Mayor's Ball 2023 Program

At Florida Power & Light Company we are working together with the communities we serve to make Florida an even better place to raise a family and do business.

We’re honored to support the Homeless Coalition in this year’s Mayor’s Ball. The organization’s dedication to prevent and end homelessness in our community is an inspiration to us all.

MAYOR’S WELCOME

Welcome to the Mayor’s Ball

Tonight we get together to celebrate and show our support for the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County. Homelessness is a complex issue that has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Despite what some may think, it can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender or race. It’s a problem that requires urgent attention and action from all of us.

Homelessness is not just about not having a place to live. It is a multifaceted problem that involves issues such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, addiction, mental health, and unemployment. It is a cycle that can be difficult to break out of, as the lack of stable housing exacerbates these underlying issues.

We must work together to address the root causes of homelessness and provide support to those who are currently experiencing it. This means increasing access to affordable housing, healthcare, education, job training, and social services. It also means treating people experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect, recognizing that they are individuals who deserve the same opportunities as anyone else.

It starts with recognizing that homelessness is not an individual problem, but a societal one. It is up to us to work together to create a world where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing and the support they need to thrive. We must stand in solidarity with those who are experiencing homelessness and commit ourselves to creating a more just and compassionate society.

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County is a leader in funding programs that end homelessness in Palm Beach County. I ask that you support them generously. Thank you!

Gregg Weiss

Gregg Weiss Palm Beach County Mayor

SPECIAL THANK YOU

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, I would like to extend our immense gratitude to our area educators who go above and beyond in numerous ways to assist the children of Palm Beach County who are homeless or under-sheltered.

We would like to extend a special note of gratitude to Palm Beach County Mayor Greg Weiss and his wife Rebecca for their support with the production of this event. We would like to especially thank our Gold Level Sponsor Florida Power & Light, while highlighting our continued gratitude for the ongoing support for our efforts by Baptist Health, Cigna, Florida Crystals, GL Homes, LLW, Minto Communities, United Healthcare, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

We cannot do this alone and could not ask for better partners than The Lords Place, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, Adopt-a-Family, Community Services of Palm Beach County and many other organizations.

As I begin my tenure as Board President, my focus is to do everything within my power to help eradicate homelessness in Palm Beach County and with my fellow Board Members and our incredible staff, I am confident that we will have a lasting and meaningful impact on our community.

Finally, thank you to our CEO, Pamela Payne, co-chairs Michelle Diffenderfer, Katrina Long Robinson, Paul Dumars Jr., Ted Peroulakis, and our Mayor’s Ball working committee, who work tirelessly to make this event incredibly impactful, year after year.

Gratefully,

Christian E. Bergstrom

Christian E. Bergstrom President Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Christian Bergstrom, CHRS

VICE PRESIDENT

Dina D’Angelo

TREASURER

Peter Brock

SECRETARY

Frances Ferguson

BOARD MEMBER

James “Jamie” Crowley, Esq.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Paul Dumars, Jr.

BOARD MEMBER

Spero Georgedakis

BOARD MEMBER

Sally Chester

BOARD MEMBER

Rachelle Litt

BOARD MEMBER

Michelle Oyola McGovern

BOARD MEMBER

Theodore “Ted” Peroulakis, ChFC AIF

BOARD MEMBER

Neil Schiller, Esq.

BOARD MEMBER

Kelly Smallridge

BOARD MEMBER

Andre Wade

Honor the Educators

April 1, 2023

Palm Beach County Convention Center

7:00 PM

A Night of Honor Begins…

Ballroom Doors Open

Mayor’s Ball Welcome

7:45 PM Dinner Special Presentation

9:00 PM

Dancing with the Private Property Band!

PASSED HORS D’ OEUVRES

Mini Brie, Fig and Arugula Paninis

Mini Shrimp & Grits

Mini Jerk Chicken Empanadas

SALAD

Poached Asian Pear with Gorgonzola Cheese, Candied Pecans, Frisee, Curly Bell Peppers, Onion, Balsamic Glaze Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing

ENTRÉE & SIDES

Pan Seared Skin on Salmon, Braised short Ribs, Demi, Olive, Garlic, Lime Sauce, Boursin, Sautéed Heircot Vert, Baby Carrots

DESSERTS

Chocolate Rocher Petite Gateaux (Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake)

Coconut Cake with Passionfruit Cream and Raspberries and Coconut

A Very Special Thank You to Our Blend Palm Beach County Chef’s

HORS D’OEUVRES PROVIDED BY:

Chef Trinnette Morris Owner: Trindy Gourmet

DESSERT PROVIDED BY:

Chef Jamal Lake Owner: Ganache Bakery

COMPLIMENTARY WINE PROVIDED BY:

Cooper’s Hawk Winery

Please join with us tonight to honor the educators and staff who help to serve our homeless families. These audacious individuals encounter homeless children who are unable to come in to seek services on their own, and their circumstances can be serious. We honor these tireless advocates for children and families affected by homelessness and the unique challenges these families face.

The Mayor’s Ball - now in its 9th year - raises funds for homeless services to benefit every municipality in every city and town in Palm Beach County.

All net proceeds from your generous donations will directly support the Coalition’s “Creating Housing Opportunities” initiative, in effect since 2014. In 2019, this life-changing program helped fund move-in costs for over 500 men, women and children, working in partnership with other agencies. In context, each $5,000 raised will help one family cover first and last month’s rent plus security deposits, to move from the streets into their new home.

TOGETHER WE DO MORE

Together, we accomplish higher goals on behalf of our homeless neighbors. We are truly thankful to the educators and staff who every day join us as a crucial link to serving the homeless with dignity and compassion. We also thank Adopt-A-Family, Gulfstream Goodwill, County Human Services, The Lord’s Place and the members of the Homeless and Housing Alliance who have consistently worked with us to fulfill our mission.

www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org

A night to honor the educators and staff who serve the homeless children and their families in Palm Beach County

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!

PALM BEACH COUNTY MAYOR

Gregg Weiss

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

Michael Burke

Alexandria Ayala

Erica Whitfield

Barbara McQuinn

Karen Brill

Frank A. Barbieri, Jr., Esq.

Marcia Andrews

Edwin Ferguson, Esq.

Natalie Forton Robles

CO-CHAIRS

Michelle Diffenderfer

Katrina Long Robinson

Christian Bergstrom

Paul Dumars Jr.

Theodore Peroulakis (not pictured)

We thank you for your support of our homeless families. Every day we strive to change the perception of homeless persons through our efforts to move them from the shadows into the light. This is why tonight we pause to honor the work of all members of the Palm Beach County School Board. Their dedication is a most vital link in our day-to-day work to end homelessness.

Your gifts this evening will go directly to Palm Beach County’s homeless individuals and families so that they may reach their goal of permanent housing. Just like the educators, tonight you, too, can say you were there to help. Join us in thanking the dedicated educators and staff for their generosity

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

With Sincere Appreciation to Our Community Partners and Special Sponsors for their Overwhelming Generosity

GOLD SPONSOR

FPL

SILVER SPONSORS

Baptist Health South Florida Cigna Florida Crystals

Lewis Longman & Walker

Minto Communities

Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO)

United Healthcare

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

City of Palm Beach Gardens

Gehring Group

Marshall Retail Group and MasterConcessionAir JV

Pratt & Whitney

Professional Firefighters and Paramedics

Team Chester

The Peroulakis Family

Verdex Construction

FRIENDS OF THE HOMELESS

The Breakers Palm Beach

Indelible Solutions

With Gratitude and Appreciation, Thank You to the Mayor’s Ball Host Committee

Fred Angelo

Sally Chester

Alexcia Cox

Dina D’Angelo

Cali Davis

Frances Ferguson

James Garvin

Spero Georgedakis & Stacey Elliott

Lara Hanrahan

Ethel Isaacs-Williams

Honorable Rachelle Litt

Michelle McGovern

Elena Peroulakis

Beth Rappaport

Neil Schiller

Lisa Wade

Rebecca Weiss

Behind Every Successful Event is a Sensational Team – Thank You!

The core group behind the scenes – our office staff!

Celissa Stringer, Event Manager, Jesi Moler-Catala, Executive Assistant and Uwe Naujak, Resource Director

To PBC Mayor Gregg Weiss and his wife, Rebecca Weiss for their commitment to excellence

To our incredible co-chairs – thank you! It was a pleasure working with you!

Michelle Diffenderfer, Katrina Long Robinson, Christian Bergstrom, Paul Dumars, Jr. and Ted Peroulakis

Much appreciation to the Mayor’s Ball Working Committee that met for months! Sally Chester, Dina D’Angelo, Cali Davis, Frances Ferguson, James Garvin, Lara Hanrahan, Rachelle Litt, Michelle McGovern, Neil Schiller, Lisa Wade, and Rebecca Weiss

To our Master of Ceremonies

Jay Cashmere your continuous support is much appreciated

Meet Christopher Smith

Christopher Smith is a former homeless person, accomplished board-certified practicing physician in Diagnostic Radiology, and former Johns Hopkins School of Medicine faculty member. His debut memoir, Homeless to Hopkins, was published in February 2023, becoming an Amazon Bestseller.

Chris’ second career as an author was inspired by his desire to give hope to those who desperately need it, as he needed it in his youth. Chris grew up in extreme poverty and varying degrees of homelessness throughout his childhood, even sleeping in a car for many months during high school.

Despite these challenging circumstances, Chris defied the odds and graduated summa cum laude in just three years for his undergrad. He was inducted into the medical school honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, for his exemplary work in medical school.

Chris was then blessed with the privilege to complete his residency at Johns Hopkins University, where he stayed on as a faculty member in the School of Medicine for a time.

Chris’ captivating story is a testament to the power of overcoming adversity and achieving incredible success.

With less than a decade between his homelessness and becoming a physician, Chris is sharing his story as a keynote speaker and wrote Homeless to Hopkins. Chris plans to use the proceeds from book sales to fund a scholarship program for disadvantaged youth.

Outside of medicine and writing, Chris’ life experiences have guided him to bungee jump, drive a sled dog team, live in the Yellowstone area, and develop a passion for photography.

Meet Bryshe

After falling on hard times, Bryshe and her daughter moved in with a friend. When the friend was evicted, Bryshe and her daughter became homeless. Bryshe contacted the Homeless Resource Center in March 2022 in search of a helping hand. She was working two part-time jobs, and her goal was to enroll in a training program at one of her jobs as soon as she found a place to live.

The Homeless Resource Center linked Bryshe to the Rapid Re-Housing program and helped her locate and obtain a rental unit. After several months of hard work, Bryshe was promoted to a Behavioral Tech position at a medical facility. She was given a raise and full-time hours. Bryshe re-enrolled at Palm Beach State to continue work toward a nursing degree. Through it all, Bryshe remained dedicated to her daughter who is now excelling in the first grade. The provision of stable housing enabled Bryshe to focus on her career, education, parenting, and the pursuit of long-term financial stability.

SPECIAL THANKS

Your Excellence Drives Our Success!

Thank you to our photographers of Tracey Benson Photography for capturing the special moments of tonight’s event.

Lucy Tramuta of Lucy T. Graphics for creating unique graphics for our events.

Amfund for providing the travel experiences for tonight’s Silent Auction.

Thank you our wonderful donors who donated such amazing items for our Silent and Live Auction!

Thank you to our former board member Tina Philips for your generous donation and continuous support of the Mayor’s Ball.

The fantastic music of Private Property Band thank you for getting everyone out on the dance floor!

Picture That Enterprise 360 Photo Booth for adding an extra layer of fun for our guests.

As always, for their patience, professionalism and seamless service we would like to thank the staff at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

A simple thank you is not enough for the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to the Homeless Coalition. We appreciate you! To our groups: EmpowHer of the Palm Beaches, The Breakers Palm Beach, the Sororities of Alpha Kappa Alpha & Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) who volunteered tonight we are forever grateful for your dedication.

OUR PROGRAMS

Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County Your county leader in homeless funding, collaboration, and advocacy

We work very closely with the service providers at the Senator Philip D. Lewis Center, the sole homeless resource center in Palm Beach County. Our main partners are Adopt-A-Family, Gulfstream Goodwill, County Human Services Outreach Team and The Lord’s Place. By working together, we can ensure unduplicated services and optimized funding to reach as many persons as possible.

2022 Accomplishments

Creating Housing Opportunities (CHO)– through our CHO Program we were able pay first month’s rent, last month’s, rent and security deposits for 151 households and 251 individuals whereby taking them of the streets and placing them in affordable rental apartments.

Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers (4B) – our 4B program provided 88,800nutritious meals to the 70 homeless men and women living at the Lewis Center and the 120 at the Lewis Annex.

Project Homeless Connect (PHC) – With COVID finally dissipating, we were able to hold three Project Homeless Connect events in November, May and October. These events offer homeless individuals free food, clothes, haircuts, toiletry kits, health screenings, showers and other necessary services.

Park To Work (P2W)- working collaboratively with Palm Beach County Government and other community partners, more than $50,000 was invested in employing 65 homeless men, allowing them the opportunity to provide for themselves and become selfsufficient.

VIBGives Computer Program – new in 2022 providing 10 clients from our provider agencies the opportunity to enhance their employability by being a part of a ten-week program allowing them to take as many online computer courses as they choose. Laptops and mentors are provided for each of the ten-week courses.

Believe in healthcare that cares

At Baptist Health, we are devoted to caring for the South Florida community as a local, not-for-profit healthcare organization that has been helping people for more than 75 years. Together with Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West, we are bringing a new era of healthcare to Palm Beach with the same commitment to compassion and focus on the community we’ve always cherished. Because, like you, we believe in healthcare that cares.

CLASSICALLY MODERN LIVING. There’s a place in the heart of Palm Beach County where new Minto homes open the door to friendly neighborhood traditions. It’s a place where the conveniences of tomorrow meet life’s timeless simple pleasures. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to move up, or downsizing, it’s a place where you can enjoy life at your own pace.

From the bustling Westlake Adventure Park to the quiet of your own backyard, experience the best of both worlds in Westlake.

price of the home does not include homesite premiums or options and upgrades. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2023. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Westlake and the Westlake logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2023.

Teaming up to bring hope to the community

UnitedHealthcare proudly supports the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County and is committed to helping remove barriers by addressing social determinants of health in the communities we serve. It’s another brilliant example of what care can do.

Deeper Caring. Smarter Healthcare.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital has every medical specialty a parent could want and the expertise every child needs.

Recognizing the “Power of Play” as a healing force, our expert pediatric physician specialists, specialty trained nurses and staff members provide personalized, patient- and family-centered care that places children and their families at the center of everything we do.

When it matters most, trust the experts in pediatrics at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

BLEND PBC

BLEND PBC

BLEND PB

WHO WE ARE...

WHO WE ARE...

WHO WE ARE...

BLEND by definition is "To prepare thoroug y g g varieties. To combine into an integrated whole, to produce a harmonious effect" which is the perfect description for the variety of cultures, flavors, experiences and history that goes into the craft fare created right in our own back yard . Distinctive family recipes are passed down and adapted to each new generation making every bite as unique as the chef who prepared it. Each local Palm Beach County food kitchen brings together their unique flavors making the perfect combination of culture mixed with the creativity making each dish a one-of-a-kind experience.

BLEND by definition is "To prepare thoroughly intermingling different varieties. To combine into an integrated whole, to produce a harmonious effect" which is the perfect description for the variety of cultures, flavors, experiences and history that goes into the craft fare created right in our own back yard . Distinctive family recipes are passed down and adapted to each new generation making every bite as unique as the chef who prepared it Each local Palm Beach County food kitchen brings together their unique flavors making the perfect combination of culture mixed with the creativity making each dish a one-of-a-kind experience.

BLEND by definition is "To prepare thoroughly intermingling different varieties. To combine into an integrated whole, to produce a harmonious effect" which is the perfect description for the variety of cultures, flavors, experiences and history that goes into the craft fare created right in our own back yard . Distinctive family recipes are passed down and adapted to each new generation making every bite as unique as the chef who prepared it. Each local Palm Beach County food kitchen brings together their unique flavors making the perfect combination of culture mixed with the creativity making each dish a one-of-a-kind experience.

A beautiful harmony of tastes...

BLEND Palm Beach County is a program designed to create opportunities for minority-owned business enterprise (MBE) in the food space by creating connections within our local community. We mentor, foster and prepare vendors to not only be great at creating great food but also excel at business and package themselves for success.

BLEND Palm Beach County is a program designed to create opportunities for minority-owned business enterprise (MBE) in the food space by creating connections within our local community. We mentor, foster and prepare vendors to not only be great at creating great food but also excel at business and package themselves for success.

BLEND Palm Beach County is a program designed to create opportunities for minority-owned business enterprise (MBE) in the food space by creating connections within our local community. We mentor, foster and prepare vendors to not only be great at creating great food but also excel at business and package themselves for success.

Each BLEND vendor provides food offerings for your event along with a "Local Blend" display signage with information about the vendor's history, food fun facts and other material so your guests get more than great food, they get a taste of our local community.

Each BLEND vendor provides food offerings for your event along with a "Local Blend" display signage with information about the vendor's history, food fun facts and other material so your guests get more than great food, they get a taste of our local community.

A beautiful harmony of tastes... FIND OUT WHAT'S COOKIN' PBC!

Each BLEND vendor provides food offerings for your event along with a "Local Blend" display signage with information about the vendor's history, food fun facts and other material so your guests get more than great food, they get a taste of our local community.

How can we help bring the local flavor to your next event? We have vendors big and small ready to customize a menu for your specific needs. Contact us to give your guests a taste of the best of Palm Beach County.

How can we help bring the local flavor to your next event? We have vendors big and small ready to customize a menu for your specific needs. Contact us to give your guests a taste of the best of Palm Beach County

How can we help bring the local flavor to your next event? We have vendors big and small ready to customize a menu for your specific needs. Contact us to give your guests a taste of the best of Palm Beach County.

A beautiful harmony of tastes...

Rachelle Litt Vice Mayor

Chelsea Reed Mayor Carl Woods Councilmember Mark Marciano Councilmember Marcie Tinsley Councilmember

For over 30 years, the Homeless Coalition’s purpose has been to generate awareness through advocacy, education and community outreach and to motivate a community-wide response to raise funding, resources, partners and involved citizens to end homelessness in Palm Beach County.