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Mayors Ball News

From left: Mayors Ball Chairs: Jon & Bonnie Kaye, Honorary Chairs: Jessie & Alex Price

Rolling Out its Annual Celebratory

Royal Blue Carpet…

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton

Presents Eighth Black-tie Boca Raton Mayors Ball

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Boca Raton Airport Authority, Faulk Center, Marta Batmasian,
Boca Raton Regional Hospital to be Honored;
Event Proceeds to Fund Health and Wellness Needs of Boca Raton Nonprofits
Fulfilled Through Club’s “Service Above Self” (S.A.S.) Grant Program

Boca Raton, FL – In its grand tradition, The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton (RCDBR) will present its eighth Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball on Saturday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Boca West Country Club. Each year the black-tie gala draws generations of Boca Raton’s Who’s Who dignitaries, business and community leaders to a lavish and celebrated evening that pays homage to the City’s historic iconic milestones and honors all those, past and present, who have helped make Boca Raton the best place to live, work, learn, visit, heal and raise a family. Event proceeds fund the Club’s “Service Above Self” grant program that supports the health and wellness needs of Boca Raton nonprofits.

Attendees will once again dance the night away to the Steve Chase Band, honor George Long Award recipients, and raise funds through a high-energy live auction and an extensive silent auction. In special tribute to Boca’s pioneering agricultural heritage of the Yamato Colony, a decadent epicurean farm-to-table menu has been planned by the creative culinary collaboration of Boca West Country Club Executive Chef Paul Griffin and Michelin Star Chef Fabio Trabocchi, whose Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants group will be debuting Fiolina Pasta House Boca Raton this fall.

Spotlight on “Boca’s Best”
Centerstage will be the RCDBR’s annual spotlight on exemplary Boca Raton stakeholders and their achievements and contributions, as the Club recognizes their exceptional generosity of time, treasure and talent, and valued community efforts that elevate the City’s positioning and uplift its community-at-large. The 2023 Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton’s George Long Awards, named for the City’s first mayor, will be presented to:
   • Boca Raton Airport Authority (business category)
   • The Faulk Center for Counseling (nonprofit category)
   • Marta Batmasian (individual category)
In addition to the George Long Awards, the Club’s Dr. Ira Gelb Health & Wellness Visionary Award will be presented to Boca Raton Regional Hospital/Baptist Health South.

All “In It” to Support Health and Wellness Needs of Boca’s Nonprofits
Since the inaugural event in 2015, Mayors Ball proceeds have fulfilled more than $495,000 in health and wellness grant requests for dozens of Boca’s nonprofits. Distributed each year through a formal RCDBR “Service Above Self” grant application process, last year’s 2022 Mayors Ball proceeds fulfilled grant requests submitted by 24+ area nonprofits, as well as a percentage donated to Rotary International’s fund for Polio eradication.

“Everyone involved in and attending previous Mayors Balls should feel immensely proud of both our City and the contributions they make by support this gala event each year,” said 2023 Mayors Ball Co-Chair Jon A. Kaye “While we have been fortunate to generous proceeds to address many needs thus far, new challenges continue arise. Thus, with much excitement, we look forward to another sold-out event, and expect the dance floor to be filled and lots of smiles throughout the ballroom as together we celebrate all that is Boca!”

The 2023 Mayors Ball co-chairs are Bonnie S. Kaye and Jon A. Kaye, RCDBR charter member and past president 2015-2016, and honorary co-chairs are Jessie and Alex Price, who accepted the 2021 George Long Award on behalf Office Depot. The host committee includes current President and 2017 Mayors Ball Co-chair Kim Champion; President-Elect Bruce Spizler; Immediate Past President Jeff Weber; Past Presidents Alan Kaye (2012-2014) and Dr. Allen Konis (2019-2020); past Mayors Ball Co-chairs Ingrid Fulmer, Arlene Herson, Dyana Kenney, Constance Scott and Jonathan Whitney; Ann Brown; Stuart Fife; Shaheer Hosh; Doug Mithun; Marcia Mithun; Linda Petrakis; Michael Pierce; Ron Rubin; Howard Tai; Robin Trompeter; Feri Turker; Turi Turker; Gloria Wank and Marilyn Wilson. The annual event is produced by Kaye Communications PR & Marketing.

To date, 2023 sponsors include: The Wechsler Foundation, James H. & Marta T. Batmasian Family Foundation, E.M. Lynn Foundation, ADT, The Boca Raton, The Rudman Law Group, CP Group, YMCA SPBC, Boca Raton Regional Hospital/Baptist South, The Geo Group, Konis Family Dental, Sklar Furnishings, Premier Estate Properties, Viner Family Foundation, Transworld Business Advisors, Transworld Commercial, Wells Fargo Advisors, The Addison, Cristino Fine Jewelry, Kaye Communications PR & Marketing, Grigsby Design, Scott Grody Travel, Mithun Family Foundation, The Siegal Law Group and exclusive magazine sponsor: Boca Raton Magazine.

Founded in July 2012, The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton is dedicated to impacting the Boca Raton community through Rotary International’s mission of “Service Above Self.” The award-winning 501(c)3 nonprofit’s purpose is to make a difference in the community by enhancing the lives of many in an environment that embraces and promotes integrity, fellowship, and trust. The RCDBR is one of 46,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries connecting 1.4 million Rotarians around the globe. The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton meets weekly at the Embassy Suites in Boca Raton on Fridays at noon. For information on “health and wellness” fundraising initiatives and membership in the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, visit: www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org .

Mayors Ball tickets at $450 per person will go on sale Friday, September 1 at www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.orgFor sponsorship, underwriting opportunities and premier table reservations, visit www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org or contact Jon Kaye at 561-392-5166, ext.2; jkaye@kcompr.com or email  mayorsball@www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org.

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Honor Your Doctor News


Doctors of Distinction From left: Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Dr. Jeffrey Stein,
Christine E. Lynn, Dr. David Taub, Dr. Jeffrey Miller

More Than 190 Physicians Nominated

By The Community Recognized

at 25th Anniversary “Honor Your Doctor” Luncheon

Presented by the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, the Annual Spotlight on Healthcare Professionals Raised Scholarship Funds for Medical/Nursing Students

Boca Raton, FL – Breaking a 25-year record for the number of attendees and monies raised, Palm Beach County’s finest healthcare providers were celebrated at the 25th Anniversary “Honor Your Doctor” Luncheon (HYDL). Presented by the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton (RCDBR), the awards event, attended by more than 300 guests and physicians, was held March 29, 2023 the day before National Doctors Day at Boca West Country Club. In appreciation, each nominated doctor received a crystal globe on a pedestal engraved with his or her name. 

Due to an unprecedented nomination response, there was a three-way tie for the 2023 “Doctor of Distinction.” Receiving the most nominations this year were Dr. Jeffrey Miller, Dr. Jeffrey Stein and Dr. David Taub, all recognized as the 2023 “Doctors of Distinction.” The City of Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer declared luncheon day the “Dr. Jeffrey Miller, Dr. Jeffrey Stein and Dr. David Taub Day” in the City.  Each Doctor of Distinction was presented with a custom-designed sterling silver and blue sapphire Doctor of Distinction lapel pin designed by Grigsby Design and created by Shaheer Hosh, owner of Cristino Fine Jewelry; a proclamation from the Mayor; and a gift certificate for a dinner for four at Fiolina Pasta House Boca Raton restaurant, set to open this fall.

Annually, funds from HYDL that was founded by Helen M. Babione in 1998, are primarily raised in four ways. These include donation nominations made by patients and staff of their favorite doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who attend the luncheon as honored guests of the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton; corporate and philanthropist sponsorships; ticket sales and “Chance to Win” purchases. This year, a fifth opportunity was added, a “Bid for the Heart” that raised $80,000.

Proceeds help fund medical and nursing school scholarships presented by the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton for eligible students enrolled in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University and Palm Beach State College.

Club founding members and 2023 HYDL Co-Chairs Alan Kaye of Transworld Commercial Real Estate and Janice Williams of Matrix Home Care, LLC were supported by Honorary Chair Christine E. Lynn and a committee including Francesca Daniels; Howard Guggenheim; Gwen Herb; Arlene Herson; Shaheer Hosh; Jon Kaye, Samuel Kaye, Lori Ann Konis, Linda Petrakis, Michael Pierce, Maurice Plough, Jr.; Ron Rubin; Bruce Spizler; Feri  and Turhan Turker; Gloria Wank; Jeff Weber; Gale Wechsler; Linsey Willis and Teri Wolofsky.

In attendance were representatives from sponsors Elaine J. Wold; Marilyn and  Jay Weinberg; Boca Raton Regional Hospital/Baptist Health; Advanced Pediatrics of Boca Raton; Anthology Senior Living; Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU; Sun Capital Partner Foundation, Inc.; The Harbor Financial Group/Morgan Stanley; The Legacy at Boca Raton Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center; Transworld Business Advisors and Transworld Commercial Real Estate. Additional supporters included Kaye Communications (KCOM-PR); Scott Grody Travel; Grigsby Design; Matrix Home Care, LLC; Waterstone Resort & Marina; Boca West Country Club; Fabio Trabocchi Restaurant Group; Rapoport Restaurant Group and Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center.

Founded in July 2012 as part of Rotary District 6930 to support the health and wellness needs of its community, The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton is dedicated to impacting the Boca Raton community through Rotary International’s mission of “Service Above Self.”  Dedicated to making a difference in its community by enhancing the lives of many in an environment that embraces and promotes integrity, fellowship, and trust, the award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit also presents the Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball and N.O.W. (Nutrition On the Weekend) program. The RCDBR is one of 46,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries connecting 1.4 million Rotarians around the globe.

The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton meets weekly at the Embassy Suites in Boca Raton on Fridays at noon. For information on “health and wellness” fundraising initiatives and membership in the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, visit: www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org

For Honor Your Doctor sponsorship, underwriting opportunities and premier table reservations contact hyd@rotaryboca.org

From left: Alan Kaye, Christine E. Lynn, Janice Williams, Jeff Weber

 

 

Mayors Ball News

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Presents

Seventh Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball

Saturday, November 12th, 2022 at the Boca West Country Club

Event Proceeds to Serve Health and Wellness Needs of Boca Raton Nonprofits
Fulfilled Through Club’s “Service Above Self” (S.A.S.) Grant Program

BOCA RATON, FL (June 10, 2022) – Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton (RCDBR), the Club will be rolling out the “blue” carpet to a Tropical Paradise as it presents the seventh Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball, Saturday, November 12th at 6:30 p.m. at Boca West Country Club.  In its grand tradition, the black-tie gala will draw generations of Boca Raton’s Who’s Who dignitaries, business and community leaders to a lavish reception and dinner, dancing-the-night-away to the Steve Chase Band, George Long Award presentations, and exciting silent auction.

As the Mayors Ball serves as a coveted tribute to those who have helped make Boca Raton the best place to live, work, learn, visit, heal and raise a family, the proceeds raised fund grant requests from Boca Raton based non-profits whose communities have health and wellness needs.  Distributed through a formal RCDBR “Service Above Self” grant application process, proceeds from the Mayors Ball will fulfill grant requests submitted by area nonprofits, as well as a percentage donated to Rotary International’s fund for polio eradication.

The 2022 RCDBR Mayors Ball Co-chairs Rosie Inguanzo Martin and David Eltringham and the event host committee are looking forward to setting the stage for a continued spotlight on Boca Raton’s stakeholders and their achievements and contributions. The Honorary Chairs this year are 2021 Co-chair Jonathan Whitney and wife Nicole, and RCDBR Founding Member Shaheer Hosh and wife Gloria. The annual event is produced by Kaye Communications.

“Each year it is the generosity of Mayors Ball sponsors and attendees that makes a difference in the lives of so many,” said Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Mayors Ball Co-Chair David Eltringham. “Our club is so excited to again host this spectacular evening and expect the dance floor to be filled and lots of smiles throughout the ballroom as together we celebrate all that is Boca!”

According to Boca Raton Mayors Ball Co-Chair Rosie Inguanzo Martin, “The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton’s George Long Awards, named for the City’s first mayor, will be presented to ADT (for-profit), YMCA South Palm Beach County (nonprofit) and Eda & Cliff Viner (individual). Each is recognized for their continual efforts to support and promote Boca Raton. In addition to the George Long Awards, The Dr. Ira Gelb Health & Wellness Visionary Award will be presented to FAU Trustee, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council Chair and Chair Emeritus for Life of the Palm Beach County Medical Society Dr. Michael T.B. Dennis.”

Supporting the Co-Chairs and Honorary Co-Chairs, this year’s host committee includes current President Jon Carter, President-Elect Jeff Weber, past Mayors Ball co-chairs Kim Champion, Ingrid Fulmer, Arlene Herson, Jon Kaye, Dyana Kenney, and Constance Scott.  Additional committee members include Stuart Fife, Bruce Spizler, Gwen Herb, Alan Kaye, Allen Konis, Garcia Peters, Linda Petrakis, Ron Rubin, Howard Tai, Gloria Wank, Janice Williams, and Marilyn Wilson.

Founded in July 2012, The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton is dedicated to impacting the Boca Raton community through Rotary International’s mission of “Service Above Self”. The award-winning 501(c)3 nonprofit’s purpose is to make a difference in the community by enhancing the lives of many in an environment that embraces and promotes integrity, fellowship, and trust. The RCDBR is one of 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries connecting 1.2 million Rotarians around the globe.

While the Mayors Ball funds the RCDBR’s grant program, the Club also hosts the annual Honor Your Doctor Luncheon founded by Helen M. Babione.  Approaching its 25th year this event has recognized physician leadership and excellence while raising scholarship monies for students at Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, students at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University, healthcare students at Lynn University and Palm Beach State College.

For sponsorship and underwriting opportunities as well as ticket reservations, visit www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org  or contact Jon Kaye at 561-392-5166 email mail to: mayorsball@www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org  

 

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“Service Above Self” Grants

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Distributes $121,000
to 24 Non-profits Serving Greater Boca Raton
S.A.S. Grants Raised from Seventh Boca Raton Mayors Ball

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton “Service Above Self” Grant Recipients 

Boca Raton, FL May 16th, 2023 — Nonprofits serving the greater Boca Raton community selected to receive Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton (RCDBR) “Service Above Self” (S.A.S.) Grants were presented their funds at a recent weekly RCDBR meeting. Each had the opportunity to speak about their organization and how the monies will be used to help their constituents. Funds were raised from the 2022 Boca Raton Mayors Ball to specifically serve the health and wellness needs of nonprofits.

The organizations awarded grants were Adolph and Rose Levis JCC for its Special Needs Department, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), American Association for Caregiving Youth (AACY), American Disabilities Foundation Boating and Beach Bash, Best Foot Forward Foundation, City House, Faulk Center for Group Counseling, Fuller Centers, Habilitation Center for the Handicap, JARC, Marine Education Institute, PROPEL, Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, Spirit of Giving, Sweet Dream Makers, The Volen Center, Tri County Animal Rescue, Twin Palms, Villages of Hope, and YMCA of South Palm Beach County. The grants also funded Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton’s Nutrition On the Weekend (N.O.W.) Program that delivers 100 packages each Friday to local families experiencing food insecurity.

Types of services underwritten by the S.A.S. Grant program this year include: Back-to-school needs and basic healthcare, special needs therapy, children’s bereavement support and family trauma programs, mental health counseling services, mentoring services, advocacy and academic remediation for foster children, beds for financially challenged families, programs and support for those with disabilities, support programs for women experiencing domestic abuse, homeless and childcare funding so parents can go to work, swimming safety lessons, shelter and mentoring for homeless moms and their children, senior rescue dog adoption fees for pet parent seniors, and more.

“The annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball is much, much more than a grand celebration of the City’s rich history and all that is good in Boca Raton today, it provides a meaningful hands-up to so many nonprofits whose constituents — the area’s most vulnerable and struggling in their daily lives– have health and wellness needs,” shared RCDBR Fund Board Chair David Eltringham. “We thank all the 2022 Boca Raton Mayors Ball sponsors, attendees and host committee members who invested their time, talent and treasure to enrich our community.”

Founded in July 2012 to support the health and wellness needs of its community, The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton celebrated its 10th year dedicated to impacting the Boca Raton community through Rotary International’s mission of “Service Above Self.” The award-winning 501(c)3 nonprofit also presents the annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball and Honor Your Doctor Luncheon. The RCDBR is dedicated to making a difference in its community by enhancing the lives of many in an environment that embraces and promotes integrity, fellowship, and trust. The RCDBR is one of 46,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries connecting 1.4 million Rotarians around the globe.

The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton meets weekly on Fridays at Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton on Yamato Road. For information about the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton, visit: www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org.  

 

 Mayors Ball News

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Presents

Sixth Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball

Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club

Event Proceeds to Serve Health and Wellness Needs of Boca Raton Nonprofits
Fulfilled Through Club’s formal Service Above Self  (SAS)  Grant Program

BOCA RATON, FL (June 14, 2021) – The Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton (RCDBR) is pleased to once again roll out the red carpet as it presents its sixth annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball, Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. The black-tie “MasquerAID” themed gala featuring a lavish reception, dinner, dancing, décor and the popular Soul Survivor will make for a dance-floor filling night.

During the festivities, the spotlight will be on recipients of this year’s RCDBR George Long Awards, named for the City’s first mayor. The 2021 honorees are Office Depot (for-profit), Boca Raton Historical Society (non-profit) and Arlene Herson (individual), all recognized for their continual efforts to advocate and promote Boca Raton as the best place in which to live, work, learn and heal.

RCDBR Mayors Ball co-chairs are Ingrid Fulmer and Jonathan Whitney, honorary co-chairs are Marilyn and Mark Swillinger and event producer is Kaye Communications PR & Marketing.  Funds raised through the RCDBR Mayors Balls benefit Boca Raton-based nonprofits focused on their health and wellness need through the formal Service Above Self (SAS) grant application process with a portion donated to Rotary International’s Foundation for polio eradication.

For sponsorship and underwriting opportunities for the 2021 Boca Raton Mayors Ball and ticket reservations, visit www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org or contact Jon Kaye, Event Producer at 561-756-3097, or email mayorsball@www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org

 

Honor Your Doctor News


22nd Annual “Honor Your Doctor” Luncheon

to benefit Medical / Nursing Student Scholarships

  Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton (RCDBR) once again revs up community celebration of the area’s top Medical Professionals on “National Doctors Day” (HYD) at the nonprofit’s Annual “Honor Your Doctor” Luncheon to be held Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, Boca Raton. While recognizing favorite physicians from Palm Beach and Broward counties, the event raises funds for the Helen M. Babione Medical Scholarship that benefits medical and nursing school students attending four local universities: Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU, Lynn University and Palm Beach State College.

Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Founding Members Alan Kaye and Janice Williams are again co-chairing this year’s luncheon with Honorary Co-Chairs Debbie and Steve Schmidt and Honorary Physician Advisor Dr. Jeffrey Stein, who was named the 2019 “Doctor of Distinction.” Speakers include Dr. James Galvin, a board certified neurology specialist, and students who have benefitted from the HYD scholarships at Lynn University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Nursing, and Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Sponsors include Elaine J. Wold and Christine E. Lynn.

Doctor Nominations Have Opened Online

For the 22nd year, the public is again invited to nominate their favorite physician by downloading a nomination form found online at www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org and donating $50 per nomination or $125 for three nominations. There is no limit to how many doctors a patient can nominate or how many times they nominate each of them.

Patients are encouraged to attend the event with their nominee(s). All nominated physicians are invited to attend the luncheon as a guests of the RCDBR; tickets for the luncheon are available to the public for $150 per person.

“The Honor Your Doctor Luncheon has become a heartwarming annual tradition for many of Boca Raton’s community leaders, medical community and philanthropists,” said HYD Luncheon Co-Chair Alan Kaye.

Co-Chair Janice Williams added that “This scholarship fundraiser continues to grow in nominations and attendees, and thus funds available for deserving students who want to attend our local universities. By engaging these students from the very beginning in the community through generous and meaningful local support, we hope to encourage them to launch their careers and remain in practice here in Boca Raton .”

For nominations, sponsorships, information and reservations, contact 561-299-1429, email hyd@rotaryboca.org or to pay online visit https://tinyurl.com/RCDBRFHYD

The Award-Winning Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton founded July, 2012 (Rotary District 6930 Club of The Year 2014-2015; 2017-2018; 2018 – 2019; Rotary International Platinum Citation 2018 – 2019; District 6930 Governor’s Citation 2018 – 2019; 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club) is dedicated to impacting the Boca Raton community through the efforts of Rotary International’s philosophy of “Service Above Self.” The Club produces signature annual fundraisers; The Annual Honor Your Doctor Luncheon and The Boca Raton Mayors Ball benefitting health & wellness in the Boca Community. For more information about the Club visit www.rotaryboca.org or email info@rotaryboca.org .

Rotary International is a global network of community volunteers. The 1.2 million Rotary members are business, professional, and community leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are over 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas that initiate service projects to address today’s challenges, including illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water, and environmental concerns. For more information about Rotary International visit www.Rotary.org