boca raton regional hospital - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-30T03:51:50Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/boca+raton+regional+hospitalAlong the Coast: Patients’ infection rates raise watchdog’s concerns at two hospitalshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/along-the-coast-patients-infection-rates-raise-watchdog-s-concern2024-01-03T18:34:33.000Z2024-01-03T18:34:33.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Charles Elmore</strong></p>
<p>Two hospitals in southern Palm Beach County received “D” grades for patient safety in a nonprofit watchdog group’s latest report, and Florida landed among the five worst states with declines in hospital patient-experience scores that graders called “disheartening.”</p>
<p>The number of infections that patients acquired in each hospital partially contributed to the below-average grades that The Leapfrog Group assigned to Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital and HCA Florida JFK Hospital in Atlantis. Fewer than 8% of hospitals surveyed nationwide received D or F grades.</p>
<p>At the same time, Florida showed encouraging signs, too, ranking among 10 states with the highest percentage of A grades. Responding hospitals did not always agree with their scores, but voices across the industry acknowledged challenges to retain experienced staffing and other issues coming out of a grueling pandemic.</p>
<p>Boca Raton Regional’s D grade included a worse-than-average score for sepsis infection and other complications after surgery. The score followed a D in the spring of 2023 and a C in the three years ending in 2022. </p>
<p>“Our goal is to provide high-quality, safe care for our patients and community and we take great pride in doing this,” said Gina Halley-Wright, communications manager for Baptist Health South Florida. “We recognize that tools like Leapfrog Group’s ratings help health care organizations continue to improve.”</p>
<p>She continued in a statement, “It is important to note that the Leapfrog grades for the most recent scores were calculated by using data dating back to 2019, and include periods of time when South Florida experienced severe patient surges due to the pandemic. Our health system has taken steps to improve in areas where needed, and we are committed to continuing to use the data to make positive changes.”</p>
<p>JFK Hospital’s D came in part because it performed worse than average on blood infection rates, according to the report. The hospital had been awarded C grades in 2022 and the first part of 2023, after a B in the fall of 2021. Attempts to get comment from the hospital were not successful.</p>
<p>Leapfrog’s roots date to when business leaders gathered in 1998 to figure out a way to offer watchdog grades to help the public. It assigns letter grades to nearly 3,000 hospitals across the nation based on measures of how well they prevent medical errors, accidents and infections.</p>
<p>Leapfrog says it uses up to 28 performance measures to grade hospitals twice a year. The latest scores are from fall 2023. </p>
<p>The scoring methodology is determined by a panel of experts from Harvard, Stanford and other universities. Various categories involve data from one-year or multiyear periods.</p>
<p>Some scores, such as in-hospital infections, draw from publicly available data. Other parts cull information from surveys, in which hospitals do not always participate.</p>
<p>In the latest grades, nearly 30% of hospitals nationally received an A, 24% got a B, 39% registered a C, with 7% drawing a D and less than 1% an F.</p>
<p>Delray Medical Center received a C, its same grade since a B in the spring of 2020.</p>
<p>West Boca Medical Center also received a C, unchanged since the fall of 2021 after B grades in 2020 and the first part of 2021.</p>
<p>“Delray Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center are proud to provide safe, high-quality care to our patients,” said Andrew Lofholm, communications and community relations manager for Palm Beach Health Network.</p>
<p>His group’s hospitals do not participate in the Leapfrog survey, he said in a statement.</p>
<p>“However, Leapfrog may assign a score, but it is based on limited publicly available data from secondary sources that haven’t been verified,” he said. “We take our responsibility to provide the safest possible environment for our patients very seriously, and this is positively reflected in our quality recognitions from multiple other organizations.”</p>
<p>Other area hospitals improved or maintained grades.</p>
<p>Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital East in Boynton Beach was given a B grade, a level it has maintained since the start of 2022 after C grades the previous two years.<br />Bethesda West in Boynton Beach was assigned a B, up from C in the first part of 2023.</p>
<p>Based on surveys, Florida ranked among the five states with the sharpest declines in scores for nurse and doctor communication, staff responsiveness, communication about medicines and discharge information, Leapfrog found.</p>
<p>“In talking with hospital leaders, we believe staffing shortages are one key reason for the continued decline,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.</p>
<p>“Many hospitals are innovating to help make patient experience better, which is critical because these results are disheartening and unsustainable.” <br />Florida Hospital Association President and CEO Mary C. Mayhew addressed the findings in a statement.</p>
<p>“FHA member hospitals are steadfastly committed to enhancing the patient experience,” she said. “We recognize the recent challenges in various aspects of patient care, such as communication with nurses and doctors, staff responsiveness, and clarity regarding medications and discharge procedures, and agree the results are disheartening.</p>
<p>“These significant concerns stem from the unsustainable workforce challenges that have impacted hospitals nationwide, including staffing shortages and an increased reliance on contracted and temporary staff.”</p>
<p>Patients and families deserve to be fully informed about their conditions and care, she said.</p>
<p>“Efforts are being made to address these challenges,” she said. “By leveraging innovative technology, adopting best practices, and utilizing effective tools, we are focused on improving the quality of patient care. Florida’s hospitals are more than health care providers; they are community partners committed to making sure Florida has the high-quality health care system it deserves.”</p>
<p>Some medical centers in the state managed tough conditions well. Florida’s 38% ranked among the 10 states with the highest percentage of hospitals receiving A grades.</p>
<p>As a group, hospitals across the country tended to see a lower rate of “health care-acquired” infections coming out of the COVID pandemic in 2023, the organization found.</p>
<p>Specific infections measured include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), Leapfrog said.</p>
<p>In some places, such as southern Palm Beach County, there remains room to improve, if the grades are any indication.</p>
<p>“Now that we have pre- and post-pandemic data for patient safety measures, we are encouraged by the improvement in infections and applaud hospitals for reversing the disturbing infection spike we saw during the pandemic,” Binder said. “However, there’s still more work to be done. It’s deeply concerning that patient reports about their health care experience continues to decline.” </p>
<p><em>To see fall 2023 Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, go to <a href="https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/">https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/</a></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Grading care</strong></span><br /><em>The Leapfrog Group looked at nearly 3,000 hospitals nationwide, reviewing measures of how well the hospitals prevent medical errors, accidents and infections. Here are its fall 2023 grades for hospitals in southern Palm Beach County (and any change from the first part of the year):</em><br /><strong>B</strong><br />Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital East, Boynton Beach <em>(stayed the same)</em><br />Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital West, Boynton Beach <em>(up from C)</em><br /><strong>C</strong><br />Delray Medical Center <em>(stayed the same)</em><br />West Boca Medical Center <em>(stayed the same)</em><br /><strong>D</strong><br />Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital <em>(stayed the same)</em><br />HCA Florida JFK Hospital, Atlantis <em>(down from C)</em></p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Boca Regional Hospital campaign gains another $2 million pledgehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-boca-regional-hospital-campaign-gains-another-2024-01-02T20:46:10.000Z2024-01-02T20:46:10.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12344567883,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12344567883,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12344567883?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Among those attending the American Humane fundraiser televised on Thanksgiving Day were (l-r) Gail Worth, Frank Orenstein and Christine Lynn. <strong>Photo provided by Capehart</strong></em></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12344568694,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12344568694,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="99" alt="12344568694?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Philanthropist Marc Leder’s $2 million pledge to “Keeping the Promise — The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital” has pushed the near-concluded effort further past its $250 million goal. The gift will be recognized with a naming opportunity within the Toby and Leon Cooperman Medical Arts Pavilion.</p>
<p>“It is a measure of the power of our vision for the future when one of our family of donors returns to make a subsequent substantive gift,” said Boca Raton Regional Hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez, referring to a prior $1 million gift Leder and Rodger Krouse pledged to the campaign. “Marc’s belief in our campus initiative is matched only by our gratitude for this overwhelming demonstration of generosity.”</p>
<p><em>For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit donate.brrh.com.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">American Humane gives Hero Dog Awards</span> <br /> Christie Brinkley headlined American Humane’s 13th annual fundraiser that later was nationally televised on Thanksgiving Day.</p>
<p>The Hero Dog Awards Gala, known as the “Oscars for Canines,” also starred TV personality Carson Kressley and was presented by Lois Pope.</p>
<p>“Christie has spent her entire life advocating for animal welfare, and that’s exactly what we do here at American Humane,” President and CEO Robin Ganzert said. “It was an honor to have her join us as we celebrated these heroes on both ends of the leash.”</p>
<p><em>For more information, call 800-227-4645 or visit <a href="http://www.americanhumane.org">www.americanhumane.org</a>.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Gift establishes legacy for Pops, Maestro Lappin</span><br /> Florida Atlantic University has received a gift worth more than $5 million to enhance its music programs and establish a legacy for the Palm Beach Pops and Bob Lappin, its founder and director.</p>
<p>The funds were donated by the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County, an extension of the Palm Beach Pops, and include an extensive library consisting of more than 1,600 titles and scores.</p>
<p>“For the past three decades, the Palm Beach Pops was an integral part of the performing cultural-arts and music education in South Florida,” said Jon Lappin, president and executive director of the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County. “This donation preserves the legacy and extraordinary accomplishments of the maestro — my father, the late Bob Lappin — and the Palm Beach Pops.”</p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>Celebrations: Donation; Boca Raton Regional Hospital — Oct. 19https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/celebrations-donation-boca-raton-regional-hospital-oct-192023-10-31T17:45:34.000Z2023-10-31T17:45:34.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12280872472,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12280872472,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12280872472?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Professional golfer Morgan Pressel has made a $1.2 million gift to the hospital’s Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute via the Morgan Pressel Foundation. For more than 13 years, the foundation has funded the mammography vans at the institute; the initial gift launched the Kathryn Krickstein Pressel MammoVan in honor of Pressel’s mother, who died of breast cancer 20 years ago at age 43. ‘Morgan has proven to be one of our most committed donors over the years, ‘ hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez said. ‘It is her dedication to the battle against breast cancer that underscores much of her giving and motivates her continued involvement.’ <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p></div>Philanthropy Notes: JARC Florida names five new board members, presidenthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-jarc-florida-names-five-new-board-members-pres2023-08-29T16:29:55.000Z2023-08-29T16:29:55.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>The Boca Raton-based nonprofit that provides programs and services to educate and empower those with developmental and intellectual disabilities has five fresh faces.</p>
<p>Joining the JARC Florida board of directors are Jay Eisenberg, Marvin Greenberg, Cliff Hark, David Pratt and Richard Steinberg. The organization also named Howard Halpern as president.</p>
<p>“Our new JARC Florida board members and president each have the extensive leadership experience that is immensely important to fueling our future,” JARC Florida CEO Jeffrey Zirulnick said. “As our community needs are growing, our organization's board expertise continues to increase to best serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-558-2550 or visit <a href="http://jarcfl.org">http://jarcfl.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Gulf Stream residents join board of Bethesda Council</span><br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213448482,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213448482,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="216" alt="12213448482?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>Caron Dockerty and Patrick Donovan have joined the board of Baptist Health Foundation’s Bethesda Hospital Council.</p>
<p>Both are Gulf Stream residents who have supported the foundation and the hospital since 2016.</p>
<p>“I first became involved with Bethesda Hospital through community events many years ago and have been a supporter since,” Dockerty said. “I look forward to making a difference for communities we serve.”</p>
<p>Added Donovan, “I love being a part of this community and now am even more excited to be a part of the Bethesda Hospital Council, which has a great philanthropic impact on delivering world-class care to Palm Beach County and beyond.”</p>
<p>Barbara James, the foundation’s vice president, said the two new forces will bring “great strengths” to the council.</p>
<p>“When we come together as one to actively serve our community, we unlock greater potential and increase philanthropic opportunities,” James said.</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-737-7733, ext. 84445 or visit <a href="https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-foundation">https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-foundation</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Community Foundation awards scholarships</span><br /> A total of 116 grants have been given to local college-bound students by a nonprofit that creates partnerships with donors in the community to solve civic and social issues. The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ scholarship committee said the average award for each grant was $10,000.</p>
<p>“This year’s scholarship committee had the great opportunity to review a plethora of scholarship applications from many deserving and impressive students in our community,” outgoing Chairwoman Lisa Morgan said. “We are pleased to report that one-third of the scholarship recipients will be the first generation in their families to attend college, and 88% graduated with a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.”</p>
<p>Since 1985, the foundation has offered both need- and merit-based scholarships with an aim to improve access to higher education.</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-659-6800 or visit <a href="https://yourcommunityfoundation.org/about-scholarships">https://yourcommunityfoundation.org/about-scholarships</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12213448878,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12213448878,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12213448878?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Marta and James Batmasian have given a $1 million gift toward the renovation of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">‘Keeping the Promise’ receives $1 million gift</span><br /> James and Marta Batmasian will have an iconic sculpture named in their honor for their generous donation to the Keeping the Promise campaign for the renovation of Boca Raton Regional Hospital.</p>
<p>The piece will be located in the new Hagerty Courtyard and will be titled Drift.</p>
<p>“James and Marta moved to Boca Raton 40 years ago, and we are eternally grateful they made that choice,” hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “We know of their outstanding generosity to so many causes and feel honored and privileged they selected Boca Raton Regional Hospital to be among them.”</p>
<p>Added James Batmasian, “We have said that we pledge to give much of our wealth to community-enrichment causes so that together we can share in leaving the world a better place than when we entered it. This hospital is a great example of an organization enriching a community.”</p>
<p>Keeping the Promise continues to soar thanks to the Batmasians’ pledge, even with the $250 million goal reached.</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit <a href="https://donate.brrh.com">https://donate.brrh.com</a>.</p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p>
<p> </p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Junior League of Boca Raton names new board membershttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-junior-league-of-boca-raton-names-new-board-me2023-06-27T16:14:18.000Z2023-06-27T16:14:18.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12127401669,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12127401669,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12127401669?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>S<em>ome of the new board members of the Junior League of Boca Raton are (l-r): Brooke Kaplan, Nicole Stelzer, Victoria Matthews, Meghan Shea, Paige Gantt, Alana St. John, Amanda O'Brien, Michelle Coggiola and Rhian Warner. <strong>Photos provided</strong></em></p>
<p>A fresh leadership team was introduced at the Junior League of Boca Raton’s annual dinner meeting for the 2023-24 season.</p>
<p>Meghan Shea is president. Shea was preceded by Jamie Sauer, who served in the role for two years.</p>
<p>The 2023-24 board also includes: Michelle Coggiola, Paige Gantt, Brooke Kaplan, Victoria Matthews, Christine Mills, Alexis Nasti, Amanda O’Brien, Chase Papoy, Amy Procacci, Alana St. John, Nicole Stelzer and Rhian Warner.</p>
<p>Throughout the year, they and other league members will contribute more than 35,000 volunteer hours and provide more than $250,000 to support the mission of developing the potential of women and improving the South Florida community.</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-620-2553 or visit <a href="http://www.jlbr.org">www.jlbr.org</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12127401863,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12127401863,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12127401863?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Richard Kwal and Dr. Gail Rubin-Kwal.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Boca Regional campaign receives milestone gift</span><br />Dr. Gail Rubin-Kwal and Richard Kwal have made a seven-figure pledge that will be acknowledged by the naming of the fountain outside Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Toby and Leon Cooperman Medical Arts Pavilion.</p>
<p>The “Keeping the Promise” campaign for Boca Regional continues to surge past its $250 million goal thanks to the couple and the ongoing generosity of the community.</p>
<p>“We cannot overstate our gratitude to the Kwals for this gift to our capital campaign,” CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “An incredibly generous gift like this will make a big difference for our hospital, and having it come from someone on our medical staff is profound.”</p>
<p>Dr. Rubin-Kwal is a member of the emergency medical team, where she has served for more than three decades.</p>
<p>“Our relationship with the hospital is strong and indelible,” she said. “We’re part of a great history here, and we are inspired by the hospital’s future.”</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit donate.brrh.com.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Spady Cultural Heritage Museum awarded grants</span><br />A speaker discussing disparities in health care, a tour guide answering questions about ancestral contributions, a gathering of neighbors in a community space and an interactive outlet for children to create art — each is a program that helps residents connect. Moreover, each is a program that organizers believe contributes to improved mental health.</p>
<p>Provided by the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, the programs recently received funding for their continuation.</p>
<p>“The museum is thrilled and heartened by the tangible support it is receiving from two significant foundations that are focused on the needs of its community,” said Charlene</p>
<p>Farrington, executive director of the museum.</p>
<p>The two foundations are the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, which awarded a $50,000 grant, and the Palm Health Foundation, which awarded a $25,000 grant.</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-279-8883 or visit <a href="http://www.spadymuseum.com">www.spadymuseum.com</a>.</p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Boca Regional reaches $250 million campaign goalhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-boca-regional-reaches-250-million-campaign-goa2023-05-30T15:54:46.000Z2023-05-30T15:54:46.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11172830072,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11172830072,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="623" alt="11172830072?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>Donations of $1 million each from three couples — (l-r) Hilary and Matthew Rosenthal, Debra and Michael Coslov, and Toni and Martin Sosnoff — have helped the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation meet its fundraising goal for the hospital’s expansion and renovation. <strong>Photos provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
<p>Keeping the Promise — the Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital has reached its goal of $250 million thanks in part to a trio of $1 million donations in recent weeks.</p>
<p>The donors are Matthew and Hilary Rosenthal, Michael and Debra Coslov, and Martin and Toni Sosnoff.</p>
<p>The largest fundraising initiative in the hospital foundation’s history is supporting Boca Regional’s most ambitious period of growth and expansion.</p>
<p>Although the campaign has hit its goal, the foundation continues to seek pledges from the community to meet the needs of a growing patient population.</p>
<p>• The Rosenthals’ donation will help create the new Matthew and Hilary Rosenthal Epilepsy Unit at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute. Hilary Rosenthal was diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager. </p>
<p>“Boca Raton Regional Hospital is incredibly grateful for the remarkable support from the Rosenthals,” CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “As now full-time, year-round residents of Boca Raton, Matthew and Hilary are stellar examples of the committed and generous community members we are so fortunate to be surrounded by in our community.”</p>
<p>Hilary Rosenthal’s great- great-uncle Arthur Vining Davis gifted both the land and the money needed to build Baptist Hospital of Miami. When Davis made the gift, he requested that a pineapple fountain greet guests at the front door — a meaningful symbol that remains an important part of Baptist Health and Boca Raton Regional Hospital.</p>
<p>• The Coslovs’ gift will be acknowledged with the couple’s name on the third-floor reception area in the Cooperman Medical Arts Pavilion.</p>
<p>“We are enormously grateful to Michael and Debra for this spectacular gesture of generosity,” Mendez said. “They have become family, and we are always moved by that sort of commitment, participation and embrace of our approach and vision.”</p>
<p>• The Sosnoffs’ $1 million pledge will support the Integrated Behavioral Health Program at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute.</p>
<p>“All of the extraordinary gifts have a significant impact on the future of health care here in Boca Raton and the surrounding area, and this one is certainly no different,” Mendez said. </p>
<p>“The Sosnoffs are interested in supporting our behavioral health services, a growing need and demand in our market and nationally.”<br />For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit donate.brrh.com.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Junior League initiative shines light on poverty</span></p>
<p>The Junior League of Boca Raton successfully completed its fourth annual Little Black Dress Initiative.</p>
<p>The campaign, which raises funds to help underserved women and children, involves Junior League members wearing the same black dress or outfit for five consecutive days to illustrate one of the restrictions of poverty.</p>
<p>“By wearing the same black dress or outfit, members experienced the somber situation and struggles that many members of our community face on a daily basis,” the Junior League said in a news release. “Choosing to wear only one black dress or outfit for five consecutive days allowed participants to reflect on the impact of poverty and the lack of choice people who live in poverty experience on a daily basis.”</p>
<p>For more information, call 561-620-2553 or visit <a href="http://www.jlbr.org">www.jlbr.org</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11172850075,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11172850075,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="498" alt="11172850075?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Among the helpers who packed pantry bags with food in the Boca Raton Airport Authority initiative were Craig Nyarumbu (kneeling) with (l-r) Chester Brown, John Gerety, Linda Hernandez, Ron Andring, Joe Sylvester, Brad Stafford, Jenny Mazzurco and Jonathan Euvin. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Food collected for local families in need</span></p>
<p>The Boca Raton Airport Authority celebrated National Volunteer Month in April by organizing its third annual food drive to support Boca Helping Hands.</p>
<p>The 15-day event resulted in the collection of about 820 pounds of food for local families in need. The food drive culminated with a meal-packing effort where more than 150 pantry bags were filled and distributed to clients the following day.</p>
<p>“It is always a great honor to volunteer with Boca Helping Hands,” Boca Raton Airport Authority Executive Director Clara Bennett said. “They are a staple for our community, helping more than 27,000 people annually.”</p>
<p><em>For more information, call 561-417-0913 or visit <a href="http://www.bocahelpinghands.org">www.bocahelpinghands.org</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>Health & Harmony: Meditation is key to healing, spiritual mentor tells Boca audiencehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-harmony-meditation-is-key-to-healing-spiritual-mentor-tell2023-05-30T14:05:19.000Z2023-05-30T14:05:19.000ZPippihttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/Pippi<div><p><strong>By Jan Engoren</strong></p>
<p>Last month, the Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life wellness series at Boca Raton Regional Hospital hosted James Finley, an author, clinical psychologist and Christian mystic, to speak about “Exploring the Spiritual Foundations of Healing.”<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11171005493,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11171005493,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11171005493?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="104" /></a></p>
<p>Finley, 80, draws on a life’s worth of experience dating to his own childhood trauma followed by six years in a Trappist monastery that he says changed his life.</p>
<p>Barb Schmidt and Michelle Maros founded the nonprofit Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life in 2011, with the mission to bring mindfulness teachings to the community at large.</p>
<p>Schmidt has been bringing Finley to speak in South Florida for the past decade.</p>
<p>“As a spiritual mentor, James Finley has had a profound impact on my life,” she says. “His work integrates spirituality and psychotherapy while exploring ways we can recover from trauma. I believe his radically honest teachings and stories offer unique insights into how we can heal emotional wounds.”</p>
<p>Finley’s work focuses on the healing effects of learning to live a more contemplative way of life in which, he says, “we learn from God how to deepen our experience of and response to God’s presence in our lives.”</p>
<p>One of Finley’s main ideas is that humans suffer from “depth deprivation,” or the inability to go deep within themselves. His advice?</p>
<p>“Find a quiet hour at day’s end for a long, slow walk, meditate, pray, read a poem or a good-night story to a child,” Finley says by phone from his home in Santa Monica, California.</p>
<p>“Be intimate and vulnerable with a partner, be attentive to a dying parent, listen to a friend who is hurting, or watch the sun go down.”<br /> “These are all places of groundedness,” Finley says.</p>
<p>He paraphrases renowned Christian theologian Thomas Merton, who became a mentor to Finley: “If we wait for the world to politely step aside for us, it won’t happen. We have to carve out a quiet time with no agenda to see what our heart longs for.”</p>
<p>Now retired from private practice as a psychologist, Finley taught clients how to slow down and drop down into that deep place inside, to breathe and sit for a time. </p>
<p>His own meditation practice includes writing in long-hand six hours a day — it took him three years of that to complete his latest book, a memoir called <em>The Healing Path</em> — and walking back and forth in his living room where he has a view of the ocean.</p>
<p>He is comforted knowing that the ashes of his wife, Maureen, who died three years ago at age 76 from Alzheimer’s, rest next to his writing chair. She was also a psychologist. </p>
<p>“Love is eternal,” he says. “I still love her, and she still loves me.”<br /> Finley grew up with an alcoholic and abusive father. The day he graduated from high school, he boarded a Greyhound bus and headed from his home in Akron, Ohio, to the</p>
<p>Trappist Monastery of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. There, he met Merton and spent six years in silent contemplation.</p>
<p>“Merton guided me to a deep place that changed my life,” Finley says.</p>
<p>The oldest of six kids, he later earned degrees from the University of Akron, St. John of Cleveland and the Fuller Theological Seminary, where he received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology. </p>
<p>Although the monastery was Christian-focused, Finley says he studied the dharma, or the teachings of Buddha; learned from Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh and Jewish theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel, both of whom visited the monastery; and from Hindu yogis and Sufi mystics.</p>
<p>“Each tradition has their own language and way of finding their way to the universal potential to awaken the divine within,” says Finley.</p>
<p>While leading silent contemplative retreats, Finley came to see how the world of suffering exists alongside the presence of God and how they touch each other. He talks about the paradox of “the love of God that protects us from nothing, even as it sustains us in all things.”</p>
<p>These days, Finley says he feels “old, sad, lonely, fragile, amazed and grateful.”</p>
<p>His best advice for living a meaningful life?</p>
<p>Learn to be true to yourself, he says. Accept your limitations.</p>
<p>“Each person is a unique addition of the universal story of being a human being,” Finley says.<br /> “The details of the story are never the same,” he says, “but the underlying themes are the same — we are all part of the human story.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>To learn more</strong></span></p>
<p><em>The Healing Path</em> and Finley’s other books are available on Amazon. They include <em>Merton’s Palace of Nowhere</em>; <em>The Contemplative Heart</em>, and <em>Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God</em>.</p>
<p>More information about Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life is available at peacefulmindpeacefullife.org.</p>
<p><em>Jan Engoren writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to jengoren@hotmail.com.</em></p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Wayside House lands $1 million federal granthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-wayside-house-lands-1-million-federal-grant2023-02-28T22:13:47.000Z2023-02-28T22:13:47.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, recently visited Delray Beach’s Wayside House — a women’s addiction treatment center serving the public since 1974 — and announced $1 million in new federal funding for the facility.<br /> The money will go toward building additions and improvements to accommodate more clients.<br /> “We are so grateful and proud to be recognized at the federal level for the critical role Wayside House plays in the war against addiction,” CEO Lisa McWhorter said. “We are indebted to Rep. Frankel for bringing our work to the attention of Congress.”<br /> The investment is one of 15 local nonprofit projects Frankel submitted through a program that allows members of Congress to secure proceeds for specific initiatives in their regions.<br /> “These funds will go a long way in helping Wayside House continue helping women rebuild their lives,” McWhorter said.<br />For more information, call 561-278-0055 or visit <a href="http://www.waysidehouse.net">www.waysidehouse.net</a>.</p>
<p><br /><span style="font-size:14pt;">‘Keeping the Promise’passes $240 million</span><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10977989893,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10977989893,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="215" alt="10977989893?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>Steve and Marla Garchik have donated $1 million to “Keeping the Promise — The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.”<br /> The gift brought the total amount of funds raised to more than $240 million. The goal is $250 million.<br /> “From the moment we walked through the doors, we believed you can truly feel this is a community-driven hospital,” Marla Garchik said. “The staff and facilities are a step above.”<br /> The Garchiks, who moved to the area 11 years ago, have made multiple visits to the hospital for their parents’ care.<br /> “Honestly, we feel so lucky to have found this special place of care for our family members,” she said. “We’re grateful to the extraordinary nurses, doctors, the foundation and the community outreach of the hospital. Therefore, our promise is to do everything in our power to support this special place.”<br /> For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit donate.brrh.com.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Achievement Centers appoints new CEO</span> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10977990259,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10977990259,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="101" alt="10977990259?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>The Achievement Centers for Children & Families, of service to the Delray Beach and South County communities since 1969, has appointed Adamma DuCille as its CEO.<br />Former CEO Stephanie Seibel has moved on to a new role as CEO of the organization’s foundation. <br /> “Adamma and I will work collaboratively to develop and expand our programs,” Seibel said of DuCille, who joins the agency from the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, where she was the director of equity and organizational development.<br /> “Through my new role, I will continue to lead the organization by spearheading long-term funding objectives, impact efforts and growth initiatives,” Seibel said.<br /> For more information call 561-276-4561 or visit <a href="http://www.achievementcentersfl.org">www.achievementcentersfl.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Jewish collective helps women juggle work, home</span><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10977989878,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10977989878,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="216" alt="10977989878?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has relaunched the Professional Jewish Women’s Collective, a networking initiative dedicated to bringing together women of all ages and backgrounds to nurture each other’s careers.<br /> The PJWC, on hold during the pandemic, provides personal connections, interactive programming and peer support to address the issues that come with balancing work and home. It plans to meet next on May 3.<br /> “The PJWC was born from a shared space where a woman in business, with her own energy, can express her thoughts and ideas openly with a community of women that lift her up to become the best of herself personally and professionally,” PJWC co-chairwoman Jill Poser-Kammet said. “The experience is exhilarating.”<br /> Co-chairwoman Lisa Friedman Clark said, “After moving to Boca in 2020, it became immediately apparent to me that I didn’t have a local network of professional ‘fristers,’ or friends who are sisters. <br /> “Couple that with all the nuances and challenges of starting my third career, a brand-new family business, and you can understand why I jumped at the chance to chair PJWC.” For more information, call 561-852-3128 or visit jewishboca.org/professional-jewish-womens-collective-pjwc.</p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net</em></p></div>Health Notes: Bethesda hospitals in Boynton get new chief executivehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-bethesda-hospitals-in-boynton-get-new-chief-executiv2023-02-28T20:48:55.000Z2023-02-28T20:48:55.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>Jared Smith</strong> was named CEO of <strong>Bethesda Hospital East</strong> and <strong>Bethesda Hospital West</strong> in Boynton Beach, effective late last month.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10977956883,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10977956883,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="100" alt="10977956883?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>“For the past 25 years, Jared’s career has been focused on the South Florida health care market, including eight years in the Palm Beach market, and he has had great success in elevating the standard of care and leading engaged and high-performing teams like ours,” said Lincoln Mendez, north region executive for <strong>Baptist Health</strong> and CEO of <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</strong>. “He understands the unique needs of our community and is committed to delivering exceptional care and service.” <br /> Previously, Smith served as regional CEO at Broward Health Coral Springs.<br /> Smith is active in the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association, where he serves as executive board chairman; South Florida Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee; and Coral Springs Economic Development Advisory Committee. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in taxation from the University of Miami.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong>Damon Barrett</strong> is the new chief operating officer for <strong>HCA Florida JFK Hospital</strong> in Atlantis.<br /> Barrett served in that capacity for HCA Florida Palms West Hospital for the past two years. Before that, he served as vice president of operations at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital. Barrett joined HCA Healthcare in 2014 at Mercy Hospital as director of rehabilitation services. <br /> He began his health care career as a physical therapist. Barrett holds a bachelor of science degree from San Diego State University, an MBA from Chadron State College, and a doctorate in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. </p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong>Dr. Kirby C. Janke</strong> has joined <strong>Delray Care Physical Therapy</strong>, 2645 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach. He moved to South Florida three years ago after closing his practice, Skaneateles Spine and Sport, Inc., in Skaneateles, New York. <br /> His focus is in orthopedic, neurological, and sports medicine treatment and rehabilitation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from East Carolina University; a doctorate of chiropractic from Palmer-West Chiropractic College; a doctorate in physical therapy from Boston University; and a doctorate in orthopedics and sports science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong>Dr. Steven Hacker</strong>, a surgeon with <strong>Hacker Dermatology</strong>, Delray Beach, and founder of <strong>Nano Surgical LLC</strong>, has patented a reusable scalpel. Called Lumohs, it provides shadowless illumination of the surgical site and can be used for outpatient skin-cancer surgeries and most other routine procedures. <br /> “The scalpel handle has not significantly changed since it was first introduced 100 years ago,” Hacker said. “This is a simple, yet highly effective solution that already is delivering safer, more efficient surgical procedures.” <br />Hacker, who has performed more than 50,000 skin cancer surgeries in 30 years of practice, said he realized the only way to better illuminate the surgical site was from inside the scalpel blade holder. <br /> “Using Lumohs’ reusable battery cartridge, Lumohs eliminates shadows and blind spots that can obscure tiny, critical nerves and blood vessels that can be accidentally severed during surgery,” he said. “The result is improved surgical efficiency for Mohs, plastic surgery and other routine, office-based procedures.” <br />The scalpel costs $200.<br /> Hacker Dermatology is at 230 George Bush Blvd., Suite B.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong>Delray Medical Center</strong>’s new cardiac concierge program aims to save lives by quickly identifying and treating patients experiencing chest pain and other heart symptoms. When a patient arrives at the emergency room, he or she will be met by a dedicated cardiac liaison. <br /> Then, an experienced cardiac care team will implement a specialized plan to speed the patient’s diagnosis and treatment and will remain by the patient’s side throughout the hospital stay. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/cardiovascular/cardiac-concierge-program.&nbsp">www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/cardiovascular/cardiac-concierge-program.&nbsp</a>;</p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Boca couple donates $5 million to improve FAU athletic facilitieshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-boca-couple-donates-5-million-to-improve-fau-a2023-01-31T18:00:06.000Z2023-01-31T18:00:06.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>Florida Atlantic University athletics has received a $5 million gift from Michael and Michelle Hagerty of Boca Raton that will result in a series of improvements, renovations and upgrades.<br />The Hagerty Family Athletics Village will be designated by signs and other means of recognition of the couple’s generosity.<br />“We cannot thank Michelle and Michael enough for this incredible gift,” said Brian White, FAU vice president and director of athletics. “We have nearly 450 student athletes at Florida Atlantic, and every one of them will reap the benefits of this gift. This gift will truly be transformational for many of our facilities and sports programs.”<br /> The Hagerty Family Athletics Village includes:<br /> • The Hagerty Family Track and Field Complex<br /> • The Tom Oxley Athletic Center<br /> • Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena<br /> • Kimberly V. Strauss Tennis Center<br />Still available for naming rights in the village are the swimming facility, softball, soccer and baseball stadiums and the beach volleyball complex.<br /> For more information about donating to FAU athletics, call 561-297-2683 or visit <a href="https://fauf.fau.edu/paradise-club">https://fauf.fau.edu/paradise-club</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Gift to aid support services at Lynn Cancer Institute</span><br />Arline and John McNally’s seven-figure donation to Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Lynn Cancer Institute will help with the organization of support programs and ensure that they continue to thrive. The gift creates the McNally Family Foundation Center for Patient Support Services.<br />“Boca Raton Regional Hospital considers itself extremely fortunate to have philanthropists like Arline and John,” said CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “Their giving is steadfast and focused on the true well-being of our patients. Arline and John’s personal involvement at Boca Regional and other select organizations is testimony of paying it forward.”<br />For more information on the institute, call 561-955-5966 or visit <a href="https://baptisthealth.net/locations/coe-hubs/lynn-cancer-institute---boca-raton">https://baptisthealth.net/locations/coe-hubs/lynn-cancer-institute---boca-raton</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Boca West Children’s Foundation gets grant</span><br />The Boca West Children’s Foundation has been awarded $5,000 as recipient of one of the American Fundraising Foundation’s Golden Pear grants.<br />The announcement described a record-breaking $250,000 distribution of funds and an additional $100,000 of in-kind donations.<br /> The Boca West Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit that funds projects in Palm Beach County to help at-risk children and their families.<br /> “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Golden Pear grant,” Executive Director Pam Weinroth said. “This will enable us to help even more children in need in Palm Beach County.”<br /> For more information, call 561-488-6980 or visit <a href="http://www.bocawestfoundation.org">www.bocawestfoundation.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Company gives makeover to Achievement Centers</span></p>
<p>Achievement Centers for Children & Families in Delray Beach has a newer look thanks to more than 100 employees of Gables Residential who took part in the company’s Day of Service there.<br /> Projects included a book drive, a food drive, reorganizing the library, installing blinds in all classrooms, cleaning the gymnasium, providing new furniture for the staff lounge, painting, building a bench for the playground and landscaping.<br />“ACCF benefits greatly from its many community partnerships and is so grateful for Gables’ support and generosity,” Chief Development Officer Jessica Hall said.<br /> Gables Residential is a real estate developer and manager.<br /> For more information on ACCF, call 561-266-0003 or visit <a href="http://www.achievementcentersfl.org">www.achievementcentersfl.org</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>--Amy Woods</em></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net</em></p></div>Boca Raton: Hospital finds fortune in challenging climb to $250 millionhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/boca-raton-hospital-finds-fortune-in-challenging-climb-to-250-mil2022-11-30T16:49:24.000Z2022-11-30T16:49:24.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><strong>By Larry Keller</strong></p>
<p>The marathon campaign by the fundraising arm of Boca Raton Regional Hospital to raise $250 million for a massive expansion and renovation project is in the homestretch.<br /> The hospital’s foundation raised $240 million as of late November, said its president, Mark Larkin. By the fourth anniversary in January of what is called the Keeping the Promise Campaign, he hopes to have reached the finish line.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10895675676,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10895675676,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10895675676?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="99" /></a>The revamping of the hospital ultimately will cost about $1 billion. The most dramatic change will be construction of a nine-story patient tower — begun earlier this year — with entirely private patient rooms, surgical suites and retail and dining on the ground floor. The main entrance lobby will feature a two-story atrium and connect two tower concourses to elevators, reception and other areas.<br /> The existing patient tower will be renovated “to the same standard as the new building,” Larkin says, and all of its rooms will become private. Combined with the new tower, the hospital will have 455 entirely private rooms.<br /> Another addition will be a freestanding “medical arts pavilion” — an outpatient surgery center that will house orthopedic and other specialty clinics.<br /> Plans also call for expanding the Marcus Neuroscience Institute to include additional examination rooms, intensive care units and minor procedure suites.<br /> And there will be a new cardiovascular outpatient clinic along with intensive care and step-down units in the new patient tower that provide intermediate care between an ICU and a surgical ward.<br /> All of this means more traffic, so a 972-car garage with direct access to the hospital has been built. The entire project is slated to be completed by 2027. “It will be transformative,” Larkin says.<br /> “We’ve opened up new areas of medicine that we’ve never had in Boca before. It’s going to be extremely successful,” adds Stanley Barry, chairman of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation’s board of trustees, who contributed $10 million to the campaign.<br /> It will look far different from the not-for-profit Boca Raton Community Hospital that opened in July 1967. It was a four-story facility with 394 beds. It later changed its name to Boca Raton Regional Hospital.<br /> “The facility was getting tired,” says Barry, who formed a three-person committee with Christine Lynn and Dick Schmidt to explore a capital campaign for the hospital’s growth. “The community was growing by leaps and bounds. If we stayed in the position we were in, we really couldn’t take the next step forward.” <br /> When the Keeping the Promise campaign was announced in January 2019, the goal was to raise $180 million. It was subsequently bumped to $250 million.<br /> “I’m so pleased with the way the community responded,” Barry says.<br /> Six months after the campaign began, the hospital merged with Baptist Health South Florida. Before the merger, the hospital didn’t have a large enough reserve or the ability to borrow the kind of money needed to undertake large-scale improvements and expansion, Larkin says. But Baptist Health invested about $660 million toward doing so.<br /> “They ended up being great partners,” Barry says. “It’s a totally new operation from what it’s been in the past.” <br /> With a new, more ambitious fundraising goal, the foundation held its annual ball — by far the largest generator of gross revenue among its three signature events — in February 2020 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Rod Stewart entertained.<br /> Two-and-a-half weeks later, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and the foundation’s face-to-face meetings with prospective donors abruptly ended.<br /> “It wasn’t the same as being across the table from them or walking them around the site or any of those good things we normally do,” Larkin says. But foundation staff relied on phone calls and mastered Zoom technology. “People responded well,” he adds.<br /> The annual ball was canceled in 2021 because of COVID, but convenience store magnate Bob Sheetz and his wife, Debbie Lindstrom, said they would match all donations up to $1 million in lieu of the ball.<br /> “We far exceeded that and raised $4.1 million,” including the $1 million match, Larkin says.<br /> The amount exceeded the $3.7 million in gross revenue the annual ball typically raises, Larkin says, while keeping ball expenses — which usually are around $1.9 million — to only about $65,000 for the direct mail campaign and follow-up. And while the pandemic presented the biggest difficulty to the capital campaign, it also spurred an appreciation for why it was important.<br /> Donors “had a new appreciation for a really strong hospital when you’re dealing with something like COVID,” Larkin says.<br /> The foundation also benefited from Boca Raton’s affluence. The city’s median household income in 2020 dollars was $84,445, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, compared to $67,521 nationwide, and 57% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, versus 38% of the country as a whole.<br /> With COVID restrictions easing, the foundation resumed its annual ball last January, with Sting as the featured performer. The next ball is on Jan. 21 at The Boca Raton, and Lionel Richie is the headliner. Larkin is hopeful he’ll be able to announce at that time that the $250 million target has been reached.<br /> In all, there have been more than 1,100 donors to the campaign, Larkin says, and many more contributors to the foundation generally. <br /> To date, 46 donors have contributed $1 million or more to the Keeping the Promise campaign, Larkin says. That includes eight donations of $10 million or more, with two gifts of $25 million. Those were from longtime hospital benefactor and Johnson & Johnson heir Elaine Wold, and billionaire investor and hedge fund manager Leon Cooperman and his wife, Toby.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10895677277,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10895677277,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10895677277?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="216" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10895677673,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10895677673,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10895677673?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="106" /></a>The new hospital tower will be named for Wold’s friend Gloria Drummond. Two of Drummond’s children, ages 9 and 3, were fatally poisoned by an 11-year-old neighbor in 1962 when the nearest hospital was 15 miles away.<br /> That spurred a campaign to build a hospital in Boca Raton. It came to fruition five years later, and Drummond was active with the hospital until her death in 2011.<br /> Wold “wanted to recognize her good friend.” Larkin says. “Out of tragedy was born something that is really an incredible community asset now.” </p></div>Health Notes: Heart Walk collects more than $900,000 for researchhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-heart-walk-collects-more-than-900-000-for-research2022-11-29T21:38:18.000Z2022-11-29T21:38:18.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10894830659,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10894830659,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10894830659?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>Preparing to start the Heart Walk are (l-r) Brian Maciak, Lanelle Meidan, Patti Patrick, Troy Rice, Ava Parker, Darcy Davis, Gina Melby, Michele Jacobs and Hilda Gonzalez. <strong>Photo provided by Daniel Decius</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>The Palm Beach County Heart Walk last month at the Meyer Amphitheatre — which attracted more than 4,500 participants, including heart disease survivors and stroke survivors — raised more than $900,000 for research for the American Heart Association. <br /> Michele Jacobs, from the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, was the top fundraising individual, and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County was the top fundraising company, said Heart Walk chair Gina Melby, the CEO of HCA Florida JFK Hospital. <br /> Melby also announced the 2023 Heart Walk chair, Brian Maciak, president and chief operating officer of Big O Tires, and executive vice president and general counsel of TBC Corp.<br /> Donations are still accepted at <a href="">www.PalmBeachHeartWalk.org through</a> Dec. 31.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10894831452,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10894831452,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10894831452?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>The prototype prosthetic hand being developed at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.<strong> Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p>People with prosthetic hands may find it difficult to perform tasks like using a screwdriver or can opener. That’s because prosthetic hands have five individually actuated digits, but only one grasp function can be controlled at a time. <br /> Aiming to empower amputees to fully control the dexterity of their artificial hands, researchers at <strong>Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science</strong> have received a four-year, $1.2 million grant from the <strong>National Science Foundation</strong>. <br /> In the prototype they are developing, individual fingers can be controlled to accomplish more complicated tasks like the motion needed to turn a screwdriver. The technology includes a special skin sensor — an analytical device that measures biological or chemical reactions by generating signals — that can be trained by algorithms to sense the signals to control the hand.<br />Clinicians will interact with 10 study participants over the course of one year for muscle training via smartphone.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong>Randy D. Blakely</strong>, Ph.D., <strong>Florida Atlantic University’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute</strong> executive director, received $5,000 from the <strong>Society for Neuroscience</strong> in a 2022 <strong>Science Educator Award</strong> at the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego. An internationally renowned neuroscientist and leading expert in brain neurochemistry, pharmacology and molecular neuroscience, Blakely came to FAU in 2016 as the founding executive director for the university’s Neuroscience Research Institute. <br /> Blakely is credited with launching the institute’s Ascend program (Advancing STEM: Community Engagement Through Neuroscience Discovery). Ascend at FAU addresses the shortage of middle and high school students studying science, technology, engineering and math in Palm Beach County.<br /> Blakely is also credited for developing “Brainy Days,” FAU’s celebration of the neuroscience initiative, which supplements the recognition of national Brain Awareness Week during March.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><strong>Lincoln Mendez</strong> has been appointed to the newly created role of north region executive of Baptist Health South Florida to go with his job as <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</strong> CEO. He will be responsible for driving Boca Regional and Bethesda hospitals’ growth across Palm Beach County, with a focus on expanding access to orthopedics, cardiac and vascular, cancer and neuroscience services. <br />Additionally, a search is underway for a new CEO for Baptist Health’s <strong>Bethesda Hospitals</strong>, who will succeed <strong>Nelson Lazo</strong> upon his retirement.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">Healthgrades placed <strong>Delray Medical Center</strong> within the top 10% of hospitals nationally, giving it a “Stroke Care Excellence Award” for the 14th year in a row. <br /> “Consumers can feel confident that recipients of the 2023 award have demonstrated their ability to deliver consistently exceptional outcomes,” said <strong>Dr. Brad Bowman</strong>, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. <br /> Delray Medical Center also achieved five-star ratings for its treatments of heart failure, cranial neurosurgery, upper gastrointestinal surgeries, colorectal surgeries, sepsis and respiratory failure.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Caron Treatment Centers</strong> is expanding its services for substance-use-disorder treatment and recovery in Florida with a new medical facility and additional programming. <br /> <strong>Caron Florida</strong>, which offers the programs at Caron Renaissance in Boca Raton and Ocean Drive in Delray Beach, recently added a stand-alone mental health program.<br /> In early 2023, Caron Florida will add detox services and an older adult program when it opens its new 10,000-square-foot medical facility, the <strong>Keele Medical Center</strong>, at 4575 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach. <br />The center is slated to open to patients in mid-January. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.caron.org">www.caron.org</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10894829870,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10894829870,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10894829870?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>From left, Carrie Browne, Dr. Christine Koehn and Lauren Zuchman at the Palm Health Foundation panel discussion. <strong>Photo provided by Coastal Click Photography</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:left;">The <strong>Palm Health Foundation</strong> hosted a “Celebrating Human Flourishing Through the NeuroArts” panel discussion in October at the <strong>Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience</strong>, in Jupiter. <br /> Speakers focused on the scientific study of neuro-arts, showing how artistic experiences lead to improved physical and mental health, disease prevention and enhanced brain development in children.<br />The discussion was moderated by Palm Health Foundation’s director of stewardship and strategic partnerships, <strong>Carrie Browne</strong>. <br />Panelists included: <strong>Nicole Baganz</strong>, Ph.D., director of community engagement and programming, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute; <strong>Cindy Surman</strong>, program director of BBT4PD (dance for those living with Parkinson’s) at Boca Ballet Theatre; <strong>McLean Bolton</strong>, Ph.D., research group leader, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience; and <strong>Kenya Madison</strong>, Ed.S., senior director for Healthier Delray Beach, a Palm Health Foundation Healthier Together initiative. </p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Cereal donations at FAU game to provide thousands of breakfasts for childrenhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-cereal-donations-at-fau-game-to-provide-thousa2022-11-01T18:07:43.000Z2022-11-01T18:07:43.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10860277083,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10860277083,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10860277083?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Boca hospital donors Debbie Lindstrom and Bob Sheetz. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p>Boca Helping Hands, in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University and Cereal4All, commemorated September’s Hunger Action Month by having a Tackle Hunger Cereal Drive during an Owls football game.<br /> Participants donated 373 boxes of cereal, equating to 3,720 bowls and 394 pounds of food. People who donated one or more unopened cereal boxes got into the game for free, with all donations going to Boca Helping Hands.<br /> “We were so pleased that so many people came out from the community to donate cereal,” said Greg Hazle, executive director of Boca Helping Hands. “Cereal is one of the least-donated items to food banks across the country, which means underserved kids and families do not always get to start their day with a nutritious breakfast.”<br /> Cereal4All was started by twin brothers Jett and Luke Justin, of Boca Raton, now 14 years old.<br /> After volunteering at Boca Helping Hands, Jett and Luke organized a cereal drive at their school when they were 8 years old. The boys since have expanded the program to more than 15 schools in the area.<br /> For more information, call 561-417-0913 or visit <a href="http://www.bocahelpinghands.org/tacklehunger">www.bocahelpinghands.org/tacklehunger</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Boca Regional campaign closes in on $240 million</span><br /> Bob Sheetz and Debbie Lindstrom have made another joint gift to Keeping the Promise — The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.<br /> Sheetz’s and Lindstrom’s generosity coincides with the $250 million campaign’s final stages and allows them to join an elite group of donors called the Golden Guild. The donation, amount undisclosed, brought the campaign total to more than $237 million.<br /> “The expansion and modernization of the Boca Regional campus is extremely important to the future of health care in this community,” hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “However, this vital initiative would not be possible without the philanthropic support of members of the community like Bob Sheetz and Debbie Lindstrom.”<br /> Sheetz and Lindstrom are longtime supporters of the hospital and were inspired by the campus transformation. The reception area in the patient tower and new food hall will be named in their honor.<br /> “Our goal is what everyone’s goal should be: to ensure that all of us — including our family members, friends and community residents — have access to the best medical attention available,” Lindstrom said.<br /> For more information, call the hospital foundation at 561-955-4142 or visit <a href="https://donate.brrh.com">https://donate.brrh.com</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Ferrara estate donates $2.5M to cancer institute</span><br /> The estate of Frances Ferrara has made a $2.5 million gift to Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute.<br /> The legacy will be used to support the needs of the institute as well as the programs at the Thomas E. Oxley Center for Cancer Survivorship & Wellness.<br />Ferrara was a strong supporter of the hospital and, after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2015, became a patient.<br /> “Fran was a fixture at our Go Pink luncheons and annual balls,” said Mark Larkin, president of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation. “Any time you would see her at one of our events, she always had a smile on her face. Her positivity was absolutely contagious. She was a treasure to our donor family.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Nonprofits First awards give tip of hat to winners</span><br />Nonprofits First had its sixth annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards, a sold-out event celebrating Palm Beach County charities last month at the Kravis Center.<br />The crowd of 650 donned hats of all shapes and sizes, from cowboy to hard hats and from top hats to homemade.<br />The honorees for Nonprofit of the Year are the Arc of Palm Beach County, Friends of Foster Children, and Youth Empowered to Prosper.<br /> Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year is Lorraine Petrozza, of Community Partners of South Florida. Nonprofit MVP is Jackie Struller, of Restoration Bridge International. Nonprofit Professional of the Year is Trudy Crowetz, of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. Nonprofit Executive of the Year is Julia Dattolo, of CareerSource Palm Beach County.<br /> Other awards are: Lifetime Achievement, Diana Stanley, of the Lord’s Place; Community Collaborators Award, CROS Ministries, the Delray Beach Police Community Outreach Team and the Interfaith Committee for Social Services; Nonprofit Innovation Award, Morningday Community Solutions; Best Hat Award, Holy Ground homeless shelter; People’s Choice, Hanley Foundation,<br />Funds raised from the evening benefit Nonprofits First’s educational programs that focus on helping nonprofit employees and volunteers lead and succeed. <br />For more information, call 561-214-7435 or visit <a href="http://www.nonprofitsfirst">www.nonprofitsfirst</a>.</p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Boca Regional Hospital research to focus on treating brain bleedshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-boca-regional-hospital-research-to-focus-on-treating2022-09-27T15:18:42.000Z2022-09-27T15:18:42.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Baptist Health’s Boca Raton Regional Hospital announced a new National Institutes of Health research study to assess a potential treatment for brain bleeds and inflammation from ruptured aneurysms. <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10828879700,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10828879700,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="99" alt="10828879700?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>About 30,000 people in the United States suffer brain aneurysm ruptures each year. A brain aneurysm rupture, which is fatal in about 40% of cases in the United States, is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This type of stroke results in a hemorrhage in the area between the brain and the skull, and bleeding may also extend into the brain itself. <br /> Exploring these cases and identifying potential treatments to prevent further brain inflammation and bleeding are key topics of research being led by Khalid A. Hanafy, M.D. at Marcus Neuroscience Institute and professor of neurology at Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine. <br /> For more information, visit <a href="https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-news/nih-funded-research-targets-treatment-for-brain-bleeding-inflammation-from-ruptured-aneurysms/">https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-news/nih-funded-research-targets-treatment-for-brain-bleeding-inflammation-from-ruptured-aneurysms/</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Delray Medical Center’s</strong> new electrophysiology and cardiac suite conducts minimally invasive procedures using the Azurion image-guided therapy system to treat arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation. Benefits of these catheter-based procedures include shorter hospital stays, reduced recovery time without the pain of a large incision and less visible surgical scarring. <br /> <br /><strong>The FAU Division of Research</strong>’s “Research in Action” virtual talk series on Zoom, at 1 p.m. on select Thursdays through Dec. 1, will host experts as they discuss their latest research and take part in Q&A sessions. Events include “Can AI Detect Early-stage Brain Disorders?” on Oct. 20 and “Meet the Creative Mind of James Bond” on Oct. 27. For more information and the Zoom link, visit <a href="http://www.fau.edu/research/community/research-in-action/%C2%A0or">www.fau.edu/research/community/research-in-action/ or</a> email fau.research@fau.edu.</p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Obituary: Patricia ‘Patti’ Payne Carpenterhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/obituary-patricia-patti-payne-carpenter2022-08-31T15:21:27.000Z2022-08-31T15:21:27.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>BOCA RATON — Patricia “Patti” Payne Carpenter, an ever-present pillar of the Boca Raton community, died Aug. 8, surrounded by her family and friends. She was 74.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10800168694,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10800168694,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="104" alt="10800168694?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Mrs. Carpenter will be missed by those who worked alongside her on a variety of charitable missions, recalling her passionate drive, leadership, genuineness, compassion, kindness, generosity of self, signature style, hospitality and keen sense of humor.<br /> Born in New York City on Nov. 1, 1947, and raised in the Riverdale neighborhood, Patricia attended Marymount Schools, The Gerard School for Girls and The Sacred Heart of Mary Academy.<br /> She relocated to Boca Raton in 1970 and became a devout supporter of many community charitable organizations for five decades, early on serving on the board of Boca Helping Hands and hosting the first major fundraiser for Kids in New Directions. <br /> Mrs. Carpenter served on the regional advisory board for Deliver the Dream, a respite and retreat program serving families facing serious illness or crisis. She also served as chair for the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament and twice as chair of the Lynn University Ball. She supported the Junior League of Boca Raton, which recognized her as Woman Volunteer of the Year in 2001. <br /> Mrs. Carpenter served as president of the board of the Center for Family Services, South County, was chair of the 2005 Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball, and was involved in many events hosted by the Boca Raton Historical Society.<br /> Mrs. Carpenter graciously opened her home to host countless events for charities, including The Boca Raton Symphonia, The American Cancer Society, The Migrant Association of South Florida, Boca Helping Hands and the hospice building fund. <br /> She took the floor as a dancer for Boca’s Ballroom Battle supporting the George Snow Scholarship Fund and stepped up as a Habitat for Humanity “Woman Builder.”<br /> Most notable, Mrs. Carpenter was a long and trusted supporter of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, serving as chair for its annual GO Pink Luncheon for 19 consecutive years. Her voice and well-recognized face helped to grow the community’s signature event into one of the most highly anticipated and well-attended women’s health and breast cancer awareness gatherings in South Florida. <br /> Mrs. Carpenter’s tireless efforts helped Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation raise over $13 million. <br /> Throughout the years, Mrs. Carpenter’s commitment and dedication to raising the public’s awareness of breast cancer prevention enabled The Schmidt Family Center for Breast Care and the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute to reach tens of thousands of women annually, saving countless lives.<br /> Mrs. Carpenter also established the William K. Carpenter Nursing Education Fund at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. It supports continuing education, funding for nursing certifications and tuition reimbursements.<br /> A loving daughter, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Carpenter is survived by her son, Todd Payne, daughter-in-law, Allison Payne, and granddaughter, Devyn Payne. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, William K. Carpenter, and mother, Eleanor C. Payne.<br /> A funeral Mass was held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Boca Raton on Aug. 20.<br />Contributions in Mrs. Carpenter’s honor may be made to GO PINK, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486; <a href="http://donate.brrh.com/Patti-Carpenter">http://donate.brrh.com/Patti-Carpenter</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><em>— Obituary submitted by the family</em></p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Greenberg Foundation gives $1 million to Boca hospital campaignhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-greenberg-foundation-gives-1-million-to-boca-h2022-05-03T17:58:45.000Z2022-05-03T17:58:45.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
<p>The Martin F. Greenberg Family Foundation contributed $1 million to a health care cause that will result in the naming of the post-anesthesia care unit.<br /> On the second floor of Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Center for Surgical Services, the state-of-the-art Martin F. Greenberg and Family PACU will have 26 bays, isolation rooms and two nurses stations.<br /> “When I decide to support an organization, it’s really because it tickles my fancy,” Greenberg said of the hospital and its foundation. “Its mission and goals need to be sound and impactful. And, just as importantly, its people need to be worthy. The hospital and the foundation ... they are made up of special people.”<br /> The donation, announced in March, brought to $224 million the total raised for “Keeping the Promise — the Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.” <br />The goal is $250 million for the largest fundraising initiative in the hospital’s history. The money is supporting its most ambitious period of expansion.<br /> “This leadership gift to Boca Regional is especially meaningful to me and Tali because it benefits our friends and neighbors,” Greenberg said, referring to his wife. “Boca Raton Regional Hospital has a great impact on our community, and we want to do everything we can to support it.”<br /> <em>For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit <a href="https://donate.brrh.com">https://donate.brrh.com</a>.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Boynton Woman’s Club awards scholarships</span><br /> The Boynton Woman’s Club, which has been awarding scholarships to local high schoolers for nearly 50 years, continued the tradition by giving out five more to students who plan to attend Florida colleges in the fall.<br /> The recipients were honored at a luncheon at Quail Ridge Country Club.<br /> “All applicants were so talented, and it was very difficult to make decisions,” club president Christy Hintz said. “Our winners stood out though because they were all so accomplished and articulate, and each one had made a special effort to help other people.”<br /> The recipients are:<br /> • Jake Palmer, Park Vista Community High School<br /> • Daniela Rivera, Boynton Beach Community High School<br /> • Ryan “RJ” Rudnet, Park Vista<br /> • Ryan Sohn, Park Vista<br /> • Christian Tomas, Park Vista<br /> A separate scholarship intended for a woman who is returning to continue her education, was awarded to Nilza Madden.<br /> “This has made such a difference in my life,” Madden said. “When I graduate, I will be able to contribute to the health of our communities and also fulfill a longtime goal of making a difference to the well-being of everyone in the whole community.”<br /> <em>For more information, call 561-369-2300 or visit <a href="http://www.boyntonwomansclub.com">www.boyntonwomansclub.com</a>.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Impact 100 announces winners of $100,000 grants</span><br />Impact 100 Palm Beach County announced winners of its $100,000 grants for 2021-2022.<br />Recipients are: Young Singers of the Palm Beaches — South County Sings for Healing in the Arts, culture & historic preservation category; Friends of Foster Children — Kinship Care & Connections, in the family category; Marine Education Initiative — Sustainable Agriculture Education Initiative, in the environment & animal welfare category; Xcel Mentoring Network — Youth Training & Wellness Project that addresses career training and health, in the education category; the Soup Kitchen — Lift Up, in the health & wellness category.<br />Additional grant winners are Unicorn Children’s Foundation — Family Navigator Program; and Love Serving Autism — Serving with Heart in South Palm Beach County.<br />Impact 100 PBC is a group of philanthropic women who award grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits to allow them to launch or expand high-impact initiatives or programs.</p>
<p><em>For more information, call 561-336-4623 or visit <a href="http://www.impact100pbc.org/contact-us">www.impact100pbc.org/contact-us</a></em></p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Construction begins on Boca Regional’s patient towerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-construction-begins-on-boca-regional-s-patient-tower2022-05-03T15:45:32.000Z2022-05-03T15:45:32.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10456838270,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10456838270,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10456838270?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>The groundbreaking included (l-r) Stan Barry, Mayor Scott Singer, Christine E. Lynn, Barbara Schmidt, Elaine J. Wold, Dick Schmidt, Bo Boulenger, hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez and Mark Larkin. Wold made a $25 million gift to Boca Regional’s fundraising effort. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>Boca Raton Regional Hospital officially broke ground in March for the new Gloria Drummond Patient Tower. The building is the cornerstone for the hospital’s campus transformation and the $250 million Keeping the Promise capital campaign. <br /> At the center of the day’s event were Elaine J. Wold and her Bay Branch Foundation. Wold made a $25 million gift to Keeping the Promise and she named the tower in memory of Boca Regional’s founder, Gloria Drummond, her lifelong friend, who died in 2011. <br /> “I believe we all have a responsibility to improve the level of health care in our area, to forge new directions, and bring new medicine to our families here,” said Wold. “It is also important to remember and honor our origins, which is really the foundation of everything this hospital has become. <br /> “Gloria Drummond’s name is synonymous with Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Her legacy and spirit remain deeply ingrained in everything we do and whatever future we create.” <br /> Wold previously gifted $10 million to construct the hospital’s 37,500-square-foot Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute, and she donated money to expand and modernize the hospital’s emergency department, creating the Wold Family Center for Emergency Medicine.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10456838895,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10456838895,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="100" alt="10456838895?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Dr. Jeff Newman, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Delray Medical Center, was appointed chairman of the hospital’s governing board. <br /> Newman, who has been on the medical staff at the hospital for more than 25 years, received his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla. He did his internship and residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, in general surgery.<br /> Newman completed his fellowship at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in thoracic surgery. <br /> His focus is on adult cardiac surgery, along with expertise in traditional coronary and valve surgery. He also focuses on mini-mitral valve surgery and mini-aortic valve surgery. He is proficient at using the da Vinci robotic system for lung cancer surgery and is involved in trans-catheter aortic and mitral valve procedures completed at Delray Medical Center.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">Delray Medical Center’s chief operating officer, Maria Morales Menendez, was selected as a member of Modern Healthcare’s 2022 class of Top 25 Emerging Leaders. <br /> Modern Healthcare annually honors emerging leaders, age 40 or under, who are making significant contributions in the areas of innovation and financial, operational and clinical excellence. <br /> “Maria was appointed COO at one of the most challenging times facing any health care professional. Despite being in the early stages of her career, she has proven to be an excellent leader, overseeing programs to enhance quality of care, patient safety, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to our employees and medical staff,” said Maggie Gill, chief executive officer of the Palm Beach Health Network and Delray Medical Center.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association selected Delray Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center for knee and hip replacement as well for spine surgery. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated health-care facilities that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and accreditation and quality organizations.<br /> For more on the center’s orthopedics program, call 561-637-5197 or go to <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/orthopedics">www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/orthopedics</a>.</p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Campaign for Boca Regional expansion exceeds $215 millionhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-campaign-for-boca-regional-expansion-exceeds-22022-03-01T16:41:51.000Z2022-03-01T16:41:51.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10162987300,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10162987300,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10162987300?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>Steven Bernstein and his daughter Abby Rose Bernstein Henderson. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
<p>Boca Raton resident Steven Bernstein has made a $1 million gift to “Keeping the Promise — The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.”<br />Bernstein’s contribution emanates from the Bernstein Family Foundation, which he runs with his daughter, Abby Rose Bernstein Henderson, and brings the total funds raised through the initiative to more than $215 million.<br /> “We are delighted to welcome Steven Bernstein and the Bernstein Family Foundation to our treasured group of Keeping the Promise donors,” hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “This is the Bernstein Family Foundation’s first gift to Boca Regional, and we are eternally grateful it comes in the midst of our largest ever capital campaign and the most significant campus initiative in our history.”<br /> The ambulance entrance to the emergency room will be named in the foundation’s honor.<br /> “The Bernstein Family Foundation prides itself on supporting local charities and is excited to help fund the expansion of Boca Raton Regional Hospital,” Bernstein said. “We believe the hospital upgrades will enhance the quality of medical services provided to our community.”<br /> For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit <a href="https://donate.brrh.com">https://donate.brrh.com</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Dream Makers milestone: 10,000 beds provided</span><br /> In five years of serving Palm Beach and Broward counties, the nonprofit Sweet Dream Makers has now distributed more than 10,000 beds at no cost to families in need.<br /> The bed sets each include a new mattress, mattress protector, box spring, bed frame, bedding, comforter and fresh pillows. As a result, nearly 5,000 recipient families are better rested and more prepared to face the day.<br /> “Families experience bedlessness for a variety of reasons, and each family has their own story,” says a news release from the group. “Some of these causes include co-sleeping, housing placement after being homeless, sleeping on an air mattress or blanket, surviving domestic abuse, mold or unsanitary conditions, eviction, cribs needed for a baby due soon or the economic strain of buying new beds.”<br /> For more information, call 561-571-7363 or visit <a href="https://sweetdreammakers.org">https://sweetdreammakers.org</a>.</p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>Health notes: Baptist Health reports decline in people hospitalized with COVIDhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-baptist-health-reports-decline-in-people-hospitalize2022-02-01T16:20:18.000Z2022-02-01T16:20:18.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>Baptist Health, which owns Boca Raton Regional Hospital and the Bethesda hospitals in Boynton Beach, reported encouraging news on the coronavirus in late January.<br />As of Jan. 26, Baptist Health said it had 424 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized across its South Florida entities. This represented a 48% decline from that of two weeks earlier.<br />The hospital adjusts visitor guidelines as necessary. Those guidelines can be found at <a href="https://baptisthealth-coronavirus.com/patients-and-visitors/visitor-guidelines">https://baptisthealth-coronavirus.com/patients-and-visitors/visitor-guidelines</a>.<br />JFK Medical Center in Atlantis reported:<br /> “At this time, we have the bed capacity, equipment and resources needed to care for our community safely and effectively. We continue to monitor the situation closely and respond accordingly with appropriate resources to support changes in patient care demands. <br /> “The majority of COVID-19 patients being treated in our hospitals are unvaccinated. We strongly encourage people in our area to get the vaccine and booster shot if they’re eligible.”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10063085287,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10063085287,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="109" alt="10063085287?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>JFK Medical Center Main and North campuses named Dr. Alex Paya as chief medical officer in January. Paya joins JFK Medical Center from Palms West Hospital, where he served as chief medical officer. <br />He joined HCA Healthcare in 2018 as chief medical officer of the previous University Hospital (now HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital) and Plantation General Hospital.<br /> He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, cum laude, before pursuing his doctor of osteopathy at Nova Southern University.<br /> Paya did his clinical training at Shands Medical Center and is board certified in internal medicine. He also holds a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of North Carolina.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>Delray Medical Center offers the new Ensite X EP System for cardiovascular EP procedures. This technology uses HD images to collect data to give accurate and linear visualization for physicians to map out any area of the heart. Electrophysiologist Dr. Yoel Vivas was the first physician in the county to use this new system at the hospital, according to a news release.<br />Vivas is also the founder of the Arrhythmia Center of South Florida. Learn more at <a href="https://vivasmd.com">https://vivasmd.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10063085857,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10063085857,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="106" alt="10063085857?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Sciences with Schmidt College of Medicine received a three-year, $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for an automated HIV self-testing assay. Another $1.3 million could be awarded after a review of the progress made in phase one. <br /> With this grant, researchers are aiming to further develop an affordable, disposable self-testing HIV-1 chip that can selectively detect HIV from whole blood samples. <br />The chip can be highly sensitive to detect HIV during the acute infection, treatment and viral rebound and be rapid within 40 minutes. It’s highly stable without requiring refrigeration and provides fully automated sample-in/answer-out analyses. <br /> Waseem Asghar, Ph.D., principal investigator and an associate professor at the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, is developing this technology with Massimo Caputi, Ph.D., a professor of biomedical science in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine.<br />Collaborators of the NIH grant include the University of Virginia and University of Pennsylvania.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>After training with Dr. Richard E. Busch III, author of Surgery Not Included, Dr. Timothy Kehrig, of Kehrig Family Chiropractic, offers Busch’s DRS protocol, a noninvasive treatment to relieve chronic neck and back pain. The program combines treatments that include spinal decompression, exercise and vitamins. <br />Kehrig Family Chiropractic is at 1815 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. <br />For more info, visit <a href="http://www.chiropractorboynton.com/drs-protocol">www.chiropractorboynton.com/drs-protocol</a> or call 561-737-7787.</p>
<p> </p></div>Philanthropy Notes: $5 million gift lifts Boca Regional campaign over $212 millionhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-5-million-gift-lifts-boca-regional-campaign-ov2021-11-30T17:25:10.000Z2021-11-30T17:25:10.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9865354899,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9865354899,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9865354899?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="215" /></a>Boca Raton residents and philanthropists Michael and Michelle Hagerty have made their third seven-figure gift to “Keeping the Promise — The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.”<br /> The $5 million contribution in support of residency programs brings their total gift to $8.5 million. The couple’s support is one of several seven- and eight-figure donations to an endeavor that has surpassed the $212 million mark.<br /> “When donors make repeated gifts to our capital campaign, it’s clear they believe in our vision for the future,” said Lincoln Mendez, CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “We are grateful for their role in the success of the campaign, and their demonstration of faith in our campus initiative is irreplaceable.”<br /> The institution serves as the primary teaching site for Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, offering residency programs in internal medicine, neurology and surgery. <br /> The Hagertys’ latest gift will be recognized in the naming of the Center for Graduate Medical Education.<br /> For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit <a href="https://donate.brrh.com">https://donate.brrh.com</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Two honored for fight against homelessness</span><br /> More than 1,000 community members joined The Lord’s Place at its Ending Homelessness Breakfast, a virtual event with the theme “Clearing the Way.”<br /> A total of $240,000 has been raised of the $250,000 goal. Awards were presented to people who are catalysts for breaking the cycle of living on the streets. Anna Mann de Peyster received the Ending Homelessness Award.<br /> “Anna Mann de Peyster’s humble and kind nature has changed the landscape for The Lord’s Place and furthered our mission in ending the cycle of homelessness here in Palm Beach County,” CEO Diana Stanley said. “Anna has always had great compassion to help those in most need.”<br /> Daryl Houston, of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, was named Unsung Hero.<br /> “He has changed the landscape in his professional role through his outstanding character, integrity, kindness and humility,” Stanley said. “His footprints have changed our community yet he never expects applause or even acknowledgment.”<br /> For more information, call 561-494-0125 or visit <a href="https://thelordsplace.org">https://thelordsplace.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Grants are available for young philanthropists </span><br /> Members of the Jewish Women’s Foundation believe in the next generation so much that they have created a microgrant program that invests in teens and young adults who want to effect change.<br /> Since the beginning of 2021, the foundation has awarded three microgrants and wants to fund more.<br /> “This microgrant program was born from our trustees’ vision to encourage young philanthropists to find their own voices,” said Dana Egert, chairwoman of the initiative. “We want to reach more young people with this grant program, which we believe is a great start to furthering civic leadership, entrepreneurship and partnerships among existing organizations.”<br /> Applicants must live in the Boca Raton/Delray Beach/Highland Beach area, and their projects must be sponsored by a Jewish organization. For more information, call 561-852-3100 or visit <a href="https://jfspbc.org/jwf">https://jfspbc.org/jwf</a>.</p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>Pay It Forward: Bring on the night! Sting to headline Hospital Ball fundraiserhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/pay-it-forward-bring-on-the-night-sting-to-headline-hospital-ball2021-11-30T17:18:36.000Z2021-11-30T17:18:36.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9865293892,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9865293892,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9865293892?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Boca Regional Hospital Ball committee members (l-r, front) Barbara Cohen, Freyda Burns, Joan Wargo, Debbie Lindstrom, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky, Margaret Mary Shuff, Pat Thomas, (back) Cristina Lewis, Alejandra Lippolis, Judi Larkin, Deborah Leising, Carrie Rubin, Amy Kazma, Emily Grabelsky, Judi Schuman, Arlene Ferrara and Dana Weiss. </em><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
<p>The legend known as Sting will headline the 2022 Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball, an already sold-out affair that aims to raise $3 million.<br /> Through underwriting by philanthropists Bob Sheetz and Debbie Lindstrom as well as The Geo Group Foundation and the Stoops Family Foundation, the singer, songwriter, actor, author and all-around celebrity will take the stage Jan. 8 at The Boca Raton.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9865302071,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9865302071,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="103" alt="9865302071?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>“Sting is a most definite wow,” said Mark Larkin, the hospital foundation’s president. “It is Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation’s intention that our guests have a memorable evening to share with their family and friends, not only the day after but as an experience that will remain second to none for years to come.” <br /> Proceeds from the black-tie event will enhance and expand patient-care services via “Keeping the Promise — The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.”<br /> “Since the ball’s inception and maintaining the spirit of the gala’s purpose, our legacy for the past 59 years has been a hospital built by the community to provide the very best medical care and services for our region and South Florida,” Larkin said. “This would never have been possible without the commitment of our local supporters, who make Boca Raton Regional Hospital an outstanding medical facility each and every day.”<br /> Activities include a lavish cocktail reception followed by a gourmet three-course dinner, libations and decadent sweets. Ten outstanding nurses, recognized as health care heroes for their commitment and dedication to the job, will be honored.<br /> “The Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball is one of the premier events of Boca Raton’s social season, making it a must-attend gala mainly because of our mission,” Larkin said. “It’s a way of celebrating the incredible health care delivered to this community and honoring the heroes who dedicate their lives to caring for others.” </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Deadline is Oct. 29 to apply for Impact 100 grantshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-deadline-is-oct-29-to-apply-for-impact-100-gra2021-09-28T15:55:06.000Z2021-09-28T15:55:06.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9621337470,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9621337470,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9621337470?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>Members of Impact 100 (l-r, front): Rebecca Scott, Kathryn Gillespie, Allison Davis, Kathy Adkins, Holly Schuttler, Sue Diener, Kirstin Jovanovski, Kelly Fleming, (back) Renee Feder, Lisa Warren, JoAnne Greiser, Emily McMullin, Tandy Robinson, Hilary Sullivan, Cynthia Krebsbach, Carrie Rubin, Lisa Mulhall, Nicole Mugavero, Laura Bull, Marilyn Swillinger, Molly Reiss, Karen Sweetapple, Jeannine Morris and Helen Ballerano. </em><strong>Photo provided by Warner-Prokos Photography</strong></p>
<p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
<p>Impact 100 Palm Beach County is asking local nonprofits to apply for this season’s share of $100,000 grants.<br /> The submission forms are due Oct. 29.<br /> “During the 2020-2021 grant cycle, 84 grant applications were received, meaning that more than $8.4 million in grant requests came through our doors,” President Holly Schuttler said. “This shows the huge need in our community.”<br /> The organization issues the grants in five focus areas: arts, culture and historic preservation; education; environment and animal welfare; family; and health and wellness. <br /> For more information and to access the forms, call 561-336-4623 or visit <a href="http://www.impact100pbc.org/for-nonprofits">www.impact100pbc.org/for-nonprofits</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Boca Regional campaign exceeds $210 million</span> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9621343691,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9621343691,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="215" alt="9621343691?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>Boca Raton resident Jay Grunin has made a gift of $3 million toward the $250 million redevelopment project at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the largest in the hospital’s history.<br /> The new conference and education center will be named after Grunin and his wife, Azize.<br /> “The Grunin Foundation is well-known for its generosity, and Jay Grunin is the ultimate philanthropist, one who gives with his heart,” campaign Co-Chairman Stan Barry said of the New Jersey-based nonprofit. <br />“The Grunins will be a wonderful asset to the Boca Raton area and to Boca Regional.”<br /> Added Lincoln Mendez, the hospital’s CEO, “We welcome Jay and his wife, Azize, to Boca Raton and are delighted by the foundation’s generous commitment to this project, our vision and Boca Raton Regional Hospital.”<br /> In addition, Ena Kane’s $1 million gift will result in the naming of the retail pharmacy on-site in her honor.<br /> “Mrs. Kane is special to all of us here at the hospital,” Mendez said. “She is a longtime donor who understands the nature of our campus initiative and wants others to benefit from her giving.”<br />The campaign now has raised more than $210 million.<br /> Its plans include the new Gloria Drummond Patient Tower, the new Louis B. and Anne W. Green Lobby and the comprehensive renovation of all existing patient units.<br /> For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit <a href="https://donate.brrh.com">https://donate.brrh.com</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">ACCF gets financial boost from Delray credit union</span><br />Commemorating its 70th anniversary, Delray Beach-based Power Financial Credit Union made a $50,000 donation that was split among seven South Florida charities.<br />Locally, Achievement Centers for Children & Families received a $7,070 grant. The nonprofit provides opportunities for children in need so they can reach their potential in a positive environment.<br />“It has been our unwavering commitment to our members and our community, through good times and bad, that has allowed us to thrive for the last 70 years,” said Allan Prindle, the credit union’s president and CEO. “We have been fortunate to earn the trust and support of our members and the entire South Florida community. We wanted to show our appreciation as we celebrate this significant milestone by donating to some very worthy charitable causes.”<br />For more information, call 561-266-0003 or visit achievementcentersfl.org.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Partnership benefits children’s education</span><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9621339472,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9621339472,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="104" alt="9621339472?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Roots and Wings, a charity that works to improve the quality of education in South Florida, has been selected as a new supported partner of the Boca West Children’s Foundation.<br /> The announcement came with a $10,000 check for the nonprofit’s Project UpLift program.<br /> “We are honored to have been chosen as one of Boca West Children’s Foundation’s new supported partners,” Roots and Wings founder and CEO Ted Hoskinson said. “These funds go a long way in ensuring that we are able to add three new Project UpLift participating schools this fall. These kids may otherwise have fallen through the cracks.”<br />Project UpLift has launched at Rolling Green Elementary School in Boynton Beach, Village Academy Center in Delray Beach, and Coral Sunset Elementary School in Boca Raton, impacting 180 second- and third-graders.<br /> For more information, call 561-404-0455 or visit <a href="https://rootsandwingsinc.org">https://rootsandwingsinc.org</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Lord’s Place names COO and board members</span><br /> A nonprofit that works to break the cycle of homelessness in Palm Beach County has appointed Kerry Rodriguez Diaz as chief operating officer.<br /> Diaz joined The Lord’s Place this year as interim COO and since has accepted the permanent position.<br /> “Her methodical, strategic and analytic approach to operations and strategy, coupled with compassion, make Kerry a perfect fit for our culture,” CEO Diana Stanley said, “She is a thought leader who fully embraces our mission.”<br /> The West Palm Beach-based organization is in the midst of a construction project for new headquarters and housing facilities.<br /> “I do not go a day without being in awe of the work that happens at the street level to nurture people in need and meet them where they are with kindness and compassion,” Diaz said. “I cry at least once a week — sometimes with sorrow at the difficult lives people live and sometimes with joy at the steps people make to become stably housed.”<br /> In other news, three fresh faces have joined The Lord’s Place board — Wesley Lang, Bill Proctor and Mary Quick. Lang brings a wealth of financial-management and business-development experience to the board. Proctor received the Unsung Hero Award at the 2018 Ending Homelessness Breakfast.<br /> “Everyone deserves a hand up, not to be confused with a handout,” said Quick, a lifelong philanthropist. “The Lord’s Place is doing just that every day.”<br /> For more information, call 561-494-0125 or visit <a href="https://thelordsplace.org">https://thelordsplace.org</a>.</p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Boca hospital staffers get sweet relief from Tire Kingdomhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-boca-hospital-staffers-get-sweet-relief-from-tire-ki2021-09-28T15:03:05.000Z2021-09-28T15:03:05.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9620700292,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9620700292,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9620700292?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>Medical staff members at Boca Raton Regional Hospital enjoy their sweet treats. </em><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>On Sept. 9, through its “Giving Back Program,” Tire Kingdom Service Centers thanked medical staffers at Boca Raton Regional Hospital for their dedication and extra effort to combat COVID-19 by treating them to a little sweet relief from Kona Ice. Tire Kingdom also shared its “Essential Business Appreciation Offer” with the team to provide special discounts for front-line workers at all Tire Kingdom locations. <br /> “We had a lot of smiling faces under their masks waiting in line for Kona Ice and more smiles as they were enjoying every bite of it,” said Bina Wagjiani, director of the hospital’s office of patient experience.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida and based at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, has expanded its services, to Boynton Beach. The new location, at 2800 S. Seacrest Blvd., Suite 160, offers neurology and neurosurgery services. <br /> At the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, which was established in 2015, experts address conditions from brain tumors to back pain, including movement disorders, seizures, strokes and aneurysms, memory disorders, migraines, spine conditions and diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s. For information, call 561-955-4600 or visit BRRH.com/MNI.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***<br /> </p>
<p>The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital has expanded its cancer diagnosis and treatment services in Palm Beach County to a new location at Bethesda Health City, part of Bethesda Hospital East. The facility is located at 10301 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach. “We look forward to this partnership that will help us bring state-of-the-art comprehensive oncology care closer to our patients and community,” said Nelson Lazo, CEO of Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West. <br /> For more information, call 561-955-6627 or visit <a href="http://www.brrh.com/Services/Lynn-Cancer-Institute">www.brrh.com/Services/Lynn-Cancer-Institute</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9621239894,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9621239894,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="101" alt="9621239894?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a><br /> Baptist Health Medical Group North has named Marcella Gravalese, MBA-HSA, as vice president. She will lead the physician group’s development and operations and recruit new members to join the primary care and specialty physician practices. <br /> With more than 20 years of experience in the health care industry, she most recently served as assistant vice president of operations at HCA Physician Services Group, east Florida division. In 2017, she was one of six scholars selected for the Thomas C. Dolan Executive Diversity Program by the American College of Healthcare Executives, and more recently, she was recognized as a “Dynamic Influencer” by the International Association of Women.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>In August, Delray Medical Center began to use the CORI surgical system for knee replacement surgery. The CORI is a handheld robotics-assisted technology that helps the surgeon plan and perform the procedure. Patients regain function faster and return home sooner with this technology. They also can keep more of their natural bone and ligaments. The 3D digital model allows for a surgical plan to be customized to a patient's anatomy, and the surgeon is able to choose from the widest selection of implants available for precision matching. <br /> For more information, visit <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/orthopedics">www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/orthopedics</a>, or call 561-498-4440.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***<br /> </p>
<p>Delray Medical Center also announced that it now uses the RED 62 Reperfusion Catheter & Benchmark BMX96 for stroke patients.<br /> “The RED 62 is engineered with some of the latest innovations in tracking and aspiration technology to address large vessel blockages from a stroke located in more challenging areas, while maximizing powerful aspiration to remove blood clots,” said neurointerventionalist Dr. Dennys Reyes.<br /> “With the help of the Benchmark BMX96 access system, hypotube technology provides a higher stability for more complex cases when it comes to treatment of a stroke. In addition, when performing a procedure, the catheter is designed to increase versatility and visualization designed to help offer patients the best possible outcomes.”<br /> For more information, call 561-498-4440 or go to <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/neurosciences">www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/neurosciences</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>The Palm Beach Research Center is recruiting participants for a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine study, which might appeal to some still hesitant to get vaccinated. According to researchers, the tobacco plant is used to carry a protein that mimics COVID-19. Once introduced through the body, it would create an immune response.<br />“No chemicals, all natural, and it is an injection— you do not smoke it,” said lead researcher David Scott of the Palm Beach Research Center. “The nicotine is not part of this. Tobacco is an intelligent plant, with many uses.” <br /> Kentucky BioProcessing, based in Owensboro, is growing tobacco plants for the COVID-19 vaccine. According to KentuckyBio Processing, other phases of the clinical trial show the plant-based vaccine is safe, and the company is further investigating its benefits with a yearlong study. Participants will be paid more than $3,000. For more information, call 561-689-0606.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>JFK Medical Center received three American Heart Association Achievement Awards through its participation in the “Get With the Guidelines” programs for implementing improvements that ensure cardiovascular patients receive efficient and coordinated care.<br /> “We are pleased to recognize JFK Medical Center for their commitment to cardiovascular care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairman of the association’s quality oversight committee. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the American Heart Association’s quality improvement programs often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>BioFlorida, representing 6,700 establishments and research organizations in the bio-pharmaceutical, medical technology and bio-agriculture sectors that collectively employ 94,000 Floridians, has added five new board members. They are Thomas Equels of AIM ImmunoTech, Mark Friedman, Ph.D., of Axogen, Geoff Green of Longeveron, Adam Grossman of ADMA Biologics, and Joe Sardano of Sensus Healthcare. <br /> “BioFlorida provides Florida’s life sciences industry with a venue to collaborate to address global health challenges,” said Rob Herzog, chairman of the BioFlorida board and vice president of research and operations at Advent Health. “I look forward to working with our new board members to continue to build Florida as a life sciences destination.” </p>
<p><br /><em> Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health & Harmony: Boca Regional chief optimistic about response to vaccine mandateshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-harmony-boca-regional-chief-optimistic-about-response-to-v2021-09-28T14:39:21.000Z2021-09-28T14:39:21.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Joyce Reingold</strong></p>
<p>On Sept. 9, the Biden administration announced plans to require hospitals and health care facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding to vaccinate their employees against the coronavirus. <br /> “As the Delta variant continues to spread, we know the best defense against it lies with the COVID-19 vaccine,” Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator, said in a press release. “Data show that the higher the level of vaccination rates among providers and staff, the lower the infection rate is among patients who are dependent upon them for care. Now is the time to act.”<br /> Several hospital systems in South Florida had already done just that. In August, Baptist Health South Florida, whose hospitals include Boca Raton Regional and Bethesda East and West, announced an Oct. 31 deadline for employees, medical staff and volunteers to be immunized. <br /> By early September, Dr. Samer Fahmy, vice president and chief medical officer of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, said approximately 70% of Baptist Health South Florida employees had been vaccinated, “regardless of any policies that were put in place.”<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9620417272,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9620417272,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9620417272?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="102" /></a>“So that was encouraging, and we’ve seen more and more folks step up and get vaccinated over the last couple of weeks now that they know that it will be required to continue working within the Baptist Health system,” said Fahmy, who has helped lead the pandemic response for Boca Raton Regional and Baptist Health South Florida. <br /> Also prior to President Joe Biden’s announcement, some hospital systems said they would recommend but not require vaccinations. Tenet’s Palm Beach Health Network, which includes the Delray and West Boca medical centers, said in a statement, “We are strongly encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our employees. We have implemented vaccine education, a vaccine referral program and are offering on-site vaccine clinics.” <br /> In May, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said employers may require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but must make reasonable accommodations for employees who don’t get vaccinated because of a disability or a “sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance.”<br /> Baptist Health is allowing religious and medical exemptions and has committees to review employee requests. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a medical exemption would apply to people “at risk for an adverse reaction because of an allergy to one of the vaccine components or a medical condition.”<br /> Still, vaccine mandates have already been the subject of legal challenges and more will surely follow. In June, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Jennifer Bridges and 116 other Houston Methodist Hospital employees challenging the organization’s vaccine requirement. <br /> In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes said, “Methodist is trying to do their business of saving lives without giving them the COVID-19 virus. It is a choice made to keep staff, patients, and their families safer. Bridges can freely choose to accept or refuse a COVID-19 vaccine; however, if she refuses, she will simply need to work somewhere else.” <br /> In August, the Houston Chronicle reported that 62 former employees had sued the hospital, claiming wrongful termination. The suit was still pending in mid-September. <br /> Fahmy acknowledges staff losses are a possibility, of course, but he’s cautiously optimistic.<br /> “Is there the potential that the end of October rolls around and there are some unvaccinated employees that may be subject to termination from Baptist Health? Yes. That’s how serious we are about our vaccination efforts. You need to get vaccinated against COVID-19, not just for your own safety, but for the safety of the patients that you care for within our facilities. …<br /> “Our hope is that it doesn’t have to come to that and that we can convince the folks that are eligible to receive vaccines to get them. But if it did come to that, there are plans in place for contingency staffing, if needed,” he said.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">ER doctor calls mandates essential</span><br /> Dr. Bill Benda, an emergency room physician and associate professor of emergency medicine at Florida Atlantic University, said in September he was surprised by the number of hospital workers who hadn’t been vaccinated — “I can’t give you anything exact. I’m going to guess a third or possibly less, including emergency department staff” — and believes the mandates are essential.<br /> “Biden’s doing what has to be done. The military has to have it. Federal workers have to have it. These hospital systems are saying their employees have to have it,” says Benda, who lives in the County Pocket near Briny Breezes. “We tried conversation, we tried reasoning, and either people’s assumptions or their politics are getting in the way. And it’s not acceptable anymore. It’s not a big sacrifice.<br /> “My father was a farmer’s son. And in the ’40s he enlisted in the Army to go to a country halfway across the world to protect people that he had no clue who they were. And fight an evil that wasn’t a direct threat to him. And not only did he do it, but rock stars like Elvis Presley did it. Movie stars — Jimmy Stewart — did it. Athletes — Joe DiMaggio — did it. And they did it because it was the right thing to do. <br /> “People need to get off their collective asses and do the right thing … because the risk they are running is nowhere near what my dad faced. He did it because it was the right thing to do it. I don’t know how we lost that directive.”</p>
<p><br /> <em>Joyce Reingold writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to joyce.reingold@yahoo.com.</em></p></div>Health News: Lynn Cancer Institute opens at Bethesdahttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-news-lynn-cancer-institute-opens-at-bethesda2021-08-03T16:24:42.000Z2021-08-03T16:24:42.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9351976053,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9351976053,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9351976053?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Delray Medical Center recently honored its first two graduates from the Florida Atlantic University Cardiovascular Fellowship at the center: Dr. Priya Bansal and Dr. Haider Al Taii. Under the leadership of Dr. Brij Maini, national and Florida medical director for cardiology for Tenet Healthcare and fellowship director of cardiovascular diseases for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU, the fellows trained with Delray physicians and nursing staff. ABOVE (l-r): Maini with Al Taii, cardiologist Dr. Houman Khalili, Bansal, and Maggie Gill, CEO of Delray Medical Center. </em><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital has opened the Lynn Cancer Institute at Bethesda — Radiation Oncology, at Bethesda Health City, 10301 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach. <br /> Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West are all part of Baptist Health South Florida. The institute will be under the direction of Michael Kasper, M.D., medical director of radiation oncology at Lynn Cancer Institute.<br /> “We look forward to this partnership that will help us bring state-of-the-art comprehensive oncology care closer to our patients and community,” said Nelson Lazo, CEO of Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West. <br /> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9352068488,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9352068488,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="98" alt="9352068488?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>*</p>
<p>Haroula Protopapadakis Norden was appointed chief operating officer of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health South Florida. Protopapadakis Norden is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and served as the 2020 president of the South Florida chapter’s board of directors. She comes to Boca Regional from Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where she was associate administrator.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9352065868,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9352065868,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="99" alt="9352065868?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></p>
<p>Cardiac and thoracic surgeon Ahmad Hamzah, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Medical Group North. Previously, he worked at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson. Hamzah will see patients at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Bethesda Hospital East.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*</p>
<p>Seif Elbualy, M.D., has joined Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, as the director of interventional pain management. Previously, Elbualy was director at the Comprehensive Center for Pain Management at Boca Regional. He will see patients at 800 Meadows Road in Boca Raton.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*</p>
<p>Mary Elizabeth “Libby” Flippo is now a member of the Florida Board of Nursing, as appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The board has 13 members. It licenses, monitors, disciplines and educates licensees. Flippo is the chief nursing officer for the Palm Beach Health Network, which includes Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center. </p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*</p>
<p>Dr. Erica R. Podolsky, a general surgeon with expertise in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, recently performed her 500th robotic surgery with the da Vinci robot at Delray Medical Center.<br /> Podolsky is the medical director of the Surgical Weight Loss Program at Delray Medical Center, where she specializes in robotic laparoscopic abdominal surgery. She also serves as the chair of quality and patient safety on Delray Medical Center’s Medical Executive Committee.<br /> Podolsky’s office is at 4600 Linton Blvd., Suite 340, Delray Beach. Visit DrEricaPodolsky.com or call her office at 561-939-0455 for more information. <br /> For more information about Delray Medical Center’s bariatric and robotic services, call 844-474-8378 or go to <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com">www.delraymedicalctr.com</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*</p>
<p>In May, JFK Medical Center North campus began performing joint replacement surgery using the Mako robot, which allows surgeons to perform a more customized joint replacement surgery.<br /> “The 3D CT allows me to create a personalized surgical plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy,” said Dr. Lyall Ashberg, orthopedic surgeon at JFK Medical Center North. “During surgery, I can validate the plan and make any necessary adjustments. This allows me to execute the procedure with the highest degree of precision and accuracy.”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*</p>
<p>Heartland Health Care & Rehabilitation Center of Boca Raton, 7225 Boca Del Mar Drive, was recognized as a 2021 recipient of the Silver — Achievement to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. The distinction is the second of three progressive award levels that honor association members across the country that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of care for seniors and people with disabilities. The awards will be presented during American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living’s 72nd convention and expo in National Harbor, Maryland, in October.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">*</p>
<p>Hanley Foundation is offering a series of training at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 25. Free and open to the public, the Recovery Leadership Institute Summer Advocacy Training was designed to produce equitable outcomes for people impacted by substance use disorder, including recovery and addiction specialists and leaders, families of people with addiction disorders, people in recovery, and families who have had life-adjusting experiences related to addiction.<br /> The workshops have in-person and online attendance options, and the members of the public can choose which ones they want to attend. All presentation recordings will be made available Sept. 1 in honor of the start of National Recovery Month. <br /> Participants are encouraged to join the livestream or in-person sessions as these sessions are interactive, led by credentialed volunteer instructors. In-person presentations take place at the Palm Beach County HUB at 2120 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. <br /> To view the remaining workshops and to register, visit Hanleyfoundation.org/public-policy/recovery-leadership-institute/ or contact Clarice Redding Louis, Hanley Foundation’s chief recovery community officer, at Clarice@HanleyFoundation.org. </p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Groundbreaking ceremony: Boca Raton Regional Hospital — April 23https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/groundbreaking-ceremony-boca-raton-regional-hospital-april-232021-04-29T17:55:03.000Z2021-04-29T17:55:03.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8872043300,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8872043300,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8872043300?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Philanthropists Leon and Toby Cooperman stand in front of a rendering that provided a backdrop for a ceremonial groundbreaking on the campus of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health. The Coopermans are donating $25 million to build a freestanding facility to house medical specialty clinics and physician offices along with an ambulatory surgery center and orthopedics program. Part of the ‘Keeping the Promise’ campaign, the donation brings the total raised to nearly $200 million in the past few years. <strong>Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p></div>Philanthrophy Notes: Pledge helps Boca Regional campaign near $200 millionhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthrophy-notes-pledge-helps-boca-regional-campaign-near-200-2021-04-27T20:39:33.000Z2021-04-27T20:39:33.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8857151687,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8857151687,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="100" alt="8857151687?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>A Boca Raton resident has made her second seven-figure gift to <strong>“Keeping the Promise …The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.”</strong> <br />Eleanor Baldwin’s pledges now total $7.5 million and join a list of other philanthropic donations that have helped raise more than $193 million and counting.<br />“There is no way to characterize the level of gratitude we feel for Eleanor,” hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “This campus-wide initiative and capital campaign will have a significant impact by her participation, by her investment in our future and mission and by her love of the hospital.”<br />The $250 million undertaking is the largest campaign in the hospital’s history. <br />Redevelopment plans include the new Gloria Drummond Patient Tower and the new Louis B. and Anne W. Green Lobby, in addition to the comprehensive renovation of all existing patient units.<br />For more information, call 561-955-4142 or visit <a href="https://donate.brrh.com">https://donate.brrh.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Grant to put computers in hands of students</strong> <br />Thanks to a generous matching gift from Harvey and Virginia Kimmel, students at SouthTech Schools in Boynton Beach will receive the technology they need to succeed during the pandemic and beyond.<br /> A total of 995 Chromebook computers are needed at $290 apiece, equaling $288,550, to achieve a one-to-one student-to-device ratio. The Kimmels will pay up to $100,000 toward them in $25,000 increments.<br /> Ultimately, SouthTech — a nonprofit charter school —will have to raise $188,550 in outside funding in addition to the Kimmel commitment. As of mid-April, the Kimmels allocated the first $25,000 in advance and the school raised $22,119 toward that match. <br /> “The majority of middle school and high school students have been attending class virtually — and many of them are doing it with only a smartphone or an outdated tablet,” Principal Eileen Turenne said. <br />“We have students who are blank spaces on a screen right now because they don’t have the technology that they need.”<br /> For more information, call 561-364-7902 or visit <a href="http://www.southtechschools.org">www.southtechschools.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Subaru fundraiser aids Boys & Girls Club</strong>s</p>
<p>Schumacher Subaru of West Palm Beach and Schumacher Subaru of Delray Beach raised a combined $55,396 through the Subaru Share the Love Event.<br /> The funds — raised by the lease or purchase of new vehicles — will help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County to continue to support hunger-relief programs and fight the growing achievement gap caused by distance learning amid the pandemic.<br /> “This is always one of our favorite events because of the impact on the community,” said Charles Schumacher, president of the Schumacher Auto Group. “We are happy to help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County continue their efforts to help with the recovery from the pandemic.”<br /> For more information, call 561-683-3287 or visit <a href="http://www.subaru.com/share">www.subaru.com/share</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Impact 100 names 10 grant finalists</strong><br />Leaders from Impact 100 Palm Beach County made two long-awaited announcements in April. The first was to name the 10 nonprofit finalists that are a step closer to receiving one of the organization’s $100,000 grants. The second was that the organization plans to award six grants for the first time in its history.<br />The winners will be revealed May 19.<br />“We are so thankful to the 640 women who joined us to award six $100,000 grants that will help improve and strengthen our community for our 10th-anniversary year,” Impact 100 Palm Beach County President Kathy Adkins said. “Each of the finalist programs have the potential to positively change different aspects of our community in an impactful way, and it’s gratifying to award as many transformative grants as we can.”<br />The finalists are: Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Coastal Conservation Association Florida, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Help Our Wounded Foundation, Milagro Center, Pathways to Prosperity, PROPEL (People Reaching Out to Provide Education & Leadership), Tri-County Animal Rescue, Schoolhouse Children’s Museum & Learning Center, and Spady Cultural Heritage Museum.<br />For more information, call 561-336-4623 or visit <a href="http://www.impact100pbc.org">www.impact100pbc.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Hanley Foundation launches parenting series</strong><br /> The Hanley Foundation, a nonprofit that combats substance-abuse disorders by raising awareness and preaching prevention, has started a free virtual parenting series titled “Some Days We Thrive; Others We Survive.”<br /> The series offers lectures from authors and experts in the field in an interactive format. Topics include confronting anxiety, dealing with alcohol abuse and more. The dates are May 19 and June 24. The presentations kick off at 7:30 p.m.<br /> “Hanley Foundation is all about family,” CEO Jan Cairnes said. “We know that family time, education and connection are keys to preventing substance misuse. We are offering this parenting series to increase awareness and hopefully change minds around the stigma of addiction.”<br /> For more information, call 561-268-2351 or visit <a href="https://hanleyfoundation.org">https://hanleyfoundation.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Scholarship helps women return to workforce</strong><br /> The Boynton Woman’s Club has expanded its scholarship program to include an annual $1,000 grant for a woman who is returning to school to continue her education.<br /> The candidate can either be advancing herself in a previous field or retraining in a new career to improve her marketable skills. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1.<br /> The scholarship has been made possible by a legacy left by Marie Shepard, a former club member who served as president from 1986 to 1988. Shepard died in 2018. <br /> For more information, call 561-369-2300 or visit <a href="http://www.boyntonwomansclub.com">www.boyntonwomansclub.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>Along the Coast: Bethesda nurse grateful to get vaccine at end of ‘brutal year’https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/along-the-coast-bethesda-nurse-grateful-to-get-vaccine-at-end-of-2020-12-30T16:35:34.000Z2020-12-30T16:35:34.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8365746253,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8365746253,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="665" alt="8365746253?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></strong><em>Christine Cummings, a registered nurse who works at Bethesda East, was the among the first local frontline workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, from Katie Van Lennep, director of professional development at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. <strong>Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Charles Elmore</strong></p>
<p>The struggle against COVID-19 is far from over, but the prick of a vaccine needle in her arm delivered a dose of relief and hope for registered nurse Christine Cummings. </p>
<p>“It feels good to be reaching this milestone,” said Cummings, who works with coronavirus patients at Bethesda East Hospital in Boynton Beach. “It was a brutal year.”</p>
<p>Her shot on Dec. 28 put her among the first of about 1,600 vaccinations expected over the course of a week for employees at Boca Raton Regional and Bethesda hospitals, both part of the Baptist Health system.</p>
<p>For nearly a year, such workers have lived with the risk they might get sick, and infect others around them, as they provide frontline care. More than 1,700 U.S. health care workers have died from the coronavirus, according to a nurses union’s report in September. Polls show close to half of Americans express reluctance to stand at the front of the line to receive vaccines, but Cummings said she was ready for a chance to help bring the virus under control.</p>
<p>Think about what that would mean, she said.</p>
<p>“We can all hug our grandparents again,” she said.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Senior facilities next up</strong></p>
<p>Residents in long-term care centers are getting priority attention too. As the shots become available to more people, health officials are grappling with public apprehension about vaccines that arrived in the fast lane by historical standards. Take the fear that the vaccine itself can spread the virus.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8365740893,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8365740893,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="208" height="208" alt="8365740893?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>“The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19,” said Sara Elizabeth Hamm, who lives in Highland Beach and is chief clinical and public health officer for Lifespace Communities. She has been talking to residents in several of the company’s communities, including Harbour’s Edge in Delray Beach.</p>
<p>Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines give “our cells instructions for how to make a harmless protein that is unique to the virus,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is designed to spur the body to make antibodies to fight the virus. Trials found both vaccines effective 94% to 95% of the time.</p>
<p>In the meantime, measures such as masks, distancing and hand-washing will still be needed for months to come, until enough people get vaccinated, Hamm said.</p>
<p>She acknowledges some “vaccine hesitation” out there as the fast-tracked program rolls out in a bid to stop the worst pandemic in a century and end the loneliness of protective isolation for many seniors.</p>
<p>About 44% of Americans responding to an ABC News/Ipsos poll in December said they would prefer not to get the shot until more is known about safety and effectiveness; 15% said they’d refuse it entirely.</p>
<p>Ron Schwartz, president of the resident council at Harbour’s Edge, said he believes most of his neighbors are ready to embrace the shots.</p>
<p>“Most of us wish there had been more testing and experience with the vaccines,” Schwartz said. “But we think the benefits will outweigh the risks.”</p>
<p>The rollout has been hampered by delivery delays, but at least a portion of the more than 300 residents at Harbour’s Edge are expected to be offered shots in January.</p>
<p>At Abbey Delray, a senior community of 245 residents, shots were initially scheduled to begin Dec. 22 for some residents receiving care in health centers, administrators said. That was pushed back by more than a week. </p>
<p>More than 850 people in Palm Beach County received at least the first of two vaccination shots by Dec. 21, joining more than 43,000 across Florida, state records show.</p>
<p>Trials showed side effects common to many vaccines, including fatigue, headache, chills, fever and pain and redness in the injection area, Hamm said. But they tend to last only a day or two, she said.</p>
<p>“Side effects mean the vaccine is doing its job, and the body is making antibodies,” she said in a presentation based on information from the Society for Post-Acute Care and Long-Term Care Medicine. She called such effects “normal, common and expected.”</p>
<p>She directly addressed worries that the first people receiving vaccinations are “guinea pigs” and the process was “rushed.”</p>
<p>She said “emergency use authorization” did speed up the usual timetable to make vaccines available the same year the pandemic started, but “no steps were skipped” in developing and testing. </p>
<p>More than 335,000 deaths nationally have been attributed to COVID-19, including more than 1,800 in Palm Beach County. About 42% of the county’s deaths have occurred among residents and staff at long-term care facilities. That is why such residents are so high on the priority list for shots now.</p>
<p>Many of those residents have lived through some of the toughest challenges the world can throw at them, said Schwartz from Harbour’s Edge. </p>
<p>“Our residents have been through wars, personal tragedies and many stressful events,” he said. “The result is that they have learned to roll with the punches.”</p>
<p>Some are in their 70s, 80s or 90s, with a few older than 100, he said. The virus has been “scary and upsetting” to many, he said, and his sense is most are prepared to do what it takes for a chance to end the pandemic.</p>
<p>“I think most residents are anxiously awaiting the vaccine,” Schwartz said. “I would be surprised if many of our residents will pass on the chance to be vaccinated.”</p>
<p>One frustration seniors have aired is that even with the virus surging, many people still seem to have no urgency about wearing masks or practicing social distancing to control the spread until vaccines have a chance to work.</p>
<p>“Quite a few residents expressed concern about the lack of enforcement regarding wearing masks,” Schwartz said. “I know of no resident here who would leave their apartment unmasked, so we are shocked and frightened when we have to leave our community for necessary appointments.”</p>
<p>That threatens to prolong the suffering for everybody, he said.</p>
<p>“We are looking forward to once again meeting our friends and family without restrictions,” Schwartz said.</p>
<p>Hamm said, “The more people we vaccinate, the less likely we are to continue this vicious cycle and finally begin to establish our ‘new normal’ in the United States.” </p>
<p>To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html</a>.</p></div>Health Notes: Clinical trial available for coronavirus patients at Boca hospitalhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-clinical-trial-available-for-coronavirus-patients-at2020-12-29T19:51:56.000Z2020-12-29T19:51:56.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>By Christine Davis</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Patients admitted with COVID-19 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital may enroll in a clinical trial to test a new treatment for the disease. The trial is named Prevent, reflecting the hope that it will rapidly reverse the damages of pneumonia associated with COVID-19.</p>
<p>Researchers at Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute are enrolling patients for the trial, which uses a single, low dose of thoracic radiation to reduce the inflammatory process in the lungs. Very low doses have been effective in treating benign inflammatory diseases. </p>
<p>Experts say the treatment may prevent deaths and avoid the need for intubation. </p>
<p>Patients diagnosed within nine days of hospital admission with pulmonary pneumonia symptoms and 50 years of age or older are eligible for the trial. The Prevent multicenter clinical trial is jointly led by principal investigators from Lynn Cancer Institute and the Ohio State University. The trial is one of several investigational treatments for COVID-19 being researched at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. </p>
<p><br /> Certified clinical research coordinator David Scott, president and CEO of Palm Beach Research in West Palm Beach, announced that Palm Beach Research is enrolling people for two phase 3 trials regarding COVID-19. </p>
<p>The Janssen’s study, of an adenovirus type 26 vector vaccine, is a two-year project for which Palm Beach Research will provide access to COVID-19 testing and related medical care. Participants will be compensated for every visit, up to a total of $775. Half of the patients will get the vaccine and the other half a placebo. </p>
<p>“Janssen’s vaccine is constructed to encode the COVID-19 spike protein. It is like a genetically engineered cold virus meant to look like the COVID-19 virus outer shell. So, your body will produce antibodies to remove that protein shell whenever it sees it. Thus, it trains your body’s immune system,” Scott explained.</p>
<p>To take part, visit <a href="https://palmbeachresearch.com/2020/03/02/covid-19-vaccine-study/">https://palmbeachresearch.com/2020/03/02/covid-19-vaccine-study/</a></p>
<p>AstraZeneca’s convalescent study is of a prophylaxis, an infusion of antibodies intended to provide immediate protection from COVID-19. It is a one-year study, and during that time Palm Beach Research will provide access to COVID-19 testing and related medical care to participants. Patients will be compensated for every visit, up to a total of $850. </p>
<p>About one-third of the patients will get the placebo and the remaining two-thirds the convalescent plasma. </p>
<p>“AstraZeneca’s convalescent plasma study is providing patients with an infusion of antibodies that should provide protection against COVID-19, as the antibody (formula) came from hospitalized patients who recovered from a bad COVID-19 infection. This is not training your body’s immune system: It is providing immediate immunity,” Scott explained.</p>
<p>To take part, visit <a href="https://palmbeachresearch.com/2019/12/09/convalescentplasma/">https://palmbeachresearch.com/2019/12/09/convalescentplasma/</a></p>
<p>Asked when patients receiving placebos would get an actual vaccine or plasma, Scott said: “Patients receiving placebo are enrolled in the clinical trial and the sponsors have been providing active product or vaccine after reaching important study milestones. The short answer is the protocol does not need a patient on placebo after a certain point, and the sponsors grant access to active product to those patients, at that point. Every sponsor is different.”</p>
<p>An optimistic time line for public access to vaccines may be the summer or fall of 2021, he thinks, adding: “If the FDA rescinds emergency use authorization, then the general public will have to wait until the clinical trials are concluded. The earliest would be October 2022.</p>
<p>“Vaccination through a clinical trial is the fastest path for most. Additionally, medical care is provided and ongoing in a clinical trial setting. Also patients are compensated for their time. And anyone receiving a placebo can expect to receive the actual product in due course. </p>
<p>“As an example, the Moderna vaccine trial will be distributing active vaccine to the 15,000 that received placebo in their clinical trial, and that is expected to occur possibly January 2021. Every sponsor is expected to follow a similar path.”</p>
<p>A related note: To see the current COVID hospital capacities, check out <a href="https://data.tallahassee.com/covid-19-hospital-capacity/">https://data.tallahassee.com/covid-19-hospital-capacity/</a>.<br /> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8361906283,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8361906283,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="95" alt="8361906283?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Hilary Shapiro-Wright, D.O., has joined Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Regional. She specializes in breast cancer surgery, high-risk breast pathology, benign breast disease, oncoplastic surgery and hidden scar surgery.</p>
<p>Previously, Shapiro-Wright was with the Kettering Health Network and Kettering Cancer Care. She was named the Cincinnati Top Doctor in Breast Surgery/Breast Cancer in Cincinnati magazine from 2013 to 2020. </p>
<p>She earned her medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her general surgery residency at Botsford Hospital at Michigan State University and her surgical breast oncology and diseases of the breast fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital. </p>
<p>She sees patients at Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute, 690 Meadows Road, Boca Raton.</p>
<p><br /> In December, palliative care physician Patricia Jacobs, M.D., joined the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute. Jacobs provides care that addresses a cancer patient’s physical symptoms as well as the emotional, psychological and social stress of undergoing cancer treatment. </p>
<p>Previously, Jacobs was at UCLA Medical Center, where she completed a hospice and palliative medicine fellowship. She is board-certified in internal medicine and worked in internal medicine before pursuing a subspecialty in palliative care. </p>
<p>Jacobs serves as an affiliate faculty member at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. She earned her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed an internal medicine residency and a hospice and palliative care fellowship at UCLA Medical Center. </p>
<p>She sees patients at the Lynn Cancer Institute, Harvey & Phyllis Sandler Pavilion, 701 NW 13th St., Boca Raton.<br /> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8361907456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8361907456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="98" alt="8361907456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Joseph J. Ricotta MD, MS, DFSVS, FACS, was recognized as a 2020 TCAR clinical operator of experience for improving carotid artery disease treatment using the transcarotid artery revascularization procedure. </p>
<p>Ricotta is the national medical director of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy for Tenet Healthcare, chairman of the vascular surgery department at Delray Medical Center, and professor of surgery and program director of the vascular surgery fellowship at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. </p>
<p>TCAR is a proven, minimally invasive approach to reduce incidence of stroke in patients who face high risk in surgery. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com">www.delraymedicalctr.com</a>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dr. Eric Rudnick, MD FAAD, recently received his board certification in dermatopathology. As both a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, he has the training to analyze skin samples both clinically as well as under a microscope. Rudnick’s Dazzling Dermatology office is at 22029 State Road 7, Boca Raton, Florida. He is offering at-home general dermatology and cosmetic services. For information or to book a house call, visit <a>https://dazzlingderm.com or</a> call 561-923-0905.<br /> </p>
<p>Delray Medical Center’s trauma research department earned awards at the 2020 Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine Research Day event. Sarah Rabinowitz was awarded both first and second places in the Research Poster competition for her work related to the transfer of patients with abdominal injuries. <br /> </p>
<p>With the goal of promoting lifelong learning opportunities for its registered nurses, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County signed a memorandum of understanding with Palm Beach State College to support Health Care District RNs in obtaining Palm Beach State’s bachelor of science in nursing degrees. </p>
<p>This “RN to BSN” bridge program, sanctioned by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, is offered online and open exclusively to licensed registered nurses who have earned an associate’s degree or diploma. The Health Care District nurses will add to the more than 400 RNs from the state who have earned the college’s BSN degree to date. </p></div>Philanthrophy Notes: Pandemic brings out best in supporters of Boca Regionalhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthrophy-notes-pandemic-brings-out-best-in-supporters-of-boc2020-10-27T20:16:21.000Z2020-10-27T20:16:21.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</strong> has received a seven-figure gift from Malcolm and Sandra Berman toward the “Keeping the Promise — The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital” initiative.</p>
<p>In recognition of the couple’s generosity, the elevator lobby on the first floor of the new patient tower will be named in their honor.</p>
<p>“Sandra and Malcolm represent the best of Boca Raton Regional Hospital,” CEO Lincoln Mendez said. “They have been active philanthropically with us for nearly 20 years and understand the value of their partnership with the hospital and how it benefits the people of our community. ”</p>
<p>“Our health care in Boca Raton and that of our family and friends is a significant motivation in our giving to this extraordinary organization,” Malcolm Berman added. “Sandra and I care about this community and want to be part of this next generation of groundbreaking innovation and care.”</p>
<p>In other news, the hospital received its 2,000th-and-counting meal from the Boca Rio Golf Club and Stanley and Marilyn Barry. Knowing the stress that frontline medical workers have been under since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the club and the Barrys wanted to show their support by delivering 250 meals twice a week for six weeks.</p>
<p>“This is such a generous initiative and is so welcomed by the staff,” said Mark Larkin, president of the hospital’s foundation. “Working long shifts, often 12 hours apiece, the nurses, physicians and technologists have little time to take for breaks. Knowing that a nice meal is coming gives them one less thing to worry about.”</p>
<p>“Being able to support the hospital staff during such trying times has been a pleasure,” added Luciano Farias, general manager of the club. “The hospital and its clinicians play such an important role in the health and well-being of our community. To thank them with this gift of fine food is an honor.”</p>
<p>For information, call 561-955-4142 or visit <a href="https://donate.brrh.com">https://donate.brrh.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Feeding America receives local funding</strong></p>
<p>Boca Raton-based Office Depot has announced a $1.5 million donation to Feeding America in support of the nonprofit’s COVID-19 Response Fund to help food banks across the country distribute more than 1.3 billion pounds of sustenance to communities in need.</p>
<p>Feeding America is the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the country with a network of 200-plus member food banks.</p>
<p>“Now more than ever, we are committed to strengthening local communities and hope that this donation will help to provide relief for families that are struggling to put food on the table,” Office Depot CEO Gerry Smith said.</p>
<p>For information, call 561-438-6027 or visit <a href="http://www.feedingamerica.org">www.feedingamerica.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>7 arts organizations to benefit from PNC grants</strong></p>
<p>As the arts adapt to a new normal of fewer social interactions, South Florida organizations are faced with the challenge of safely offering music and theater to local communities.</p>
<p>With that in mind, the PNC Foundation has awarded $100,000 to seven arts organizations in Palm Beach and Broward counties.</p>
<p>“With the unexpected impacts of the pandemic on live performances and art exhibits, we felt it was more important than ever to renew our commitment to the local arts community with much-needed grants,” said Cressman Bronson, the bank’s regional president for southeast Florida.</p>
<p>“Through PNC Arts Alive, arts organizations will be able to provide a variety of creative solutions that will take our shared vision of a more dynamic, artistic community to the next level in South Florida.”</p>
<p>For information, call 407-271-2694 or visit <a href="http://www.pnc.com">www.pnc.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Philanthropy Tank</strong> <strong>concludes fifth season</strong></p>
<p>Seven student-led charity programs earned more than $89,000 in funding after business pitches were made to a group of philanthropist investors.</p>
<p>Finalists of Philanthropy Tank presented their causes on a virtual stage in front of hundreds of audience members as this year’s “finals” event turned into a “recorded live finals event” because of the coronavirus.</p>
<p>The grants mark Philanthropy Tank’s fifth season of supporting programs in the areas of music / art education, female empowerment, child welfare, pediatric cancer and more. In all, it has awarded more than $500,000 — in addition to hundreds of hours of mentorship — to teens who have started nearly three dozen local charities.</p>
<p>For information, call 561-910-3893 or visit <a href="http://www.philanthropytank.org">www.philanthropytank.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Boca West Children’s Foundation expands</strong></p>
<p>The Children’s Foundation of Palm Beach County has been established in conjunction with the Boca West Children’s Foundation, an organization that has made grants exceeding $10 million in the last decade.</p>
<p>Founded in 2010 and supporting 25 local children’s charities, the Boca West Children’s Foundation has expanded its reach beyond South County by adding new board members and fresh charity partners.</p>
<p>“The foundation’s impact on local kids has been tremendous as we’ve been able to provide essentials for 5,000 children each day, providing cribs, diapers, after-school care, tutoring, summer camps, sports and music programs, meals, school supplies, college scholarships and more,” Executive Director Pamela Weinroth said. “We are grateful that we can expand these efforts to reach even more kids thanks to the efforts of our new board members and all of our supporters.”</p>
<p>For information, call 561-488-6980 or visit <a href="http://www.childrensfoundationpbc.org">www.childrensfoundationpbc.org</a>.</p>
<p>In other news, The Boca West Children’s Foundation has presented the YMCA of South Palm Beach County with a $20,000 grant.</p>
<p>Half will pay for day camp for children of first responders during the pandemic; the other $10,000 will go toward the organization’s drowning-prevention program for children with special needs.</p>
<p>“With funds raised from our gala in early March, we were able to provide this grant to the YMCA,” said Pamela Weinroth, the foundation’s executive director.</p>
<p>For information, call 561-488-6980 or visit <a href="http://www.bocawestfoundation.org">www.bocawestfoundation.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Virus emergency fund aids women, girls</strong></p>
<p>The Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches, a South Florida nonprofit focused on raising the status of women and girls, has created an emergency fund in response to COVID-19.</p>
<p>For charities here and abroad, the pandemic has affected the events and fundraisers upon which they rely. The situation exacerbates the challenges women and girls already face.<br /> “COVID-19 is already disrupting nonprofits and challenging them in unprecedented ways, making it harder for them to provide even basic services,” foundation CEO Jennifer Kryshka said.</p>
<p>“JWF wants to ensure that women and girls are still able to depend on the resources from our grantee organizations. Working together, we can achieve more than we can do alone.”</p>
<p>For information, call 561-275-2200 or visit <a href="http://www.jwfpalmbeach.org">www.jwfpalmbeach.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>New programs debut at Boca Helping Hands</strong></p>
<p>Boca Helping Hands has expanded its feeding program with the opening of a pantry-bag distribution site in Lantana.</p>
<p>The site offers underserved people food supplies every Saturday afternoon, with the goal of helping 1,500 families.</p>
<p>“Thanks to Advent Lantana, we have expanded our Pantry Bag program further north, bringing hope to even more families in need,” said Greg Hazle, Boca Helping Hands’ executive director. “This is a service we intend to continue for the long term.”</p>
<p>Congregants from Advent Ministries will volunteer.</p>
<p>“Advent Church Boca has been partners with Boca Helping Hands from the very beginning, and we are thrilled to be able to extend their reach at our new satellite church, Advent Lantana,” said the Rev. Andrew Hagen, church pastor and a member of the nonprofit’s board.</p>
<p>In other news, Boca Helping Hands has established an online Conversation Café to help clients with employment and has begun offering structured ESOL classes virtually. Both programs previously took place in person.</p>
<p>Approximately 30 students participate in the Conversation Café. As for the ESOL classes, they afford people who do not speak English the opportunity to acquire the language and culture skills necessary to function and succeed in America.</p>
<p>“The new Zoom format has actually improved the flexibility of the program so that we can continue to serve students who have returned to their native countries,” Hazle said.</p>
<p>“They can continue to participate in the café via teleconference.”</p>
<p>For information, call 561-417-0913, Ext. 202 or visit bocahelpinghands.org.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Chapter supports kosher food pantry</strong></p>
<p>The Valencia Shores community chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women in Boynton Beach has raised funds to support the kosher food pantry and meal-delivery services at the Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service in West Palm Beach as well as the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Service in Boca Raton.</p>
<p>Leading the effort is volunteer LeeAnn Hoffman.</p>
<p>“In this time of crisis, some people don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” Hoffman said. “We wanted to be able to help get food on the table, giving them one less thing to worry about. ”</p>
<p>Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service CEO Marc Hopin added that “we are grateful to the volunteers and advocates of the NCJW of Valencia Shores for their generous contribution.”</p>
<p>For information, call 561-713-1893 or visit <a href="http://www.alpertjfs.org">www.alpertjfs.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Florida native joins wildlife refuge board</strong></p>
<p>Delray Beach resident Elaine Meier has been named to the board of the National Wildlife Refuge Association in Washington, D.C.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8084693881,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8084693881,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="96" alt="8084693881?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>The NWRA is the nonprofit voice for wildlife conservation on the 568 swaths of land that comprise the National Wildlife Refuge System.</p>
<p>“I grew up going to the Everglades and Florida Keys, where I learned the importance of clean water and the birds and mammals it supported plus the danger of the encroachment of development,” said Meier, a Florida native and public-relations professional. “Nationwide, it is critical to teach the next generation how valuable these natural resources and habitats are to our well-being.”</p>
<p>For information, call 202-577-3200 or visit <a href="http://www.refugeassociation.org">www.refugeassociation.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Boynton Beach volunteer receives service award</strong></p>
<p>Boynton Beach volunteer Todd Finklestone has been recognized by the humanitarian organization ShelterBox USA via its President’s Volunteer Service Award.</p>
<p>Finklestone was lauded for his efforts in helping the nonprofit provide emergency shelter and supplies to people who lost their homes to natural disasters or who fled because of civil unrest in their native lands. He enabled the organization to help more than 145,000 individuals in 11 countries.</p>
<p>“The lifesaving work of ShelterBox is only possible because of our inspiring volunteers like Todd Finklestone, whose service in their communities is ensuring families made homeless by disaster and conflict situations have access to essential shelter and supplies,” President Kerri Murray said. “This distinction truly sets him apart as someone committed to serving others and making the world a better place.”</p>
<p>For information, call 805-608-2400 or visit <a href="http://www.shelterboxusa.org">www.shelterboxusa.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Leadership change announced at YWCA</strong></p>
<p>The YWCA of Palm Beach County has hired a new CEO.</p>
<p>Shea Spencer comes to the organization with more than 15 years of nonprofit experience, including fundraising and community engagement, and most recently led the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County.</p>
<p>“I am so proud of the work we do and the impact we make in our local community,” Spencer said. “It truly is a tremendous honor to join the board of directors, funders, staff and volunteers in advancing the mission of YWCA, Palm Beach County and building out our legacy.”</p>
<p>For information, call 561-640-0050 or visit <a href="http://www.ywcapbc.org">www.ywcapbc.org</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net</em></p>
<p> </p></div>