By Amy Woods
Leon and Toby Cooperman have made a transformational gift of $2 million to the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services that will launch a capital campaign for a new center.
The Toby and Leon Cooperman Therapy & Family Resource Center, set to open this spring in Boca Raton, will be a one-stop shop for families with special needs.
“We are so pleased to be able to support causes and agencies that we care about,” Toby Cooperman said.
Added Leon Cooperman, “Rales JFS truly makes a difference in people’s lives. We believe that agencies like Rales JFS deserve support for the important services they provide, and we are blessed to be in a position to contribute to the creation of this new center.”
For more information, call 561-852-3333 or visit https://ralesjfs.org.
Gift to go toward FAU athletes’ mental health
The Schmidt Family Foundation has made a gift of $670,000 to create a position for an athletics mental health services director at Florida Atlantic University. The gift also establishes the FAU Athletics Mental Health Fund.
FAU Athletics Director Brian White said the gift is important to the development of student athletes.
“The health and well-being of our student athletes is our absolute highest priority,” White said. “Enhancing our mental health resources is critical to the holistic approach we are taking regarding student athlete wellness.”
For more information, call 561-297-3000 or visit https://fausports.com.
PBAU fundraiser to honor Women of Distinction
South County philanthropists Ronnie Heyman and Lois Pope have been selected as Palm Beach Atlantic University’s 2022 Women of Distinction.
The women will be recognized at a Feb. 22 luncheon at The Breakers in Palm Beach. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for female students.
Women of Distinction is the school’s largest fundraiser. It was canceled in 2021 because of the pandemic.
For more information, call 561-803-2971 or visit www.pba.edu.
Boating & Beach Bash organizers need boats
The American Disabilities Foundation is requesting that captains offer their vessels and fuel for free rides to be given at the Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities.
Fifteen boats of more than 25 feet long are needed for the Feb. 20 event, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spanish River Park in Boca Raton.
People who are interested can contact Liz Schmidt at 612-309-1363 or email lizschmidt1363@gmail.com.
The Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities is the nation’s largest event for children and adults with disabilities.
For more information, call 561-715-2622 or visit www.boatingbeachbash.com.
Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.
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