The basketball and volleyball arena at FAU will now be named for Eleanor Baldwin of Boca Raton. Photo provided
By Amy Woods
Eleanor Baldwin of Boca Raton has made a $7.5 million pledge to Florida Atlantic University’s athletics program, and in recognition of the gift, the basketball and volleyball facility will now be known as the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
Baldwin’s name is well-known at the university: It graces the Eleanor R. Baldwin House — the campus residence for the president — the Eleanor R. Baldwin History and Tradition Hall in the athletics complex, and the Eleanor R. Baldwin President’s Suite at the stadium.
“Eleanor has generously supported so many projects and initiatives at FAU and throughout the community, and we are so incredibly grateful to her for this gift,” said Brian White, director of athletics. “We cannot thank her enough for this support, which will impact the lives of so many Owl student-athletes, coaches, staff and community members who will utilize Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.”
Added FAU President John Kelly, “Elly has been a true champion of Florida Atlantic and its students over the years, from mentoring future educators to cheering on our sports teams to donating crucial funds to support the university’s growth. The Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena will be one more shining example of her generosity at FAU.”
Urban League’s $5.1 million grant to help minorities
The Urban League of Palm Beach County hauled in the largest grant in the 49-year history of the organization when philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced a $5.1 million donation.
The gift will enable the nonprofit to elevate its assistance to the Black community and other minorities with the mission of achieving social and economic equality.
“We are so excited that Ms. Scott has recognized the work and contributions that the Urban League of Palm Beach County has made in the communities we serve across South Florida,” President and CEO Patrick Franklin said. “The board of directors and staff of ULPBC thank Ms. Scott for entrusting us with the awesome responsibility of ensuring that this generous gift will have a long-lasting and positive impact in our community.”
In 2019, Scott pledged — along with some of the world’s richest individuals and families — to dedicate the majority of her wealth to charity.
“When our giving team focuses on any system in which people are struggling, we don’t assume that we, or any other single group, can know how to fix it,” Scott said. “Instead, we seek a portfolio of organizations that supports the ability of all people to participate in solutions.”
For more information, call 561-833-1461 or visit https://ulpbc.org.
Boca West foundation has record year for giving
The Boca West Children’s Foundation distributed an all-time high of $2.2 million to local children’s charities this year.
Buoyed by proceeds from the annual golf tournament, which broke attendance numbers, grants were given to the foundation’s 30-plus partner organizations.
“This is truly historic and remarkable,” Executive Director Pamela Weinroth said. “This is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our board, Boca West members and supporters in the community that we were able to raise record dollars in a year with an array of obstacles.”
In addition to the grants, the foundation donated 45,000 volunteer hours as well as 180,000 diapers, along with cribs and other essential items for families in need.
“Despite some challenges over the last couple of years, so many good and caring people came together and kept our focus on helping the children,” board Chairman Richard Zenker said.
For more information, call 561-488-6980 or visit www.bocawestfoundation.org.
$100,000 donation to boost reading skills
The New York-based Soloviev Foundation has made a $100,000 donation to Roots and Wings to support early student reading for needy families as well as teachers to support the effort.
Delray Beach-based Roots and Wings provides services to economically disadvantaged public school students in South County — more than 500 boys and girls.
“All the research has shown that the pandemic has severely damaged educational advancement for our children, particularly those in disadvantaged communities,” Soloviev Group Chairman Stefan Soloviev said. “It’s all our responsibility to help all our students receive a strong education.”
For more information on Roots and Wings, call 561-404-0455 or visit https://rootsandwingsinc.org.
Gift drive underway for Boys & Girls Clubs
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County has launched its Holiday Gift Drive to collect toys and teen-appropriate gifts for thousands of local youths.
This year, families are facing challenges as a result of inflation and the organization is counting on the community for lots of support. The goal is to ensure less-than-fortunate children receive presents under the tree.
“The holidays are right around the corner, and we need to act quickly to collect enough toys and gifts for these deserving children and teens,” said Sarah Alsofrom, senior director of community relations at GL Homes, the drive’s sponsor. “Inflation is eating into every dollar families try to save, and unfortunately, holiday stockings stuffed with toys may not fit into the family budget.”
The drive runs through Dec. 11. Items can be dropped off at select local businesses — the list of locations can be found at the link below — and at the nonprofit’s corporate offices, 800 Northpoint Parkway in West Palm Beach.
“Our annual Holiday Gift Drive is important because we believe in making sure that our club members are happy,” said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “For most members, this will be their only chance to receive a gift this season.”
For more information, call 561-683-3287 or visit bgcpbc.org/2022/10/31/support-our-holiday-gift-drive.
Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.
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