It was a record-breaking night at The Breakers, as Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach proudly announced that it raised over $12 million at is 42nd Annual Gala – The Winter Ball. The room erupted in applause as 2023 Ball Chairman, Lynne Wheat, announced a $2 million campaign donation from the William H. Pitt Foundation to name the gymnasium of its new West Palm Beach Club. The excitement in the room peaked as Wheat announced an additional, anonymous campaign donation of $7 million which completed the funding gap necessary for the construction of the Club.
“It was truly a night to remember. The theme was James Bond 007 and the guests put on their best black-tie spy outfits to not only dance the night away but lend their support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County,” said Wheat. “Their stunning generosity will make a tremendous impact on the youth in our area.”
The $9 million dollars raised will go toward the building of the organization’s planned, new club to be located in Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. This Club will be named the Julie and Mike Connors Boys & Girls Club of West Palm Beach. The Connors launched the new club campaign with a $5 million lead gift at last year’s Winter Ball chaired by Gretchen Leach. The additional $3 million raised at this year’s event will support Club general operating and program expenses including Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s Hunger-Relief program that provides over 657,000 meals a year to the Club children.
“This record-breaking night is a true testament to the tremendous altruism in our community,” said Jaene Miranda, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “We know that a new Boys & Girls Club in West Palm is desperately needed. These special gifts will help to make our dream a reality. We will be able to fast-track the construction of the Club as our capital campaign continues to raise the needed funds for endowment and the first two years of operating expenses.”
This annual gala is one of the highlights of the social calendar in Palm Beach. The black-tie event held at The Breakers featured dinner, dancing and a live auction. Co-chairs included Audrey Gruss, Jennifer Fischer, Amy Phelan, and Andrea Wynn. The Winter Ball supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, which is comprised of 20 Club sites serving more than 13,000 youth ages 6 to 18. The Clubs provide award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem, and values during non-school hours and summer camp opportunities.
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