One of my favorite sections of the paper is philanthropy.
It’s not just pictures of happy, smiling people — although many of those photographed are indeed happy, smiling and looking good.
The section is consequential because it keeps tabs on massive charitable giving that pays for vital services and innovation. The largesse also addresses systemic issues in areas such as health, literacy and the arts, while inspiring new solutions and strategies for social good by spotlighting what works.
Amy Woods has been curating the section for The Coastal Star since August 2012. She’s leaving the paper this month after 13-plus years and we thank her and wish her well.
“I helped spread the word about South County’s charity scene and its benefactors and beneficiaries,” she says. “The number of good deeds and the amount of good work being done in the area has been an honor and a joy to highlight. I have formed bonds and relationships with the administrators and the volunteers leading the charge for their important causes.
“What has been most rewarding about my role at The Coastal Star is the ability to shine a light on the critical needs in the community.”
Previously, Amy was editor of Notables at The Palm Beach Post for 11 years. In 2023, she wrote her first book, 100 Things to Do in Jupiter Before You Die. Her second book, Secret Palm Beach: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, comes out this month.
As Amy goes on to devote time to her books, we welcome Lou Ann Frala, who has been a well-respected and admired copy editor at The Palm Beach Post since 1985, leaving during the pandemic in 2020, then returning in February 2022 as a sports copy editor.
In her career, she also served as an assistant business editor, and she was op-ed editor for 12 years. Her career began on the sports desk of The Kansas City Star, and she served as sports editor on small papers in Texas and Missouri before coming to Florida in 1985.
Lou Ann, who was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia.
She says she “is delighted to be joining The Coastal Star,” and we are delighted to have her on the philanthropy desk.
To reach Lou Ann and our philanthropy section, send news and photos to our newly minted philanthropy email, philanthropy@thecoastalstarcom.
Help us keep the good news coming — and keep smiling!
— Mary Thurwachter, Managing Editor
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