Organizers planning the 21st annual Hanley Center Foundation Family Picnic are putting more “fun” in its fundraiser this year.
At a recent committee meeting, the group gathered to discuss entertainment for the family-friendly benefit, including a child-only silent auction, a tug-of-war competition and perhaps an inflatable obstacle course.
The picnic will take place on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the International Polo Club in Wellington. IPC is a new venue for the annual event, which will allow more opportunities to create memorable family fun. Money raised is earmarked to support the foundation’s research-based prevention programs in public and private schools, including many schools in Palm Beach County.
Led by chairs Michelle and Bob Diffenderfer; co-chairs Kai Li Fouts and Chris Jette; honorary chairs Dorothy and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, honorary media chairs Roxanne Stein of WPTV NewsChannel 5 and Jill and Rich Switzer from Legends Radio 100.3-FM, the 2016 family picnic committee also includes: Amy and Scott Angelo, Lyanne Azqueta, Jack Barrett, Todd Barron, Krista Basore, Turner Benoit, Ryan Bridger and Amy Royster, Karyn Cartledge, Susie Dwinell, Hailey Emmitt, Valerie Fennon, Charles Freeman, Kathryn Gillespie, Donna and Bob Goldfarb, Jennifer Herrington, Kelly Husak, Kim Koslow, Jean LaMarca, P.J. Layng, Lauren Lieberman, Brent Leslie, Celeste Lioce, Michele Martin, Paula Martin, Sandy McElveen, Celeste Miller, Colleen Orrico, Jillian Percella, Ruby Patterson, Judy Pipal, Michelle Poole, Liz Quinn, Amy and Drew Rothermel, Virginia Savietto, Eddie Schmidt and Ozzie Medeiros, Tracy Sherman, Courtney Tellier, Karen Vaughn, Scott Velozo, Deb Willard, Giselle Winter and Jereann Zann.
“The Hanley Center Foundation Family Picnic is all about coming together as a family,” said Kae Jonsons, CEO of the foundation. “Research shows that family time is time well spent when it comes to preventing substance abuse. We are proud to host this event for more than 20 years in our local community — fostering fun, but also valuable family discussions about substance abuse and prevention efforts in our community. Funds raised support our statewide prevention programming. Starting with this current school year, the foundation’s prevention funding will serve more than 40,000 students in nine Florida counties over the next three years.”
Sponsors of the Family Picnic include: Bee Understanding, Sarah Cortvriend Esq., Florida Power & Light Company, GL Homes, the Hanley Family Foundation, First Tee of the Palm Beaches, Legends 100.3-FM, Lewis Longman & Walker PA, LILA Photo, McLaughlin & Stern LLP, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Oceana Coffee, Searcy Denny Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA, Table 26, WPTV NewsChannel 5 and the South Florida Fair.
In addition to its substance use prevention and education programming, the Hanley Center Foundation provides scholarship aid to help families that cannot afford the hope that comes with recovery.
For more information about the family picnic or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.hanleycenterfoundation.org, e-mail events@hanleycenterfoundation.org or call (561) 841-1166. Tickets are $220 for adults (18 and over), $50 per child (4 to 17 years of age), and free for children 3 and under.
ABOVE: Event Chairs Michelle and Bob Diffenderfer
