The largest and longest running fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, the 45th Winter Ball Annual Gala, raised an astonishing $6.5 million dollars. This annual gala is one of the highlights of the social calendar in Palm Beach. Held at The Breakers Palm Beach in its Venetian Ballroom, the stunning 2026 Winter Ball Chairs were Sarah Johnson, Laura Reynolds, and Andrea Wynn.
This event raised $1.8 million prior to the event through sponsorships/benefactor levels of support and ticket sales and raised a total of $4.4 million in the room that night bringing the total to $6.5 million. The proceeds will benefit the overall Club operating expenses and its Hunger Relief program which serves more than 675,000 meals each year to its Club members at 20 sites located throughout Palm Beach County.
“Special thanks go to Sarah, Laura and Andrea who were incredibly dedicated Chairs that made this a night to remember. From the delicious dinner to the excitement of the live and silent auctions to the most talented band… it was an evening of pure fun and overwhelming generosity. The $6.5 million raised will have generational impact on so many families in our community by providing programs that allow us to create a safe place for learning, growing, maturing, and simply having fun,” said Jaene Miranda, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
“Our goal was not only to host a beautiful evening, but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need us most,” said Chairs Sarah Johnson, Laura Reynolds, and Andrea Wynn. “The generosity in the room was truly inspiring, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone year unforgettable.”
The night’s signature Call to Heart was opened by Steve Wynn who said he would match the first million dollars and was joined by Thomas Peterffy who also pledged to match a million too. This year’s Call to Heart quickly and easily surpassed the million dollar goal. Ann and Charles Johnson also donated a million dollars for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s Great Futures Campaign, which will fund its growing educational programs.
As Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County celebrates over 53 years of impact, the record-breaking success of the 2026 Winter Ball ensures the organization can continue expanding its reach and deepening its commitment to the 46,000 youth it serves annually across 20 Club sites. The evening was not only a celebration of philanthropy, it was a powerful investment in the future of Palm Beach County.
Photo: CAPEHART
