Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County CEO Kristin Calder (top left) is joined by board members and directors (l-r, front) Nicole Rocco, Ken Spillias, Sharon Hill, Dr. Regine Bataille, Matthew Criscuolo, Debra Ghostine, Bernadette O’Grady, Grace Halabi, (back) Telsula Morgan, Carol Rose, Valrie Martin Buchanan, Lindsay Reinhart, Debbie DeHoog, Janel Williams, Kelly Starling, Maggie Dickenson, Andrew Loewenstein, Caleb Bowser, Laurie Gildan, Alma Horne and Pierre Deltor. Photo provided
At its annual meeting, the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County announced its 2024-25 officers.
They are: Dr. Regine Bataille, president; Grace Halabi and Sharon Hill, vice presidents; Aurora Arthay, secretary; Caleb Bowser, treasurer; Chris Duke and Laurie Gildan, members-at-large; Matthew Criscuolo, immediate past president; and Debra Ghostine, Len Gray and Bernadette O’Grady, parliamentarians.
Working together as an executive committee, they will support the Literacy Coalition’s adult and family programs, children’s programs and the AmeriCorps program, all aimed at helping clients achieve literacy.
Call 561-279-9103 or visit literacypbc.org.
Trio added to board of Community Foundation
Marti LaTour, Kevin Powers and Kenneth West II began their three-year terms July 1 serving the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
The agency facilitates partnerships with donors, organizations and the public with the goal of solving chronic problems and addressing emerging issues.
“We are pleased to welcome three fantastic additions to our board of directors,” Chairman Jeffrey Stoops said. “Marti, Kevin and Ken are wonderful advocates for their respective communities, and each uniquely brings a wealth of experiences in business and philanthropy that will strengthen our work at the Community Foundation now and into the future.”
Call 561-659-6800 or visit yourcommunityfoundation.org
New development director joins ACCF in Delray Beach
Gina Griffin has been named to the key fundraising position of director of development at Achievement Centers for Children & Families in Delray Beach.
Griffin, who has 25-plus years of experience in the charitable community, is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County and a member of Executive Women of the Palm Beaches.
“I'm ecstatic to be joining the team at Achievement Centers for Children & Families because of its mission, my early interactions with the organization through the Junior League and the team members I have already gotten a chance to meet,” she said.
Stephanie Seibel, the organization’s CEO, added, “With Gina’s wealth of experience in the nonprofit world, I know she will contribute significantly to the continued success and growth of the organization.”
Call 561-266-0003 or visit achievementcentersfl.org
Truist Foundation awards $55,000 to YMCA
The YMCA of South Palm Beach County received a generous grant that will help more than 950 teens involved in programs and services.
The funds totaling $55,000 came courtesy of the Truist Foundation and are to be shared between the Peter Blum Family YMCA in Boca Raton and the DeVos-Blum Family YMCA in Boynton Beach.
“Investing in our teens is one of the most impactful commitments we can make,” said Bryan Hunt, executive director of the Peter Blum Family YMCA. “At the YMCA, we see firsthand how these programs empower young people to grow into confident, capable leaders.
“By providing a supportive environment and opportunities for personal development, we help teens build the skills and resilience they need to succeed and contribute positively to their communities.”
Call 561-395-9622 or visit ymcaspbc.org
Children’s museum to benefit from bash
The wild, wild West will come alive at the Back to School Country Bash to benefit the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, a Boynton Beach nonprofit whose programs and exhibits enable children and families to explore, play and learn.
The fundraiser, a signature event for the museum, will saunter into town Sept. 20 at Benvenuto. Proceeds will be used to update the museum’s farm exhibit. Tickets cost $150.
“Curiosity flourishes most in young minds, and wonder is the spark that ignites a lifelong love of learning,” said Miriam Naranjo, museum assistant director. “Our Family Farms exhibit is designed to spark that curiosity by allowing children to explore and experience what life was like for Florida’s early pioneers — through play, imagination, and hands-on learning.”
Call 561-742-6787 or visit schoolhousemuseum.org
‘Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys’ tour returns to Boca Raton
The Boca Raton Historical Society/Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum has announced the return of a much-anticipated event Sept. 27 at The Boca Raton.
The end-of-summer celebration — Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys began in 2012 — offers an immersion into the city’s rich history and vibrant lifestyle. Participants embark on trolleys at the resort and travel to intriguing destinations to enjoy light bites, interesting trivia and special toasts. Tickets cost $150.
“Each stop provides a blend of historical insights and delightful sips, creating a memorable evening for all attendees,” according to a news release. “The evening will conclude at The Boca Raton where guests may enjoy nightcaps at a cash bar.”
Call 561-395-6766 or visit www.bocahistory.org/toasts-tastes-trolleys
Have a ‘ball’ celebrating Boca Raton centennial
Dubbed as the don’t-miss event of the season, the ninth annual Mayors Ball benefiting the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton is set for Nov. 16 at Boca West Country Club. The gala will recognize the city’s 100th anniversary in 2025.
Tickets go on sale this month for an affair that attracts hundreds of attendees, including elected officials, dignitaries and corporate leaders.
“Proceeds from last year’s gala helped 17 nonprofits through our Service Above Self grants,” said Jeff Weber, chairman of the club’s fund. “Thousands of lives were touched, and we anticipate an even greater impact from the generous giving of those attending this year’s black-tie event.”
Call 561-289-0436 or visit rotarydowntownbocaraton.org
Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.
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