FROM THE EDITOR

It’s fitting that a senior living community founded on compassion is in the heart of West Palm.

Our joyfully inspired waterfront community is just blocks from downtown. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the love, respect and compassion that have been hallmarks of our faith- based service to discerning seniors for more than 50 years.

Call us at 561-440-5388 to learn more.

315 South Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401 LourdesMckeen.org

The Giving Tradition

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of helping those in need. As business owners in the health care industry and cancer survivors, they supported local hospitals and nonprofits in their mission to relieve suffering with sponsorships, assistance on projects and events, and simply by taking the extra time to counsel patients going through the same things they did. Why? Because they believed if they were in a position to help, it was their duty to do so.

This attitude inspired me as a young girl, and over the years I developed my own passions, mostly for hands-on volunteerism. In prideful moments—like admiring a roof I helped construct with Habitat for Humanity, or hearing ESL students tell me they earned their first A on a paper—I am so thankful to have my mom and dad as role models.

The strong charitable output in the Palm Beaches, which is among the most robust in the nation, was a major factor in my decision to move to the area in 2016. When Palm Beachers identify a need, they find a way to help. As a result, we are home to the hundreds of unique humanitarian (and animal-loving!) nonprofits found in the pages of this annual issue. Since philanthropy is at the center of this community, it’s also the nexus of its social season. Long considered the “bible” to the area’s charitable events, the Palm Beach Charity Register presents more than 174 black-tie balls, beachfront fêtes, and fundraising fashion shows to attend this winter, starting on page 47. Grab a marker, circle your favorites, and start filling your calendar. In addition to this compendium of events, you’ll also find fashion inspiration, a behind-the-scenes take on what goes into orchestrating a signature Palm Beach gala, and a deep dive into how organizations utilize every dollar to help others. For further proof of the infectious power of giving back, flip to “The Changemakers” on page 44 to read about kids and young adults who took it upon themselves to address issues in their own backyards, or turn to “Art & Altruism” on page 26, for a look at how local artists, such as Jason Newsted and Mary Fisher, lend their voice to deserving causes.

Whether it’s purchasing gifts that do social good like those in “Shop for a Cause” on page 24, volunteering, or showing your support at an event, there are countless ways to make a difference. We hope this issue inspires you to get involved. Here’s to another great season in the Palm Beaches!

Liz Petoniak lpetoniak@palmbeachillustrated.com