The Boca Raton Historical Society and The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum have announced the 2026 inductees into the Walk of Recognition: philanthropists Marilyn Simon Weinberg and Jay Weinberg, business and civic leader John W. Temple, and community advocate Doris Marie Hester.
They were to be celebrated on Nov. 4, at the 30th annual Walk of Recognition, an event marking three decades of honoring people whose leadership and generosity have helped to shape Boca Raton.
Inductees are commemorated with granite stars and etched summaries in Mizner Plaza at Royal Palm Place.
“Thirty years ago, I wanted Boca Raton to have a place where the people who quietly do extraordinary things for this city could be remembered — not just for a moment, but for good,” said Marta Batmasian, founder of the Walk of Recognition. “Marilyn and Jay, John, and Marie — each represent that spirit beautifully, and I can’t think of a better class to mark our 30th year.”
Achievement Centers celebrates teens at dinner
Achievement Centers for Children & Families hosted its scholarship celebration dinner on Sept. 10, bringing together students, families, donors and supporters to recognize four graduates from the ACCF Teen Program as they begin their next chapter.
Scholarship recipients Kamiyah Crometie, Shawn Promaphil, Guerre Faudrois and Marie Vandome spoke to guests about how the program helped prepare them for life after high school.
Crometie is studying criminal justice with a focus on crime scene technology at Palm Beach State College.
Promaphil, who graduated from high school with a 3.5 GPA, is enrolled in the Electrical Power Technology program at Palm Beach State College.
Faudrois, who has been part of ACCF for three years, is studying dental hygiene at Palm Beach State College.
Vandome is pursuing cosmetology at Boca Beauty Academy.
FLoatarama helps groups focused on LGBTQ youth
Eight South Florida nonprofits that provide programs and services for LGBTQ youth received grants from FLoatarama.
“At FLoatarama, we believe every young person deserves to feel supported, valued and empowered to reach their full potential,” said Scott Schramm, president of FLoatarama. “These grants represent more than financial support. They are an investment in the organizations showing up for LGBTQ youth every day, providing mentorship, safe spaces, creative opportunities and the resources to help them thrive.”
FLoatarama is known as Pride on the Water. It’s a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization based in Fort Lauderdale that raises awareness and money to support youth in South Florida who identify as LGBTQ+.
The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, will support the following organizations and programs:
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, Big Pride: GSA group mentoring;
• Equality Empower Center, EmpowerU: LGBTQ+ Youth Care & Advocacy Program;
• The Humanity Project, Abuse and Anti-Bullying Program;
• Out My Closet, “The Spot,” a creative resource and empowerment hub for LGBTQ+ youth;
• Prism Florida, content creation task force;
• SAVE LGBTQ, Save Young Leaders Program;
• South Florida Pride Bands, Pride Youth Band, Pride Youth Jazz Band and the fifth annual FLoatarama soloist competition; and
• SunServe, youth peer support and resilience group.
FLoatarama’s grant review committee evaluated a record 30 applications, underscoring both the growing need for LGBTQ youth services and the breadth of organizations working to meet those needs across South Florida.
Since its founding six years ago, FLoatarama has awarded $532,000 through its LGBTQ Youth Fund, managed by its philanthropic partner, The Our Fund Foundation.
Send news, photos and notes to Lou Ann Frala at philanthropy@thecoastalstar.com.
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