The inaugural luncheon to benefit Royal Palm Beach-based Grandma’s Place was an incredible success, as longtime supporters and new friends gathered at the Beach Club in Palm Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 8 for a silent auction, live auction and appeals to help Grandma’s Place continue its life-changing work.
Guests enjoyed a wine reception as they bid on more than 150 silent auction items. When guests sat down, they were welcomed by celebrity emcee Liz Quirantes, Channel 12 news anchor, who spoke about her deep commitment to children in the community. Board Chair Karen Vaughan greeted guests and presented gifts and roses to Honorary International Chair Herme de Wyman Miro, Honorary Chair Elayne Flamm and Event Chair Lou Ann Wilson Swan. Committee members Sue Ellen Clarfield, Cibi Hoffman, Dina Rubio and George Swan Jr. were also recognized.
Treasurer Michele Poole gave a compelling speech about her commitment to Grandma’s Place and stories of some of the past children. She asked “Grandma Bessie” Gordon, whom the shelter was named after, to stand and be recognized. Then a few of the children from the shelter sang a Christmas carol with music therapy teacher Karen House of the Palm Beach Music Institute.
As guests dined, they were entertained by a live auction led by Neil Saffer of Saffer & Company, which raised more than $15,000 with items such as a race car driver experience and a week’s stay in North Carolina.
Some of the guests in attendance were Commissioner Paulette Burdick, Jeff Koons, Tammy Fields, Sarah Alsofrom, Beverlee Miller Raymond, Ellen Smith, Suzanne Holmes, Helene Karp, Ellen Kestcher, Midge Lansat, Debra Porreco, Joan Rubin, Mary Simses, Deanne Stepanian, Patti Travis, Margaret Donnelley, Pastor Dan West, Phyllis Verducci, Sally Chester, Valerie Seifert and Mary Liguori.
Grandma’s Place is an emergency foster shelter for children, from birth to the age of 12, who have been removed from their homes by the Department of Children & Families due to abuse or neglect. Grandma’s Place is the only shelter for boys and girls from birth to age 12 in Palm Beach County. For more information, call Executive Director Roxanne Jacobs at (561) 408-3060, e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.facebook.com/GrandmasPlacePB.
ABOVE: Sue Ellen Clarfeld, Lou Ann Wilson-Swan, George Swan Jr., Cibi Hoffman and Dina Rubio.
