Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov with (l-r) Kelley Morris, president of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation and Memorial Foundation; Beth-Ann Krimsky, board chair of the foundations; and Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation
Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov — a Boca Raton resident — has made a seven-figure gift to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, expanding pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine services and establishing the Barkov Sports Medicine Program at the Hollywood-based hospital.
The orthopedic program, ranked No. 1 in Florida by U.S. News & World Report, serves more than 18,000 Broward County student-athletes and provides a full range of care from emergency treatment to rehabilitation.
The Panthers’ star center, who hasn’t played this season while rehabbing a surgically repaired right knee, supports Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital through philanthropy and personal engagement. For every goal and assist he makes, he pledges a donation to the hospital foundation. He also donates the use of a suite at the Panthers’ home arena in Sunrise for patients and their families.
Walk in My Shoes to stroll through Boca Raton
In recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Lauren’s Kids has embarked on its 11th annual Walk in My Shoes, a 1,500-mile trek across Florida — while concurrently launching a survivor oral history storytelling initiative called the Voices Project.
The walk began March 31 in Key West and will travel to Pensacola before ending May 1 at the Capitol in Tallahassee.
It will pass through Boca Raton on April 6. People can participate in the 5-mile walk to Sugar Sand Park at 300 S. Military Trail, with the opportunity to walk another 5 miles back to the starting point at Bloomingdale’s in Town Center at Boca Raton. Participants can receive an Uber code to cover the cost of a ride back to the starting location.
Lauren’s Kids founder/CEO and former State Sen. Lauren Book is leading the journey to Tallahassee. The walk brings together people from child advocacy centers and sexual assault treatment programs, as well as educators who teach Lauren’s Kids’ Safer, Smarter Kids abuse prevention curriculum program, law enforcement, sex crimes prosecutors, community and elected leaders, and families.
The Voices Project, a recording unit traveling with the walk, will capture anonymous accounts from survivors.
They are also invited to submit audio recordings of up to five minutes by emailing voices@laurenskids.org.
Register to walk or to participate in the Voices Project at LaurensKidsWalk.org. Live-stream updates and photos are available on the website.
Kravis gala raises money for arts programming
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosted 500 guests March 5 for “The Conjurer’s Ball: An Evening of Illusion and Magic.” The evening featured a performance by Tony Award winner Nicole Scherzinger and raised money in support of Kravis Center artistic and education programs.
George Snow’s Cowboy Ball supports local students
The George Snow Scholarship Fund hosted its 32nd annual Cowboy Ball on March 6, presented by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, to raise money for scholarships and support services for students with financial need.
The evening included the presentation of the Community Service Award to Steve and Debbie Schmidt and the Corporate Community Service Award to the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation.
Temple Beth El centennial celebrates in Purim style
On March 1, 100 years to the day since Temple Beth El was founded, more than 110 guests filled the Lake Pavilion in West Palm Beach for the Centennial Gala: Purim Style — a celebration described as one of the most memorable in synagogue history.
“It was a night for the ages,” said Caren Winer, co-chair of the event with Jill Weiss. “Seeing our community come together — dancing, laughing, reflecting on our history and committing to our future — was incredibly moving. It was everything we hoped this milestone celebration would be.”
The night was highlighted by an announcement about the new Beth El Center for Jewish Life and the launch of the “100 Shares Campaign.” One hundred donors are invited to contribute $1,000 each, becoming Century Founders in Temple Beth El’s next chapter.
Cultural Council awards Innovation Fellowships
The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County has announced the recipients of its 2026 Artist Innovation Fellowships. Launched in 2020, the biennial program provides money that empowers artists to advance their careers.
The artists are Sonya Sanchez Arias, George Bayer, Virginia Blische, Michelle Drummond, Jill Hotchkiss, Quinn Miller, Ashley Osorio, Quimetta Perle, Elizabeth Price and Elizabeth Straight. They will receive $10,000 each, the largest individual award to date for this fellowship program. New this year, fellows will also be trained as cultural tourism ambassadors for the area, as many travel far and wide for exhibitions or performances, residencies or other opportunities.
Tayari Jones to speak at Love of Literacy event
New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones will be the featured speaker at the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County’s 35th annual Love of Literacy Luncheon April 9.
Jones’ novel Kin was released Feb. 24 and is an Oprah’s Book Club pick, as is her novel An American Marriage, which was also named one of the 100 Best Books of the 21st century by The New York Times.
Tickets are $200. Call 561-767-3370 or email Communications@LiteracyPBC.org.
Bus tour shows benefits from Impact 100 grants
Impact 100 Palm Beach County members took a bus tour Jan. 31 to visit six nonprofit organizations that have received $100,000 grants from the women’s philanthropic organization.
“Experiencing these programs in person reminds us why we give,” said Janean Mileusnic, president of Impact 100. “It’s not just about the grant, it’s about the ripple effect in our community.”
The tour was chaired by Helen Ballerano and Gulf Stream resident Ingrid Kennemer.
The six nonprofits on the tour: Morningday Community Solutions, Tomorrow’s Rainbow, Place of Hope, Milagro Center (GEMS: Girls in Engineering, Math & Science), Delray Beach Children’s Garden, and Roots & Wings Inc. at Plumosa School for the Arts.
Send news, photos and notes to Lou Ann Frala at philanthropy@thecoastalstar.com.
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