<![CDATA[NORTH PALM BEACH LIFE - Blogs]]>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:34:35 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Tax Collector Employees Donate More Than $16K]]>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:27:38 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/tax-collector-employees-donate-more-than-16kPicture
(Press Release) West Palm Beach, Fla. – Constitutional Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon is proud to announce that employees of the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s organization donated $16,043.66 in 2025 to benefit Living Hungry, a local non-profit dedicated to ending food insecurity for homeless students in Palm Beach County schools.

A formal check presentation took place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Tax Collector’s Administrative Office in Downtown West Palm Beach.  "Through our Community Involvement program employees are committed to making a positive change to the community," said Gannon. "I am proud of their charitable spirit and their commitment to ensure our local homeless students receive support."
A hallmark of the organization’s Community Involvement program is that every dollar and item donated comes directly from the staff. No public tax dollars are used. Funds are generated through the "Dress Down for Charity" program, where employees contribute to dress down on designated days, as well as other internal fundraising activities throughout the year.

In addition to the financial contribution, employees collected more than 2,500 items for "good time packs" to support children during the summer months.  These “good time packs” included books, journals, travel games, and snack food for the students.

"I continue to be impressed by the compassion shown by the Tax Collector’s team," said Maura Plante, Founder of Living Hungry. "Our local homeless children are so deserving of this support. These contributions will directly nourish the potential of students who need it most."

Read more about the Tax Collector’s community involvement at: https://www.pbctax.gov/about-us/#community.
]]><![CDATA[Easter at Gary Rack's Farmhouse Kitchen]]>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:01:42 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/easter-at-gary-racks-farmhouse-kitchenPictureCarrot Cake Waffle
Credit Alissa Dragun Photography
(Press Release) BOCA RATON & DELRAY BEACH — One of the first in the Palm Beaches to pioneer an ingredient-focused, seed-to-stomach approach to seasonal American fare and a “just good food” sensibility, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen is commemorating Easter with a trio of mouth-watering brunch specials prepared by seasoned executive chef Demetrio Zavala, an eight-time Chopped champion, who has made myriad heart-pulsating appearances and won on Food Network shows like Beat Bobby Flay and Guy's Grocery Games "Tournament of Champions."
Easter weekend at Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen will feature a Carrot Cake Waffle ($16), made with walnuts, carrots, whipped vanilla cream cheese, and bourbon-raisin syrup; Heirloom Carrot Shakshuka ($19), featuring curry chickpeas and carrots topped with sunny-side-up eggs; and Halibut ($42), served pan-fried with leek velouté, potatoes, artichoke agrodolce, and spring onions.

In addition to the holiday exclusives, guests can select from myriad Farmhouse favorites, including roasted Faroe Island salmon with lemon-caper aioli and roasted butternut squash hash; steak frites with arugula and herb butter; and pan-seared nutty chicken with roasted brussels sprouts, mushrooms, cauliflower, and mustard vinaigrette. For an indulgent finale, dive into one of Gary Rack’s plate-scraping desserts, from decadent flourless chocolate cake to fork-fight-worthy carrot cake.

Easter brunch specials will be available Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen is located at 399 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432, and 204 E Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444. For more information, call 561-826-2625 for Boca Raton or 561-266-3642 for Delray Beach. 
]]><![CDATA[$5 Million Generated for Promise Fund]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:09:02 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/5-million-generated-for-promise-fundPictureNancy Brinker and Eric Brinker
Photo: Capehart
(Press Release) Palm Beach, FL (March 12, 2026) — Promise Fund recently hosted its annual Major Donor Dinner and Awards Celebration at Club Colette in Palm Beach, bringing together nearly 150 community leaders, philanthropists, and healthcare advocates committed to expanding access to lifesaving breast and cervical cancer care for women across Palm Beach, Broward, and Martin counties.
A defining moment of generosity unfolded when global cancer advocate and breast cancer survivor Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker and her son Eric Brinker announced a $1 million commitment to the Promise Fund. Their leadership gift sparked a wave of philanthropy that helped bring the organization’s fundraising total for the season to $5 million in support of its lifesaving mission.

The evening opened with a moving performance of the National Anthem by Miss America Cassie Donegan, setting the tone for a celebration rooted in the shared belief that a woman’s income, ZIP code, or access to healthcare should never determine her chance of surviving cancer.
Promise Fund Board Member James “Chip” DiPaula, who sponsored the evening’s dinner, welcomed guests and reflected on the organization’s continued growth, including the expansion of breast and cervical cancer screenings and patient navigation services across additional communities in South Florida.
One of the evening’s early highlights recognized Dr. Herbert Wertheim, whose $500,000 winning bid for a historic 2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR (Serial No. 1) generated significant support for the organization’s screening and navigation programs. The motorcycle had been generously donated by the Younessi family.

Promise Fund also presented the inaugural Dariyan Younessi Next Generation Leader in Philanthropy Award to Dariyan Younessi, founder of the student-led initiative Driven by the Promise, launched at Oxbridge Academy to inspire young people to support the organization’s mission. The honor carried special meaning, as the evening coincided with the anniversary of the passing of Younessi’s grandmother, who died of breast cancer before he was born. Accepting the award in her memory, Younessi shared that although he never met her, her story continues to inspire his commitment to helping ensure other families do not experience the same loss.

The Daniel E. Ponton Excellence in Community Service Award was presented by Nicki Harris to Yvonne and Nasser Kazeminy, recognized for their extraordinary philanthropic leadership and longstanding commitment to strengthening healthcare access within the community.

The program also included a tribute honoring the legacy of the late Irwin Levy, generously sponsored by Ellen Levy alongside Stacey and Mark Levy, longtime supporters of Promise Fund’s bridge lighting tradition. In past years, the initiative illuminated Palm Beach’s Royal Park Bridge in pink to raise awareness of the Promise Fund and the importance of early detection in the fight against women’s cancers.

Later in the evening, the Betty Ford Trailblazer Award was presented posthumously by Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former First Lady Betty Ford, to Dr. Michael Zinner, founding CEO and Executive Medical Director of the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida. A renowned surgical oncologist and visionary healthcare leader, Dr. Zinner played a pivotal role in advancing cancer care in South Florida and was a strong supporter of the Promise Fund’s work to expand access to screenings and treatment. The award was accepted on behalf of Baptist Health by Joe Natoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

During the program, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker returned to the stage alongside her son Eric Brinker to announce a $1 million commitment from the Goodman-Brinker Family Foundation in honor of her parents, Ellie and Marvin Goodman, and her sister, Susan Goodman Komen.

“This mission has always been deeply personal for our family,” Brinker said. “When we see the lives being changed and the women who are receiving care because of the Promise Fund, we know this work matters. Our hope is that this gift helps ensure that more mothers, daughters, and sisters can live long, healthy lives.”

The announcement sparked an outpouring of additional support during the evening’s Call to the Heart moment, with leadership commitments of $100,000 from Michele and Howard Kessler, David Brodsky, and James “Chip” DiPaula. By the conclusion of the appeal, the room had collectively raised $501,000 in additional contributions.

In a powerful closing gesture, Dr. Herbert Wertheim stood and announced that he would match the $1 million commitment made earlier by Nancy and Eric Brinker, bringing guests to their feet and underscoring the extraordinary generosity that defined the evening.

Guests concluded the celebration with dessert and a live performance by Broadway stars celebrating “50
Years of Rock & Roll,” underwritten by Yvonne and Nasser Kazeminy, providing a memorable finale to the evening.

Event sponsors included James “Chip” DiPaula, Heritage Auctions, Brioni Palm Beach, the Morton and Grace Bender Family, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Sweeter Collective, Hologic, Baptist Health Cancer Care, Quantum Foundation, and Braman Motorcars.

Proceeds from the evening support Promise Fund’s efforts to expand access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostics, and treatment navigation, helping ensure that women receive care earlier, when it is most effective.
]]><![CDATA[Masterworks Chorus Sets 'Carmina Burana']]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:51:48 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/masterworks-chorus-sets-carmina-buranaPicturePhoto: Ryan Arnst
(Press Release) March 12, 2026 (Palm Beach, Fla.) — Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches will set the stage ablaze during its next performance, with an epic rendition of Carmina Burana on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach.

Written by Carl Orff in 1936, Carmina Burana includes unforgettable favorites including O Fortuna--which has been used in countless popular media such as Star Wars. The score was inspired by a medieval manuscript discovered in a Bavarian monastery—a collection of poems about earthly pleasures, extravagance, passionate love, and the cruel randomness of fate.
Audiences will feel thunderous chords and energizing rhythms from Masterworks’s dynamic 70-voice chorus, accompanied by two pianos and the Florida Atlantic University Percussion Ensemble, directed by Professor Matthew Nichols.

Three professional musicians will perform solos, including Dr. Goetzemang Lehobye, soprano, Dr. Mitchell Hutchings, baritone, and Leo Williams, tenor. Orff subtitled Carmina Burana as a "scenic cantata” in his intention to stage the work with dance. Special guest Sara Salivar and student dancers from The Benjamin School will realize this movement.

“Few works begin with such electrifying force as O Fortuna, the first movement of Carmina Burana,” said Bryan Ijames, artistic director of Masterworks Chorus. “Starting with the pounding on an ancient drum, this haunting cantata celebrates life's unpredictability. Carmina is the perfect introduction to classical music. We invite community members of all ages to join us for this exhilarating afternoon of musical storytelling.”

General admission starts at $35 per person. Sponsorships are also available. To purchase tickets, visit masterworkspb.org. Carmina Burana is generously sponsored by CIBC Private Wealth, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, and Palm Beach County.
]]><![CDATA[Legendary Drummer Coming to Boca for Event]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:27:59 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/legendary-drummer-coming-to-boca-for-eventPictureMax Weinberg
(Press Release) BOCA RATON, Fla. (March 1, 2026) — The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County will host An Evening with Max Weinberg on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. at The Studio at Mizner Park in Boca Raton, featuring the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer’s high-energy interactive “Jukebox Concert Experience” in a special community event benefiting the Federation’s Annual Campaign.
With a career spanning five decades, Max Weinberg is best known as the longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. He has also served as bandleader for late night TV Host Conan O’Brien and toured internationally with his own ensemble. Weinberg’s signature Jukebox Concert Experience is a fully interactive performance in which the audience creates the setlist in real time. Using a video menu of more than 200 songs from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, attendees call out their selections as Weinberg performs them on the spot, creating a spontaneous celebration of rock’s greatest hits.

While the performance promises an unforgettable night of classic rock, the evening’s purpose is equally powerful, bringing the community together to support the Federation’s Annual Campaign, which provides critical support to more than 70 beneficiary agencies locally, in Israel and around the world, sustaining essential social services, strengthening Jewish identity and education, and responding to emerging community needs.

“Our community is known for showing up for one another when it matters most,” said Igor Alterman, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “This evening is about coming together, enjoying great music and making sure we can continue to care for the people who rely on us every day.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. with cocktails and light bites, followed by the program, moderated conversation and the Jukebox concert. Tickets are $180 per person. Dietary laws will be observed. Seating is limited and expected to sell out. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit jewishboca.org/maxweinberg or contact alexce@jewishboca.org.

The evening is chaired by David Pratt and Mark Schaum, with Bruce Dan serving as Campaign Chair. Corporate sponsorship opportunities remain available. McDermott Will & Schulte is among the generous sponsors supporting the event.
]]><![CDATA[Model Volleyball Celebrates 16th Year]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:39:50 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/model-volleyball-celebrates-16th-yearPicture
(Press Release) ​Miami Beach, FL – March 9, 2026 – Model Volleyball celebrates its 16th year with its most ambitious evolution yet: a two-day beachfront collaboration with the iconic Club Space, transforming 9th Street and Ocean Front into a daytime-to-sunset cultural takeover.

Taking place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 from 12PM to 11PM, Model Volleyball x Club Space merges high-energy beach volleyball with world-class electronic music, creating an immersive open-air experience directly on the sand.
Now a staple in Miami’s cultural calendar, Model Volleyball has grown from a grassroots tournament into a signature destination event drawing athletes, creators, tastemakers, and global brands to Miami Beach each spring.

The event brings together Miami’s leading modeling agencies for a two-day co-ed tournament, with support from the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority.

With participation from 10 of Miami’s top model agencies and more than 250 competing models, and music from 20 world renowned DJs at an active dancefloor all day, curated by Club Space, the 16th anniversary edition is set to be the largest and most dynamic in the event’s history.

Each day begins at noon with doors opening and volleyball matches underway, as DJ sets activate the beach throughout the afternoon. 

At 6PM, the volleyball courts clear and the dancefloor expands across the sand, carrying the energy into the evening until 11PM.

Oceanfront tables and VIP hospitality areas are positioned between the courts and the main stage, offering direct sightlines to both the athletic competition and headline performances.

With its 16th edition, Model Volleyball continues to redefine what a beach sporting event can be — seamlessly integrating sport, music, nightlife culture, and premium brand experiences in one of the most iconic waterfront locations in the world.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Club Space to create something truly memorable for the Miami Beach community,” said Olivia Ormos, co-founder of Model Volleyball. “Bringing together 16 years of Model Volleyball with world-class music directly on the sand feels like a natural evolution and a celebration of the city that’s supported us from the very beginning.”

Returning for another high-energy year, BANG Energy will keep spectators fueled with custom guest experiences. 

The exclusive VIP Model Volleyball x Club Space Beach Deck will offer 25 premium tables with prime views of the volleyball action and the iconic Miami Beach coastline—where you never know who you might rub shoulders with. 

Think Hospitality & The Plymouth South Beach, the official hotel & venue partner, will host private special events and guests throughout the weekend. 

iHeartMedia will be returning as the event's marquee media partner for the 10th consecutive year.

mavn, the disruptive tech platform revolutionizing influencer marketing, will offer VIP guests an exclusive, customized social media experience with an oasis of curated activations designed to elevate content creation and brand storytelling.

Participating agencies include Wilhelmina, Next, Elite, Select, Source, BMG, mavn, Caroline Gleason, Ford & Wire —all competing for ultimate bragging rights and the coveted Model Volleyball Championship title.

Stay tuned for official announcements & who will bring home the W. See you on the sand!
 
Follow @ModelVolleyball  @spacemiami

Past VIP guests have included Vince Vaughn, Jamie Foxx, DNCE, Joe Jonas, Flo Rida, Rob Gronkowski, Travis Scott, Calvin Klein, Cedric The Entertainer, Brody Jenner, James Marsden, Adriana Lima, Michael Bay, Chris Massey, Rohan Marley, Chanel Iman, Nina Agdal, Nick Bateman, Shawne Merriman, Reggie Bush, Dwayne Wade, Swae Lee, Geoff Stults, Josh Hopkins, DeRay Davis & 2012 USA Olympic Silver Medalist’s Jennifer Kessy & April Ross.
]]><![CDATA[Beachway Holistic Wellness Center to Launch]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:31:44 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/beachway-holistic-wellness-center-to-launch9924112PictureBeachway Holistic Wellness Center
(Press Release) West Palm Beach, Fla. (March 11, 2026)— Beachway Therapy Center will unveil a major addition to its award-winning recovery and treatment facility located in downtown West Palm Beach: a newly constructed wellness building and grounds designed to enhance trauma-informed, whole-person care for individuals in recovery. The new ‘Beachway Holistic Wellness Center’ will mark a meaningful evolution in integrative behavioral health treatment.
An open house to unveil the new facilities will be held on Thursday, March 19 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and will include a wellness tea bar, intention card station, walkthroughs of the new space, guided meditations and sound healing, breathwork and sound bowls, wellness bites and a clinician Q & A. Beachway is located at 1700 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401.

Unlike traditional treatment environments, the standalone wellness building and Zen-inspired garden spaces have been intentionally designed to support nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and connection. It will serve as a dedicated space for holistic programming and therapeutic groups within a calm, restorative setting.

Key features include:
  • A dedicated massage therapy suite
  • Meditation and mindfulness space
  • An on-site salon supporting dignity and self-care
  • Purpose-built areas for experiential and integrative therapies

“Beachway Holistic Wellness Center will support nervous system regulation by helping clients develop greater awareness of their physiological state. Through our resilience groups, clients learn to reduce chronic muscle tension and shift out of survival-based responses. Cultivating a relaxed muscle body becomes a foundational skill that supports emotional regulation, improved stress tolerance, and sustained recovery,” said Carrie Carlton, Beachway’s Chief Clinical Officer.

Beachway will also introduce or expand wellness initiatives within the space, which include sound healing, body-based trauma therapies, mindfulness practices, and other experiential modalities. Beachway Holistic Wellness Center reflects a growing demand among patients and families for environments that feel restorative rather than clinical; spaces that actively support healing beyond traditional therapy rooms.
]]><![CDATA[Artist Innovation Fellowships Awarded]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:26:39 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/artist-innovation-fellowships-awarded ]]><![CDATA['Rising Stars' Coming to Boca Raton]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:21:36 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/rising-stars-coming-to-boca-ratonPicture
(Press Release) BOCA RATON, FL:  The legendary National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) will join forces with B’nai Torah Congregation to unveil the Boca Raton premiere of Rising Stars - a thrilling showcase celebrating the vibrant future of Yiddish culture featuring a group of breathtakingly talented young performers.

The performance, which will take place at B’nai Torah Congregation on Sunday, March 22nd at 2 pm, will feature internationally acclaimed conductor/composer/pianist Zalmen Mlotek, Artistic Director of NYTF, along with special guest star Cantor Magda Fishman, who will serve as the musical director and featured vocalist for the event, bringing her powerful, soulful voice to the B’nai Torah stage.

However, at the heart of the event are the true “rising stars” themselves: Yair Keydar, Margot Weintraub, Riki Rose, and Mia Twill, a remarkable group of young performers proudly rooted in their Jewish heritage and already headed toward Broadway, concert halls, and other major stages. Their energy, talent, and emotional connection to their material promises an afternoon of joy, nostalgia, and inspiration for audiences of all ages.

Yair Keydar is a 12-year-old musical theater prodigy who gained national attention as a standout contestant in the Music Juniors category of Netflix’s reboot of “Star Search,” where his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence repeatedly impressed the celebrity judges and audiences. The son of cantor Magda Fishman, he has performed with his mother since early childhood in synagogues and at concerts, experiences that helped shape his Star Search success and emerging New York stage career." 

Margot Weintraub is an up and coming actress appearing in Off-Broadway productions and television, known for her talent, stage presence, and growing work in theater and on screen; Riki Rose is a Yiddish singer and entertainer from the Satmar community in Williamsburg, known for her powerful voice and viral hit “Utem Arein Utem Arois” (“Breathe In, Breathe Out”’; and Mia Twill is a budding violinist with heart.

“Rising Stars is more than a performance - it's a beacon for Yiddishkayt's enduring legacy,” says Avi Hoffman, award-winning actor and founder of Yiddishkayt Initiative. “Partnering with B’nai Torah and NYTF, we're empowering youth to carry the torch of our rich cultural heritage forward.”
Rising Stars will take place on Sunday, March 22nd at 2 pm at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton. 
The synagogue is located at 6261 SW 18th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33433.

Tickets to the event range in price from $36 to $54 and are available online at https://www.btcboca.org/rising-stars.
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]]><![CDATA[Young Performers Take Center Stage]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:06:58 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/blogs/young-performers-take-center-stage
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Photo ©Mary Stucchi Photography
(Press Release) ​West Palm Beach, Florida (March 10, 2026) — Hundreds of students are set to ignite the stage for two unforgettable nights showcasing the transformative power of the arts. This May, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts presents their two premier programs highlighting the artistic talents and creativity of local students. On Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m., the Kravis Center will host Spotlight on Young Musicians. Then, on Sunday, May 31 at 7 p.m., it’s a celebration of excellence in high school musical theater during the Kravis Center Dream Awards.
“The Kravis Center has a long history of serving as a springboard for thousands of talented young people in our community,” said Kravis Center Senior Director of Education, Tracy C. Butler. “We take pride in providing exceptional programming that supports their growth as artists and as individuals. These showcases, aside from being first-class programs, are a true testament to the power of the arts to transform lives.”

Presented in partnership with the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County, the School District of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association, Spotlight on Young Musicians, sponsored by Helen S. and Merrill L. Bank Foundation, has been a beloved tradition at the Kravis Center since 1992. The program has featured 40,000 student performers over the years, offering an inspiring evening of music and a platform to highlight outstanding school music programs. Tickets for the May 8 event are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
 
For the sixth year, the Kravis Center Dream Awards recognizes outstanding student achievement in musical theater productions. Held in Dreyfoos Hall, the non-stop night of spectacular showmanship culminates with two standout students selected to represent the region at The Jimmy Awards® (National High School Musical Theatre Awards™) in New York City. Participating schools must select productions from a pre-approved list to be eligible for consideration. Once again, the Kravis Center Dream Awards is generously sponsored by Ricki Gail Conway and The Doris & Stanley Tananbaum Foundation. Tickets for the May 31 event start at $17.25.
 
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Tickets may be purchased online at kravis.org, at the Box Office Monday-Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 561.832.7469.
 
To learn more about the Kravis Center’s education programs, visit kravis.org/education-community. To help support the Kravis Center’s education mission, call the development department at 561-651-4320 or visit kravis.org and click on Giving and Support.
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