Drum Roll Please ...
Jupiter Law Center’s 19th Annual Fundraiser Benefiting The Aicardi Syndrome Foundation Is A Huge Hit!
Jupiter Law Center and its guests rocked and rolled at its annual costume party fundraising event to benefit the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation, a 501(c)(3) volunteerbased nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and conferences to raise awareness of Aicardi Syndrome and improve the lives of Aicardi children and their families. Last year brought out characters from Saturday Night Live!, bringing tons of laughs and improv. This year, it was ivory keys on dueling Howl at the Moon pianos and wooden sticks beating the drums, with guests dressed as their favorite singer/musicians.
Little Smiles 19th Annual Stars Ball – Under The
Celebrating 25 Years Of Helping Kids Be Kids During Difficult Times
The Little Smiles 19th Annual Stars Ball, held on October 5, transformed the Hilton in downtown West Palm Beach into a magical circus “Under the Big Top.” This year’s event, attended by 450 guests, celebrated twelve incredible children who were nominated as “Stars” by the facilities where they receive treatment. It was a night of festivities and community, all to support Little Smiles’ mission of helping kids be kids during difficult times.
The evening blended circus magic with Hollywood glamour, beginning with the grand entrance of the Stars, announced by Virginia Sinicki, Kevin Rolston, and Jason Pennington of the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF. Dressed to impress, the Stars were escorted down the red carpet, basking
With the support of the firm’s friends, Jupiter Law Center has raised over $620,000 in donations to the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation since 2005.
The annual event is a passion project for Jupiter Law Center’s principal attorney, Adam Gumson, and his wife Lissa, whose oldest daughter, Ava, was diagnosed as an infant with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare congenital neurological seizure disorder which inhibits the normal development of motor skills, sight and speech, causing mild to profound developmental delays. When she
Drum Roll Please on page 2
Big Top: A Night Of Magic
in the spotlight and signing autographs as fans cheered them on. Accompanied by music from Digital Vibez, they made their way to center stage, where the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF hosts celebrated each Star with enthusiasm.
The ballroom perfectly captured the Under the Big Top theme with a flowing fabric canopy draped from the ceiling creating the illusion of an authentic circus tent. Tables were adorned with imaginative circus-inspired centerpieces, featuring playful elements like elephants, circus wagons with lions, and carousels, complemented by vibrant red and white floral arrangements.
The night was filled with entertainment, including aerialists, a stilt walker, a juggler, and a mime. Guests indulged in classic circus treats like popcorn and ice cream, and the kids enjoyed a candy cart. The silent auction featured over 130 items, adding to the excitement and charitable spirit of the event.
Brittany Perdigon, executive director of Little Smiles Florida, reflected on the event: “The Stars Ball is about
The Arc Of Palm Beach County Celebrates A Night Of Creativity And Philanthropy At Wild Pants Party
The Arc of Palm Beach County wrapped up its “funraising” campaign with an exciting celebration and runway show at their Wild Pants Party on Friday, November 1, at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. More than 150 guests wore
vibrant, eye-catching pants, and raised vital funds to support children and adults with disabilities.
The event featured an exhilarating evening of fashion and philanthropy. The audience cheered as
Little Smiles on page 4
Wild Pants Party on page 6
Leo (The Arc Student)
Judy Martyak who receives the Amy A. Reilly Humanitarian Award
Bob Pearson, Leanne Hoey, Jim Finck, Susan Faby
Drum Roll Please from page 1
was diagnosed, the Gumsons were informed that Ava’s life expectancy was no more than two years.
Now 20, Ava continues to defy the odds. She attends The Learning Academy on the campus of the Els Center of Excellence and although she is non-verbal, severely delayed and has multiple daily seizures, she is a happy, joyful girl whose smile and laugh lights up a room. What started as a small party with friends and family hosted at the Gumsons’ home in the early years has blossomed into a major annual event held for the last five years at Tequesta Country Club. The monies raised since 2006 help the foundation fund research grants at both Baylor University and the University of California at San Francisco and underwrite the cost for Aicardi families to attend the everyother-year family conference where people from all over the world gather to exchange information. This, in turn, enhances each family’s ability to care for its own Aicardi child. Since only 4,000 girls worldwide are afflicted with Aicardi Syndrome, there is very little money for research and the foundation is made up entirely of volunteers (mostly the affected families and their extended family and friends).
Cher, Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, Madonna and Elvis, partygoers reached into the archives for inspiration.
The muse for this annual affair – Lissa and Adam’s daughter Ava – came as a Pink Lady from Grease (as did many others in attendance), bobbing her head and cheering on those who boogied on the dance floor. The tip jars on the pianos were lined with generous donations as guests requested their favorite songs, with 100 percent of the band’s tips donated back to the cause. Photo ops in front of a blanket of draped gold tassels adorned with famous album covers and disco balls set the mood and the food, drinks and service from Tequesta Country Club staff made it a rocking (and rolling!) good time.
“Because the condition is so rare and affects such a small population, research is just so limited, and the only way for us as families to encourage institutions to delve deeper into the causes of Aicardi Syndrome is to fund research grants,” Adam Gumson stated. “And the family conferences are so essential to creating and developing a community of families
Medicare Corner With Kathy O
Since the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is ending Dec. 7, I’d like to offer some general Medicare tips and advice.
The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to have your own agent. Your agent is an amazing resource to reorder lost cards, answer benefit questions, give a list of specialists, review notices, claim statements and so much more. Your agent can even answer questions about those pesky TV ads and all the gossip from your friends about Medicare. Best of all, there is no cost to have an agent.
Moving? Do not change your address with your Advantage, supplement or drug plan carrier prior to your move without first speaking to your agent – if you don’t have one, find one. When you call member service and change your address, they may cancel your plan at the end of the current month, even if you don’t move until next month. This could unknowingly leave you with no coverage.
The Special Enrollment Period for moving outside your plan service rules are: 1) If you tell your plan before you
who are all going through the same things, like what medicines and diets work best to combat seizures, what medical procedures and therapies have helped, what equipment and other technology have improved the quality of life” chimed in Lissa Gumson. Adam Gumson continued, “One family conference costs over $100,000 when calculating all of the food, rooms and audio visual equipment necessary to put on a successful conference, so our party, and other families’ fundraising efforts, are absolutely essential to support the continuation of the great work that the foundation does.” The Gumsons have become more and more active in the foundation over the years, with Adam lecturing at the conferences on various topics such as estate planning, guardianship and fundraising, and assuming the presidency of the foundation this past June.
move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for two full months after you move or 2) If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus two more full months.
It is also important to change your address with Medicare. This is done through Social Security by phone or online at ssa,gov.
Why is Social Security involved when I need services with Medicare? Social Security (SSA) is the gatekeeper for Medicare. Your earnings are tracked by SSA and you must qualify with 40 work quarters to receive Medicare. Medicare also relies on SSA to determine your Part B Premium and if you receive SSA benefits, to collect your premium. If you are not receiving SSA benefits, you will be billed quarterly by Medicare.
If you still need to review or change your Medicare plan, Open Enrollment is Jan. 1 to Mar. 30 and you may qualify for a Special Enrollment. Call me! If you have new Medicare Topic suggestions, email me at czak82@aol.com.
I speak Medicare: Supplement, Drug Plan and Advantage Plan.
For your free Medicare Plan review please call me. Kathy Olejniczak, Agent, at (561) 835-5413 or cell/text (561) 212-7640.
Lissa handles a variety of tasks, too, and the Gumsons’ other two children, Lilly and Zane, attend the conferences and assist with child care and speak on the sibling panel, answering questions from new families about what it is like to have a sister with Aicardi Syndrome. “Their participation has helped them feel like they are not alone since they get to see and meet other families, and especially other siblings, dealing with similar issues, and both of them have become so much more grounded and empathetic by just being present at the conferences and
being exposed to the highs and lows of living with an Aicardi child. No one wanted to be a part of this club but, if there is a silver lining, it is that it has introduced us to such incredible people from all over the world and taught us and our children that there is a higher calling to help others than just being concerned with ourselves. It has been incredibly rewarding for our whole family to be so involved,” Lissa commented. To learn more about Aicardi Syndrome, the Aicardi Syndrome Foundation or Ava Shaye Gumson and/or the other Aicardi girls, log on to www.aicardisyndromefoundation. org and/or www.ouraicardilife.org or contact Jupiter Law Center at (561) 744-4600 if you have any other questions about Aicardi Syndrome or about how you can help support the foundation.
From the sequenced head caps of ABBA to the wild hair and famous black and white face makeup of KISS to John Lennon, Sonny and
Elder Estate Planning
3 Tips For Every New Homeowner
By Anné DesormierCartwright, JD, Esq.
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Whether this is your first home, or you are upgrading or downsizing from your current home, the purchase of a home is a big event in your life. When major life events occur, it is important that you have a plan in place to ensure that you are properly prepared for the future. Below are a few things to consider now that you finally have the keys to your new home.
1. Update Your Address
Now that you are in your new home, it is very important that you update your address with the appropriate entities. Your local United States Postal Office has a form you can fill out. If you cannot make it into the post office, you can also update this information on their website (https:// moversguide.usps.com/mgo/disclaimer). This will assist them in forwarding your mail to you.
To ensure that you do not miss any important tax notices or refunds, you will also want to update your address information with the Internal Revenue Service using Form 8822, as well as with your local state tax agency.
2. Make Sure That Your House Title Coordinates with Your Estate Plan
While it is still fresh in your mind, look at your new deed to determine how your new home is titled. Ideally, you had a discussion with an estate planning professional prior to purchasing the new property to determine how you would like to own your new property, whether in your name individually, jointly with a spouse, or in the name of your trust. It is important to review your current estate plan after the purchase of the home to ensure that it aligns with your estate planning goals.
For example, if your plan had a specific instruction to give your prior property to someone, and the instruction references the address of your prior home, you will want to ensure that you update this provision once you no longer own the previous property to avoid confusion down the line. On the other hand, if this is your first home and your estate plan includes a trust to avoid probate, you will need to ensure that your home is titled in the name of the trust and not in your name individually. Alternatively, you could use a Lady Bird deed prepared to add the trust as a beneficiary to the home if you own the home outright. Additionally, if you would ultimately like your property to be distributed to a specific individual or held in trust for the benefit of your loved ones. (Note: Your home cannot be held in trust for your minor children – that is a special concern in Florida.) You will want to ensure that provisions are added to accomplish this. Also, if your home is in a trust, have you contacted your insurance agent to add the trustees as a beneficiary?
3. Check Your Life Insurance Coverage And Beneficiary Designations
Unless you were fortunate enough to pay cash for your new home, chances are you now have a monthly mortgage expense. To protect your loved ones, it would be prudent to prepare for the possibility of dying before you pay off your mortgage. You may want to consider whether you have enough life insurance to pay off the balance of the mortgage. This is especially important if you have a surviving spouse or children, who will likely continue to reside in the home, to ensure that they have sufficient funds to alleviate one of the largest monthly expenses they will probably have. Life insurance can provide valuable funds during what is usually an emotionally—and sometimes financially—difficult time.
When you buy a new home, it is a great opportunity to double check your beneficiary designations. Life changes happen so quickly that sometimes updating beneficiary designations can be overlooked. If your designations do not align with the rest of your estate plan, you may end up inadvertently disinheriting a family member, having a large sum of money fall directly into the hands of an individual (for example, a young adult or minor child) without any guidelines, or having your hard-earned money and property go to someone you no longer want to benefit from your life insurance.
Lastly, now that you have a home and homeowner’s insurance, call your insurance agent to make sure that you are getting all the discounts to which you are entitled. Many insurance companies will offer discounts when you bundle services. If you already have car insurance through a carrier and use the same company for your homeowner’s insurance, you may be entitled to a better rate than if you obtained the policies at separate carriers. In addition, homeowners often get discounts that renters do not.
We Are Here to Help
Buying a new home is a big step, and we are here to help you plan to protect both your loved ones and your new investment. Give us a call so we can help ensure that your new purchase and your estate plan are working together to accomplish your goals.
If you have questions about your estate plan and what documents you should have in place to plan your estate, schedule a free consultation today by calling our office at (561) 694-7827, Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq., Elder and Estate Planning Attorneys PA, 480 Maplewood Drive, Suite 3, Jupiter, FL 33458.
The content of this article is general and should not be relied upon without review of your specific circumstances by competent legal counsel. Reliance on the information herein is at your own risk, as it expresses no opinion by the firm on your specific circumstances or legal needs. An attorney client relationship is not created through the information provided herein.
To comply with the U.S. Treasury regulations, we must inform you that (i) any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this newsletter was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal tax penalties that may be imposed on such person and (ii) each taxpayer should seek advice from their tax advisor based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances.
Little Smiles from page 1
celebrating these brave children and showing them the love and support they deserve. It’s a reminder that, no matter the challenges, they are not alone, and their community is here for them.”
Another highlight was the presentation of awards that were given to Little Smiles founder Chip Donohue and to nurse Judy Martyak who received the Amy A. Reilly Humanitarian Award. Their dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on the organization and the children it serves.
The evening would not be possible without the leadership of cochairs Samantha Shepherd and Virginia Sinicki and the generous support of sponsors including Ameriprise Financial The Nickler Group, Bronx House Pizza, Cataldo & Son Plastering, Inc., Debt Helper, David S. Feldman, M.D., Ernst Young, FPL Home, Frank and Herta Suess, Garage Living, Gioia Family, Good Greek Moving & Storage, Ideal Nutrition, Jackie and Bert Klawonn at BWG
Realty, Joseph Lubeck, The Donohue Group at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, The Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation, Ocean Properties, Platinum Title Insurers, Reilly Foam Corporation, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Vertical Bridge, and Waferworld.
Little Smiles Florida has been making a difference in the lives of children throughout South Florida for 25 years. In 2023 alone, the organization brought smiles to over 55,000 local children, working closely with 34 pediatric facilities, including hospitals, shelters, medical daycare centers, foster homes, and local law enforcement.
For more information about Little Smiles Florida and their ongoing efforts, visit littlesmilesfl.org.
Armando and Hedy Fana
Brittany and Hector Perdigon
Chip and Sally Lubeck
Daniele and John Majer
Luke and Amanda Lostroscio
Tim and Susan Damon
Caedyn Fairbanks with KVJ
Abilena Cruz
Little Star signing autographs
Stilt walker and juggler
Majesty Williams, PBSO Kenneth Torrence, Board Member Patrick Nickler
Rick and Elizabeth Wilson, Justin and Samantha Shepherd, Robert and Christina Bowman
Brittany Perdigon, Samantha Shepherd
Steve Grandizio, Etta Oller, JPD Officer Sam Razzano
Chip and Sally Lubeck with circus performers
Virginia Sinicki, Kevin Rolston, and Jason Pennington of the KVJ Show 97.9 WRMF
The Pet Cottage Post
Bridging Hearts Between Seniors And Pets
In a world where companionship can last a lifetime, The Pet Cottage stands as a beacon of hope, uniting senior individuals with pets in need. This nonprofit organization, based in Jupiter, has been instrumental in cultivating meaningful relationships between vulnerable pets and seniors, ensuring both find solace and purpose in each other’s company.
A Mission Of Compassion
The Pet Cottage’s mission is to provide lifelong guardianship for pets who have lost their owners due to death, disability, or deployment. By matching these animals with senior individuals, the organization not only offers a loving home to the pets but also enriches the lives of seniors through the joy and responsibility of pet companionship.
Stories Of Transformation
One heartwarming story is that of Sophie, a 12-year-old Maltipoo. After her owner suffered a stroke, Sophie was left alone and frightened. When a family member discovered her, Sophie was terrified, severely matted, in pain, and had
become aggressive. Upon joining The Pet Cottage’s Lifelong Guardianship Program, she received essential veterinary care, grooming, and, most importantly, love. Dedicated volunteers, Michelle and Matt, provided the extra TLC and time needed to build trust with Sophie. Today, she thrives in the home of Forever Guardians Scott and Maryann, bringing joy and companionship to their lives.
Impact By The Numbers
In the past year, The Pet Cottage has welcomed 66 pets into their program, each finding a new home through their Lifelong Guardianship initiative. Additionally, 60 human seniors have experienced the profound benefits of pet companionship, discovering renewed purpose and joy.
The Role Of Generosity
The organization’s success is deeply rooted in the generosity of its supporters. Donations directly fund various aspects of pet care, including:
• Veterinary Examinations: $20 covers a basic exam at the local vet clinic, ensuring each pet’s health is assessed upon arrival.
• Specialized Treatments: $78 funds a six-week Cytopoint injection for Sparky, a senior Shih Tzu suffering from chronic itching.
• Annual Health Screenings: $115.50 supports comprehensive bloodwork for senior pets, aiding in early detection of potential health issues.
• Chronic Condition Management: $512 supplies a year’s worth of insulin for Simba, an orange tabby cat with diabetes.
• Emergency Care: $1,500 covers the cost of an emergency room visit for a pet in crisis.
A Call To Action
As the year draws to a close, The Pet Cottage invites the community to consider making a year-end donation. Such contributions are pivotal in sustaining their mission, ensuring that both pets and seniors continue to receive the care and companionship they deserve.
How To Contribute
Donations can be made online at (https://www. thepetcottage.org/), or by mailing contributions to: The Pet Cottage 17049 Thunder Road Jupiter, Florida 33478
A Message Of Gratitude
“Every story we share has a hero, and you are the hero in ours,” says Wendy Derhak, founder and executive director of The Pet Cottage. “Your generosity transforms lives, ensuring pets receive lifelong care and seniors find joy, pride, and a sense of belonging.”
This holiday season, consider becoming a part of The Pet Cottage’s compassionate community ( our pack). Your support can make a world of difference, one pet and one senior at a time. Wendy Derhak, Founder/Executive Director Call (561) 818-5025 for more information. Visitors are welcome by appointment.
Claire with Sugar Baby
Mickey and Angel
Sophie and Scott
Wendy and Angel
Walking the Pack 2023/24
Cardinal Newman High School
Celebrates The New Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building With A Ribbon-Cutting Reception
Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting reception for the new Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building on November 7. Over 100 contributing donors who helped bring this vision to life attended, alongside The Most Reverend Bishop Gerald Barbarito, clergy, and leaders from the Diocese of Palm Beach, gathered to celebrate the state-of-the-art building at the college preparatory Catholic high school.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from CNHS President Charles Stembler, who introduced Bishop Barbarito for a prayer and blessing of the building. Following the blessing, Sophia Perez, Class of 2025, delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem. Rocco A. Marcello then shared personal reflections on the profound impact of his Catholic education. He announced an additional $250,000 gift to enhance the south academic building, furthering his commitment to the school’s mission.
“The dedication and encouragement I experienced in Catholic school propelled me to excel, and I hope it does the same for future generations of Crusaders ... our work has just begun in making CNHS the preeminent high school in Palm Beach County,” said Rocco Marcello.
Financial Focus®
Consider Tax-Smart Charitable Gifts
By Sally Sima Stahl
As we enter the annual season of giving, you might be thinking of charities you wish to support. But you also might be wondering how to gain some tax benefits from your gifts. It used to be pretty straightforward: You wrote a check to a charity and then deducted the amount of
“We are blessed to have many donors who wanted to see this building become a reality. Rocco’s signature gift enabled us to move this building to completion. His additional gift is a testament to his generosity and commitment to education. He, along with our other donors, helps transform Newman students’ lives,” said President Charles Stembler.
This renovation, made possible through the $10 million Shaping the Future capital campaign, includes innovative, student-centered classrooms, a chapel and campus ministry
the gift, within limits, from your taxes. But a few years ago, as part of tax law changes, the standard deduction was raised significantly, so fewer people were able to itemize deductions. Consequently, there was less financial incentive to make charitable gifts.
Of course, this didn’t entirely stop people from making them. And it’s still possible to gain some tax advantages, too.
Here are a few tax-smart charitable giving strategies:
• Bunch your charitable gifts into one year . If you combine a few years’ worth of charitable gifts in a single year, you could surpass the standard deduction amount and then itemize deductions for that year. In the years following, you could revert to taking the standard deduction.
• Make qualified charitable distributions . Once you turn 73 (or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later), you
center, a welcome center, admissions and college advising offices, state-of-the-art science labs, an innovation center, and mathematics classrooms. The Appeal Leadership Team included Cochairs Nick Coniglio ’97 and Richard Rendina ’98, Major Gifts Cochairs Ellen Acosta and Jim Arrigo, Honorary Cochairs Sally Gibson and Charlie and Karmita Gusmano.
For more information about the Shaping the Future campaign, contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@ cardinalnewman.com or (561) 619-7280.
must start taking withdrawals from your traditional or inherited IRA. These withdrawals—technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs—are taxable at your personal income tax rate, so, if the amounts are large enough, they could push you into a higher tax bracket or cause you to pay larger Medicare premiums.
But if you donate these RMDs directly to a qualified charity, you can avoid the taxes. And because these donations, known as qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), will reduce the balance on your IRA, you may have lower RMDs in the future.
Of course, if you need some or all your RMDs to help sustain yourself in retirement, the use of QCDs may not be of interest to you. Keep in mind, though, that you can start making QCDs at 70½, even before you must start taking RMDs. QCDs up to $105,000 can be taken in 2024.
• Consider a donor-advised fund . If you’re interested in a long-term charitable giving arrangement, you might want to consider establishing a donor-advised fund. You can put many types of assets into this fund, and then direct it to make grants periodically to the charities you’ve chosen. You get an immediate tax deduction for your contribution, and, if you donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, you’ll avoid the capital gains taxes you would have incurred if you simply sold the stocks and then gave the money to the charities. One note of caution, though—your contributions to a donor-advised fund are irrevocable, and once the assets are in the fund, you can’t use them for anything except charitable giving.
These strategies—QCDs and donor-advised funds in particular—can be complex and involve several issues of which you should be aware. So, you should consult your tax advisor before taking action. But if any of these techniques are appropriate for your situation, give them some thought—because helping a charitable group and getting tax benefits for doing so is a “win” for everyone.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP® AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
