Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s 20th Annual Barefoot on the Beach made a return after a two-year hiatus, raising $623,000 to benefit critical programming at 17 Boys & Girls Clubs located throughout Palm Beach County. Guests gathered dressed in all-white on April 28 at The Breakers Palm Beach, to end the Palm Beach social season and to support the most deserving children in Palm Beach County.
“I am honored to be a part of Barefoot on the Beach because of the Clubs’ mission to help children reach their full potential,” said Barfoot on the Beach Co Chairman Margaret Duriez. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County does such tremendous work to improve the lives of thousands of children, which is a cause that’s critically important to me.”
“This event is always a fun way to wrap up the busy Palm Beach social season. It’s a more laid-back, fun event that benefits so many children in our community,” said Co-Chairman Maura Ziska Christu.
Over 300 guests arrived at the Venetian Ballroom filled with a French Polynesian theme including a tropical and relaxed elegant ambiance. The ballroom featured the iconic Palm Beach designs by Lilly Pulitzer, the corporate sponsor for this year’s event. The evening began with a leisurely cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner, upbeat entertainment provided by New York fashion and social A-lister Marjorie Gubelmann, also known as “Queen Bee of the DJs,” DJ Mad Marj. The live auction and Call to Heart presented by Founding Chairmen Reid Borne and Tommy Quick, raised $223,000. Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s 2022 Youth of the Year, Jermaine Lovely presented a speech reflecting on his accomplishments and his acceptance into Florida A&M University.
“After two long years, we were thrilled to host this event to raise funds for critical programming at all of our Boys & Girls Clubs,” said President and CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Jaene Miranda. “It’s the support of our dedicated sponsors, chairmen and committee members that make it possible to continue supporting the children that need us most.”
The corporate sponsor for the event was Lilly Pulitzer which provided gift bags for guests. Signature Lilly Pulitzer decor was also sprinkled throughout to create a colorful and classic Palm Beach atmosphere.
“A very sincere thank you to all the Barefoot on the Beach guests who came to support the incredible work of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County,” said Michelle Kelly, CEO of Lilly Pulitzer. “The event celebrated the uplifting spirit of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. At Lilly Pulitzer, we’re always on a mission to partner with organizations that are truly the sunshine for their community and this event, and the Clubs, are a shining example of that.”
First Row: Taylor and Kayla Collins, Ronnie Collins, Reid Boren, Brooks Bishop, Michelle and Peter Farmer, Lorna Dreher, Keith and Nicole Williams
Second Row: John and Monique Gilberti, Eric and Maura Christu, Danny Panochko, Margaret Duriez, Ellen and Tom Bowler
Leading the charge were Co-Chairmen Maura Ziska Christu and Margaret Duriez. Honorary Chairs included Olympia and Brooks Bishop, and Kayla and Taylor Collins. Founding Chairmen include Reid Boren, Thomas Quick and Wally Turner. Craig Gibson, Jr, Casey Taylor, Alexandra Taylor Kavanaugh and Zack Kavanaugh were the committee’s junior chairmen. Grand benefactors included Olexa H. Celine, Thomas Quick and Eddy and John Taylor.
For more information, please contact Tim Tracy, Vice President of Development & Corporate Relations, at (561) 324-8600 or ttracy@bgcpbc.org.
