Virtual Event Raises More Than $150,000 For Wellington B&G Club

Dr. Daxa Patel and Dr. Colette Brown-Graham

Separated by six feet or more, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s 33rd annual Wellington Dinner Dance “No Fuss Celebration” encompassed support from all over the nation. The virtual event raised more than $150,000 for Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington.

“This year’s Wellington Dinner Dance was different but instrumental in the growth of the club and our reach of youth in the western communities in Palm Beach County,” said Jaene Miranda, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “We are grateful for the chairmen and committee members’ time and dedication to help the next generation, even during this challenging time.”

The dance, which is generally the Wellington club’s largest fundraiser, took place on Jan 8 via Facebook Live, celebrating the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Topics included the organization’s pivots to meet needs during the pandemic, an update regarding future plans and a challenge to the community to get involved.

The “farm-to-table” theme encompassed the immediate life-sustaining needs addressed during the onset of COVID-19, food insecurities, health and wellness, and community sustainability. For the virtual event, local farm-fresh ingredients were sourced to create a delectable meal delivered to local supporters’ homes and offices to ensure proper social distancing and safety measures.

“It seems that in the most trying times, creativity can thrive and communities choose to come together for a greater good,” said Angie Payne, event chair for the Wellington Dinner Dance. “Thank you, Wellington friends, for being so receptive to the virtual fundraising format and for continuing to support such a great cause, even if it looked different this year.”

Coming together as co-chairs were Georgina Bloomberg, Daniel & Angie Payne, Dr. Luis & Rebecca Peña, and Dr. Carlos & Nelly Sanchez. Honorary chairs included Dr. Edward & Maria Becker, Josh & Consuelo DeTillio, Dr. Richard & Julia Giroux, John & Julie Kime, and Chris & Charlene Ramos. Committee members included Maria Becker, Jennifer Black, Consuelo DeTillio, Susan Ferraro, Julie Giroux, Nicolette Goldfarb, Dr. Colette Brown-Graham, Heidi Harland, Julie Khanna, Lillian Khanna, Julie Kime, Dr. Daxa Patel, Angie Payne, Tracy Priske and Charlene Ramos.

Sponsors included Georgina Bloomberg; the Evelyn V. McPherson Foundation; the Neil S. Hirsch Family Foundation; the Garrison Family Foundation; Nicolette Goldfarb; Julie & John Kime; Lizz & Mickey Smith; Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute of South Florida; Adams Coogler P.A.; Aegis Components Inc.; Complete Healthcare for Women Wellington; Dr. William Stechschulte; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Marley Goodman Overman; Morgan Stanley; and Palm Beach Urology Associates.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, visit www.bgcpbc.org or call (561) 683-3287.