PALM BEACH, FL – Furthering a profession founded on compassion and excellence, eight area nurses were honored by the Palm Healthcare Foundation during the 2012 Distinction Awards.

Angela Prestia, chief nursing officer for Good Samaritan Medical Center and a 2012 Nursing Distinction Award nominee; and Diana Smith, patient care administrator for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, were chairmen of the event. Lois Gackenheimer was honorary chair.

Adrienne Fransas, Anna Kiger

More than 450 people attended the program, held at The Breakers, honoring registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, nursing assistants, nursing students and leaders of the nursing community.

A committee of 30 selected the eight honorees from over 100 nominations submitted by healthcare professionals and patients/families. Winners were chosen on the basis of dedication to excellence in an area of expertise beyond the scope of their jobs, commitment to the profession of nursing and a sense of community.

Suzanne Boyd, co-anchor at WPEC 12, was Mistress of Ceremonies. Presenting the awards were Diana Smith; Anna Kiger, vice president for Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer of Tenet Healthcare Corporation; Jackie Lopez-Devine, chief clinical officer from Hospice of Palm Beach County; and Suzanne Pepper, from The Palm Beach Post.

“This event is about honoring and celebrating heroes,” said John Lacy, Palm Healthcare Foundation Board Chair. “Each of our Nursing Distinction Award winners has a story about being a champion to a patient, a family or a co-worker that rises far above the call of duty.”

John Lacy, Patricia Liehr, Mark Cook

Nurse of the Year and Registered Nurse of the Year – Patricia Liehr, of the Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Leadership Award – Karin Hudson, of Jupiter Medical Center.

Nursing Student of the Year – Ana Salguero, of Palm Beach Atlantic University and Good Samaritan Medical Center.

Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year – Evette Montague, of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care.

Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year – Adrienne Fransas, of Veterans Affairs Medical.

Extra Mile award – Martha Eversfield, of St. Mary’s Medical Center. The award was sponsored by the Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

The Hands and Heart Award, recognizing a nurse who exemplifies compassion and caring in his or her practice of nursing and sponsored by Christine E. Lynn – Charmaine Lawton, of Good Samaritan Medical Center and Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Educator of the Year Award – Helaine Sherman, of Delray Medical Center.

The Nurse of the Year won a $1000 grand prize and a spa weekend at The Breakers in Palm Beach. Each category winner will receive a professional portrait in addition to her award.

Presenting sponsors for the 2012 Nursing Distinction Awards were Tenet and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care. Media sponsors were The palm Beach Post and Sunny 104.3 FM. The pre-event sponsor was Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Palm Healthcare Foundation, Inc. chartered in 2001, funds solutions to improve health in Palm Beach County. Since 2001, the foundation has distributed $45 million to more than 95 non-profit organizations in Palm Beach County operating over 130 programs. For more information, visit palmhealthcare.org or call (561) 837-2278.

Photos by Bill Carley Photography.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – More than 50 brave community and business leaders donned crazy outfits for The Arc of Palm Beach County’s 2012 WILD Pants Party.

The fashion show, chaired by Florence Seiler and Margo Kohlhoff, was held at the Gardens Mall and also included music, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and raffle prizes.

More than 300 people attended the event, which raised more than $10,000 for The Arc’s various programs.

Event models included Edrick Barnes, Fred Brown, Jay Cashmere, Ed Chase, Dave Eusanio, Varick Foster, Brian Hickey, Jack Kaplan, Benjamin Klein, Jim Kohlhoff, Tom Meier, Cal Miller, Bob Papke, Michial Rachner, Steve Rothenberg, Peter and Josh Sandquist, Jordan Sherwood and Ryan Smith. Joe Girvan from ESPN 760 AM served as Emcee.

Sponsors for the March 29, 2012, event were Bloomingdales, Brio Tuscan Grille, ESPN 760 AM, Intracoastal Family Office, Jupiter Magazine, The Gardens Mall and The Palm Beacher.

Ann Baldwin, Mary Pankiewicz, Tommy Baldwin

For more information, call Kimberly McCarten at (561) 842-3213.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Can you reinterpret Tchaikovsky? Modernize Dvořák?

It’s tough to improve on the classics, but the Palm Beach Symphony brought modern-day star power to romantic favorites, marking the end of its season and the beginning of a tradition.

Performing at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the concert included a Tchaikovsky concerto and Dvořák symphony, conducted by Jahja Ling and featuring virtuoso pianist Lola Astanova.

Elaine and Jimmy Kay

The program, “Redefining the Romantics,” marked the end of the symphony’s 38th season, with hundreds of guests attending both the cultural pre-performance cocktail hour and the post-concert, inaugural gala. More than 900 symphony aficionados enjoyed the concert.

Astanova, known as the “Lady Gaga” of classical music, brought passion and excitement to her performance. She is among the most watched virtuoso performers in the world, with her original piano arrangements attempted by many other pianists.

Guest conductor Jahja Ling’s prolific career has earned him worldwide acclaim for his musical integrity and depth of expression. Now in his eighth season as music director of the San Diego Symphony, he has been praised for his live performances, and local and national broadcasts and recordings, and he has received official recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The addition of our guest performers to the symphony created a powerful dramatic presence on stage that lifted the audience from their seats after each work,” said Michael Finn, the recently appointed executive director of the Palm Beach Symphony.

Doris Hastings, Dale and Marietta McNulty

Matt Dine, culture photographer for The New York Times and principal oboist with the American Ballet Theater and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, exhibited his photographs of world-famous musicians during the cocktail hour. Emanuele Viscuso, famed sculptor and musician, featured his pieces, “Solid Music,” which he described as a physical representation of the musical sound.

The first-ever gala included a three-course dinner catered by The Breakers’ Special Impressions, dancing to live music and mingling with the artists. The setting was created by Michael Ereshena/The Special Event Design Group in the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion.

“It was truly a fantastic evening, and there is a great sense of excitement as we continue to shape the future of the symphony in Palm Beach,” said Dale McNulty, president of the Palm Beach Symphony Board of Directors.

Click photographs to enlarge.

The Palm Beach Symphony offers community performances of its full orchestra, chamber orchestra and soloists. It is a member of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

PALM BEACH, FL – Cocktails were poolside and a gourmet buffet-style dinner was served on the terrace as the Intracostal Waterway provided a stunning backdrop for an evening honoring major contributors to Dana-Farber’s annual Discovery Celebration.

Jeff and Gina Sabean

Long-time Dana-Farber supporters Nassrine and Norman Traverse opened their new Palm Beach home for the celebration. Guests enjoyed live music from a six-piece band throughout cocktails and dinner.

More than 55 supporters attended the evening on March 12, 2012, including Sandra Fishman, Vicki and Arthur Loring, Patty and Anthony Myura, Ronnie Nagler, Georgia Pappas, Jim Pappas, Hilary Rubin, Gilda and Alfred Slifka, Nancy Yanofsky, Marcia Yanofsky and Marie Zano.

The 21st Annual Discovery Celebration to benefit Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund was held Feb. 18, 2012, at The Mar-a-Lago Club. More than 325 civic, business, and philanthropic leaders from south Florida and New England attended the program, entitled, “A European Gala & Musical Evening,” which raised more than $1.5 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber.

Dr. Edward Benz, Nassrine and Norman Traverse

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute. It provides adult cancer care with Brigham and Women’s Hospital as Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center and it provides pediatric care with Children’s Hospital Boston as Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center.

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The Jimmy Fund solely supports Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research to improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world. It is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, as well as the official charity of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, and the Variety Children’s Charity of New England.

BOCA RATON, FL – Since 1881, victims of catastrophes have turned to the American Red Cross for help. But who does the Red Cross count on?

The Gold Coast American Red Cross Angels, for one.

Celebrating its founding in 1987 by Rita Hobbs, the Angels held their 25th annual Mad Hatters program at the Boca Country Club.

Bonnie Mason is president of the American Red Cross South County Angels.

Paul Zukolski

The event raised more than $8,000.00 for the American Red Cross.

Proceeds from the annual event, held March 7, 2012, are dedicated to helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

For more information, call (561) 447-4478.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Would you brake for a 200-person-long conga line on a red carpet?

That was the scene for motorists along Okeechobee Boulevard, many of whom slowed to witness scores of tropically clad guests dancing their way into the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion for the start of the Palm Beach Dramaworks fundraiser, “A Hot Night in Havana at the Tropicana.”

The celebration, co-chaired by Jan Willinger and Don and Linda Silpe, benefitted West Palm Beach’s only professional theater company.

The pavilion faithfully incorporated the Latin theme throughout the evening.

Sue Ellen Beryl, William Hayes

Initially, guests were treated to cocktails in a tropical-garden setting reminiscent of the Tropicana’s Havana neighborhood. Then they moved into the grand ballroom, which was transformed into the legendary nightclub with floor-to-ceiling high Royal Palms, exotic flowers and even native birds.

The evening continued with Producing Artistic Director William Hayes inviting Palm Beach Dramaworks Board Chairman Mark Perlberg to the stage. Both honored long-time supporter Ed Ricci with the fifth annual “Shelly Award” for his support.

Grammy award-winner “Tomasito” Cruz and his Salsa/Tropical Rhythms Orchestra and Stage Show had guests toe-tapping and shaking maracas in the nightclub setting, glowing in shades of tropical gold and green light, with tables topped with prize-winning birds of paradise.

Linda and Don Silpe, Jan Willinger

Sponsors for the March 17, 2012, program were acknowledged by Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl. Don and Linda Silpe and Jan Willinger also welcomed the guests and thanked their Gala Committee, including Calla and Ralph Guild, Roy Bartolomei and Peter Wronsky, Penny and Mitchell Beers, Susan Bloom, Hon. Ann and Don Brown, Peter Cromarty, Esther and Sidney Dinerstein, Hermine Drezner and Jan Winkler, PNC Bank, Daphne and Robert Fessler, Mimi and Alec Flamm, Beth and Mark Goldberg, Kelly and Michael Gottlieb, Roe Green, Lois and Allan Hutensky, Northern Trust Company, Dorothy Lappin, Sidney Lesowitz and Peter Rogers, Hon. Mary Lupo and Ed Ricci, Zelda and Allen Mason, Pamela and Brian McIver, Marilyn Meyerhoff, Diane and Mark Perlberg, Stephanie and John Pew, Marsha and Stephen Rabb, Ann Marie and Peter Rezzonico, Linda and Jay Rosenkranz, Shari Santell, Marlene and Martin Silver, Selma and Joseph Sitrick, David Veselsky and Kenneth Elias and Shelia and Larry Wilensky.

Special Impressions catered the Cuban-inspired dinner, and the program was planned by designer Peter Rogers.

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Photos by Alicia Donelan.

PALM BEACH, FL – The Salvation Army celebrated its 90th anniversary in Palm Beach County with its annual Hearts of Gold luncheon at the Sailfish Club.

Co-chairs were Carol Brummett and Maria Mamlouk. Henry “Budge” Jamison sponsored The Salvation Army at the club.

Palm Beach County historian and lawyer Harvey E. Oyer, III discussed the history of Palm Beach County and The Salvation Army’s long record of achievement in the community. Luncheon sponsors included Ackerman, Link & Sartory and Phyllis Freed.

Carol Brummett, Maria Mamlouk, Nan Gallagher

The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County has been serving area residents since 1922. It is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.
For more information, call (561) 686-3530.

Photos by Budge Jamison.

PALM BEACH, FL – Oceanographer and explorer Robert Ballard showed off rare deep-sea video and regaled a rapt audience of South Florida Science Museum supporters with stories from a few of his underwater adventures.

The discoverer of the sunken R.M.S. Titanic and German battleship Bismarck was the featured speaker at the museum’s sold-out gala, “What Lies Beneath: An Evening of Nautical Mystery and Adventure,” held at The Breakers.

Heath and Karly Randolph

The evening began with a cocktail reception in the courtyard before guests moved to the Circle Dining Room, where waves of blue lights floated around the room and glass fish were placed at every place setting. Host Committee Chairmen Liz and Matt Fifield announced the museum’s expansion plans and challenged guests to help stock the museum’s expanding aquarium by sponsoring a fish. More than 85 fish were purchased by guests.

“Bob’s rare video footage of huge sea worms living deep in the Marianna Trench, where life previously was thought to be nonexistent, was a complete eye-opener,” said Lew Crampton, president and CEO of the museum. “Bob’s overall message – we live on a fragile planet that one day may not be able to accommodate us anymore – will resonate with us for years to come.”

Afsy and Carter Pottash

Honorary chairs for the 2012 gala, held March 30, 2012, were Frances Fisher, Matthew Lorentzen and John Niblack. Host Committee chairmen were Liz and Matthew Fifield, Allison and Stuart Haft, Afsy and Carter Pottash and Heath Randolph.

Presenting sponsor for the event was PNC Wealth Management. Corporate sponsors were Betteridge, FPL, Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach and Wells Fargo Private Bank. Media sponsor was Palm Beach Illustrated.

Founded in 1961 by the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, the non-profit museum features more than 50 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, as well as natural history exhibitions. More than 125,000 people visit the museum each year, and the museum reaches more than 45,000 students through on-site workshops and outreach programs to local schools.

For more information, call (561) 832-1988 or visit the South Florida Science Museum.

Click photos to enlarge.

Photos by Lucien Capehart Photography.

For Patrick Park, the performance by Ling and Lola Astanova at the Kravis Center caps a plan that has its roots from when he was a boy.

“It will be quite a sensation,” predicted Park, a major supporter of the Palm Beach Symphony and countless other area charities.

Patrick Park

“It’s nice to have both,” he said.

Casting a wide net

While Park has supported numerous health-related organizations, such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, the American Heart Association and many others, his passion for the arts runs deep.

Beginning at age 14, he immersed himself in piano studies, though he realized he was getting a relatively late start for someone who aspired to be a world-class musician.

“From day one, I was at the piano every minute I could spare,” he said. “It was hard to do. A lot of great pianists start when they’re 5 or 6.”

After growing up in Interlochen, Michigan, home of the renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts, he studied music and economics at Oberlin College.

“I really went through it for the music,” he said. “The economics part was horrible. I did a couple music festivals there. I continued to study, and went back 10 years later. I’ve always kept my hands in it.”

Support in Palm Beach

Park moved to Palm Beach in 1998 and immersed himself in a large number of wide-ranging charities, from Planned Parenthood and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts to the Humane Society, Palm Beach Opera and numerous other groups.

His outlook, he says, is grounded by a few key principles.

“Never get ahead of yourself. Never develop a super ego and never feel that you’re important. It should be other people who are important,” he said.

When Park isn’t in Palm Beach, he spends time with his family in Portland, Oregon. He visits his daughters, 31 and 29, and in the summer, he enjoys visiting Europe.

Professionally, he serves his family’s company, the Park Corporation, in marketing. The company is involved with numerous manufacturing operations as well as real estate. Park was instrumental in converting a 2.2-million-square-foot manufacturing plant, which once churned out tanks for use in World War II and the Korean War, into a world-class exhibition center in Cleveland, Ohio. Known as the International Exposition Center, it’s adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Power of prayer

Is there an aspect to Park that people would be surprised to know?

“Other than music, I pray a lot. I believe in the power of prayer. You don’t have to be in a synagogue or church. It’s the idea that we always need help from God. It helps us get through the day,” said.

The great influences in his life, he said, are his parents. “They’ve been tremendous,” he said. And a crucial aspect of his success is the quality of people around him.

“I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of great people,” he said. “I think surrounding yourself with people who have good ethics is important. You are who you surround yourself with.”

For more on the Palm Beach Symphony’s “Redefining the Romantics,” with pianist Lola Astanova and guest conductor Jahja Ling, visit “Inaugural Symphony Gala to Feature Classical Lady Gaga.”

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – They celebrated 20 years of performances with a show of their own.

In a gala befitting the venue, original patrons joined with other supporters to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein

Multi Grammy-award winner Chris Botti was the featured entertainer, and the renowned trumpeter shared in the buoyant spirit of the evening. He invited John Kessler, the performance sponsor, to join him on drums for a closing number, which they built to a vibrant percussive crescendo.

Afterward, guests entered the Gimelstob Ballroom, which was decorated in the style of Old Hollywood, where they were greeted by the DeLaCreme Orchestra. Another treat followed as Kravis Center staffers, from every department, joined with a group of student dancers from several local high schools to perform a “flash mob” dance routine. Rachel Bergner, dance teacher from The Benjamin School, choreographed the rousing performance.

“Each and every year the Kravis Center has given us something special to remember. But we could never have done it without our patrons and supporters,” said Kravis Center Board Chair William A. Meyer. “People count on the Kravis Center being here. It is our cultural icon and we have an obligation and responsibility to ensure the long-term fiscal stability of the Center with a strong permanent endowment.”

'Flash mob' celebrates Kravis Center at 20

The Kravis Center estimates more than 8 million people have attended shows there since its opening, and its budget has increased from $9 million in 1992 to $24 million this year.

This year’s Gala chairs included Jeffrey Bateman, Michael J. Bracci, Mark E. Freitas, Christopher E. Havlicek, Harriet Hoffman, Irene Karp, John H. Kessler, Ted Mandes, Jane M. Mitchell, Monika Preston and Kathryn C. Vecellio.

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Proceeds from the Gala benefit the Kravis Center’s Annual Operating Campaign that supports its education and outreach activities.