Wellington Dinner Dance's record-breaking return

Event Chairs — John and Julie Kime, Dr. Ana Ferwerda and Dr. Eduardo Jusino

Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington’s 34th annual Wellington Dinner Dance raised a record-breaking $400,000 with a silent and live auction, which raised $191,176. Guests gathered at Wycliffe Country Club on Friday, April 22, for a circus-themed event and to honor the legacy of Neil Hirsch. Proceeds from the fundraising event support critical programming for Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington.

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this incredible event possible, said event Co-Chairman Ana Ferwerda. “It means the world to everyone involved that we were able to raise a historic amount this year. We would love to encourage everyone to join us in supporting the Wellington Boys & Girls Club in the future.”

Event MCs — Cergile Sincere, Trisha Safer, Neil Safer

The Club’s largest fundraiser kicked off with a cocktail reception including a tarot card reader, jugglers, a magician performing mentalist magic acts, and contortionists performing inside of vehicles provided by Land Rover Palm Beach of Meyers Auto Group. The vintage circus theme was carried onto the ballroom where guests enjoyed a sit- down dinner including live performances by HyRyZe Band and a dance performance by Wellington Club members and Rainbow Circus Arts, performers. The 2021 Youth of the Year for Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club, Elizabeth Shelby sang “A Million Dreams” from the musical “The Greatest Showman.”

YOY singer — Elizabeth Shelby- 2021 Youth of the Year

President and CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Jaene Miranda gave a heartfelt speech honoring Neil Hirsch and his impact on the community, followed by special remarks from Neil’s childhood friend, Robert Gerstl.

“This year’s Dinner Dance was a special one because we were able to honor Neil and his legacy,” said President and CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Jaene Miranda. “We were excited to gather with the Wellington community to pay tribute to Neil and to raise funds for the essential programming that our children need.”

two people in ballroom — Robert Gerstl & Jaene Miranda

Leading the charge were Co-Chairmen Georgina Bloomberg, Julie and John Kime and Dr. Ana Ferwerda & Dr. Eduardo Jusino. Honorary Co-Chairs included, Dr. Richard and Julia Giroux, Charlene and Chris Ramos, Dr. Edward and Maria Becker and Julie Khanna. Committee members include,Jennifer Black, Beatriz De La Rua, Dr. Elizabeth Gonzalez-Bruno, Nicolette Goldfarb, Julie Khanna, Lily Khanna, Tracey Priske, Jennifer Quent, Stephanie Ruiz, Adrianna Schiappoli, Ranjita Sharma, Sandra Stella, Christine Vergari, Marta Weinstein and Jenna Zorn.

Sponsors included Bloomberg Philanthropies, Julie and John Kime, Dr. Ana Ferwerda and Dr. Eduardo Jusino, John and Julie Kime. Hon. Danielle H. Moore, BlackWatch, HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, Land Rover Palm Beach and Envision Healthcare.

Corporate sponsors included Adams Coogler, PA, Aegis Components Inc, Ann-Marie Batten of Allstate Insurance, Dr. Elizabeth & John Bruno – Flex Medical Centers Chiropractic Solutions, The Center for Bone & Joint Surgery of the Palm Beaches Complete Healthcare for Women of Wellington, LLC, Florida Power & Light Company, Froehlich & De La Rua, CPA, LA Medical Associates, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC, Lilly Creek Capital Partners LLC, Brenda & Frank McAdams, Ross & Marlene McQuivey MM & Associates, Merrill Lynch Bank of America, Neiman Marcus, Angie & Daniel Payne Palm Beach Counseling Center, LLC, Palm Beach Pediatrics, Palm Beach Urology Associates Pike & Lustig Law LLP, Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute of South FL Spodak Dental Group, The Village of Wellington and Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Underwriters included Illustrated Properties, Nicolette & Charles Lerman and Neil S. Hirsch Foundation.