue services for those who aren’t as fortunate. People like that when they support HomeSafe, it goes directly into the community. Everything stays locally.”
Earlier this year, Larkin and other supporters heard from a young woman named Kathrell, who was put in foster care at age 11. Four years later, she began treatment at HomeSafe. When she turned 18, HomeSafe provided her with affordable housing and life skills.
Now 24, Kathrell graduated in 2024 from Florida Atlantic University. She has since found a job and moved into her own apartment. “I am most proud that I didn’t let my past determine my future,” she said.
Larkin said: “We see the progress that they make at HomeSafe. We hear them talk about their plans and how the program helps them reach their goals. And that’s rewarding.”
Larkin is looking forward to HomeSafe’s next Classic Rock & Roll fundraiser on Jan. 24 starting at 6 p.m.
The event will be held at the grand ballroom at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood and feature rock artist Mike DelGuidice.
“We’ll get a table and hopefully get some new people who will want to support this wonderful organization,” said Larkin.
The charity golf tournament is May 4 at the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club.
Larkin believes in the adage that it’s better to give than receive. “If more people thought about that, things would be a lot better for everyone,” she said.
For details about the party, visit helphomesafe.org/theclassic2026.
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