It was a record-breaking night at The Breakers, as Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach proudly announced that it raised over $14.5 million at is 43rd Annual Gala – The Winter Ball. The theme and décor was inspired by the classic movie “Around the World in 80 Days” which included incredible hot air balloon visuals. The 2024 Ball Chairman was Lynne Wheat and co-chairs were Jennifer Fischer, Audrey Gruss, Amy Phelan, and Andrea Wynn.
Highlights from the record-breaking night included:
- $10 million gift from Thomas Peterffy which will fund Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s planned Club expansions to reach more youth in the community.
- $1 million gift from William Lauder and Lori Kantor Tristch towards STEM programming endowment at the new Julie and Mike Connors Club at Dreher Park.
- $100,000 donation from The Top of Mind Foundation (Meg Braff, Dustin Mizell, John Rogers, and Scott Snyder) to provide a bus for the Belle Glade area Clubs.
- $3.5 million in ticket sales, auction items, and Call to the Heart donations, which will all go towards Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Youth Programming including its Academic, Mental Health, and Hunger Relief programs for Club members at all the 20 Clubs.
“It is simply awe-inspiring to see our community come together and lend their overwhelming support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. It was a stunning night at The Breakers and a fantastic night was had by all as we were mesmerized by the hot air balloon decorations,” said Lynne Wheat, 2024 Winter Ball Chairman. “It is heartwarming to think that the sheer generosity that night will make such a generational positive impact on the youth in Palm Beach County.”
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. 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.
“We can’t achieve all we do without the incredible support and altruism that exists in our community. To raise over $14.5 million dollars in one night will have a tremendous impact on the programs that are crucial to the thousands of kids and families that have found a safe place for learning, growing, maturing, and simply having fun,” said Jaene Miranda, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
