Spellbinding Success: Harry Potter-Themed Gala Raises $185,000 For Martin County Students
More than 200 people stepped into the magical world of Harry Potter at this year’s Evening of Excellence – Bids for Kids event, which benefits Martin County students. Hosted by the Education Foundation of Martin County and presented by Morganti, this elegant gala fundraiser took place on Saturday, April 5, at Harbour Ridge Country Club.
The Harry Potter-themed event, with decorations of Potter’s wizardry strewn throughout the room, raised $185,000 to assist the Education Foundation in enriching and enhancing the quality of education in Martin County’s public schools.
“This event is the place to be for those who support Martin County’s students,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “We couldn’t present this fun-filled affair without the support of our sponsors, bidders, auction donors and attendees. We are so grateful!”
With more than 500 silent auction items, it’s known as the largest of its kind on the Treasure Coast. Guests bid on items that included gift baskets, vacation getaways, spa treatments, golf packages, jewelry, artwork, fishing charters and restaurant certificates as they enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Volunteer auctioneer Tom Melander conducted the live portion of the Bids for Kids
Success on page 3
House Of Hope Receives Impact100 Martin Grant For 2025
House of Hope is the grateful recipient of a $100,000 impact grant from Impact100 Martin to help the nonprofit begin a new initiative in its efforts to provide nutritious food to the hungry.
House of Hope’s award-winning project will create a food preservation program, adding freeze dryers, food dehydrators
and shrink-wrapping machines to House of Hope’s food processing capabilities.
Currently House of Hope grows fresh produce at its Growing Hope Farm in Palm City, receives bulk donations of food and prepares healthy meals and sauces in its Elizabeth Lahti Nutrition Center in Stuart. By adding food preservation equipment, House of Hope will be able to take full advantage of bulk donations, reduce food waste, increase healthy food options for its clients and partners and significantly increase the shelf life of healthy food items.
“Our commitment to provide nutritious food has resulted in enormous dividends to the community, the clients we serve and our food bank partners,” said Rob Ranieri, House of Hope CEO. “All food produced with this new equipment will be available at no cost to the almost 3,000 low income individuals who access our four client choice food pantries in Martin County, as well as the 11,000 individuals benefiting from our food through food bank partners in Martin County and another 5,000 served by food bank partners in St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties.”
House of Hope has high expectations for the food preservation program. It means nutritious meals will be easier to store, have a longer shelf life, be easier for clients
Molly’s House Reimagining
experiencing homelessness to manage and offer exceptional emergency preparedness options for clients.
Always looking for ways to increase the revenue needed to support its mission, House of Hope sees new opportunities with this program.
“We’re truly grateful to the members of Impact100 Martin for seeing the potential this project has to impact our current services,” Ranieri said, “and what it can mean for the future. We’ll be able to package food to sell to the public, which will generate revenue to support our other programs. We’ll also be pursing agreements with local restaurants and markets to sell House of Hope sauces, herbs, pickled vegetables, dried fruits, vacuum sealed fresh produce and other products made with the equipment purchased with this grant award.”
As the equipment becomes operational, House of Hope will offer training classes for individuals to learn new processes for home use, again expanding the impact. People with low incomes will have an opportunity for free training classes that can help the participants make the most of the health and food storage capacity of their own kitchens.
Of Hope on page 4
The Mission For This Home Away From Home
Molly’s House, a beloved Treasure Coast nonprofit, is actively engaged in reimagining its mission while remaining true to its roots.
Molly’s House was established by generous community members in 1996 as a home away from home for family members undergoing treatment at Martin Health System hospitals. It grew out of an outpouring of love after the death of Molly Sharkey at just 18 years old from a rare type of leukemia.
It was Molly’s dream to have a hospitality house in her hometown, similar to a Ronald McDonald house, that would be available to any family who has a loved one being treated for care at area hospitals. Donors and supporters made that possible.
“We’ve built a beautiful legacy of families in crisis coming together at Molly’s House and helping each other on the journey through a family member’s illness,” said Molly’s House Executive Director Katie Bartlett. “But healthcare has changed over the 28 years since Molly’s House was established. We need to change as well.”
In 1996, patients with serious illnesses typically stayed in the hospital for days or even weeks. Their families,
Molly’s House on page 6
House
Spellbinding
Joe Keating, Tracey Miller, Patty Morris and Todd Miller
Photo by Doreen Poreba
Joe Endress, Molly’s House Board Chair, and Molly’s House Executive Director Katie Bartlett are working with community partners to address local issues as Molly’s House reimagines its mission.
The food processing equipment at Growing Hope Farm has made an impact on the amount of fresh produce that House of Hope is able to offer its clients and food bank partners.
Lois and Jim McGuire
Photo by Doreen Poreba
nonprofit news
Community Unites To Champion Glazer Hall’s Artistic Vision
The Palm Beach community gathered to celebrate and support Glazer Hall’s vision for the future of the performing arts at an exclusive evening reception hosted by Jill and Avie Glazer on Thursday, April 17. Held in the west courtyard of The Royal Poinciana Plaza, more than 100 guests enjoyed a close-up view of Glazer Hall’s building site and learned more about what promises to be Palm Beach’s most significant artistic development in more than six decades.
The elegant evening included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and special performances by a string quartet from the Dreyfoos
House Of Hope from page 1
“It’s an extraordinary achievement that Impact100 Martin is investing half a million dollars into our community this coming year,” Ranieri said. “We’re honored to be one of the recipients, along with Banner Lake, Friends of the Everglades, Project LIFT and SafeSpace. Together with them and our other nonprofit partners, House of Hope benefits greatly from the generosity of our community as we work to improve the lives of the people we serve.”
For more information or make a donation, visit hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri gratefully received a 2025 impact grant award to fund a new initiative in bringing nutritious food to the hungry. From left to right, Impact100 Martin member Brigite Babine, Rob Ranieri, Impact100 Martin member Sue Whittington, House of Hope Development Manager Amy Belisle and Impact100 Martin President Maureen Cotter.
Renowned historian René Silvin delivered a compelling chronicle of the iconic Royal Poinciana Playhouse. He traced its storied legacy from its grand opening in 1958 to its lasting impact today, and its pivotal role in shaping Palm Beach’s creative future. Guests connected with other passionate and like-minded individuals who were inspired to support and be part of Glazer Hall’s enduring artistic legacy.
Set to debut in the 2025/26 season, Glazer Hall will be a state-of-the-art, nonprofit performing arts center. With its uniquely intimate and flexible design, the venue will serve as a premier destination for live performances and a cornerstone of Palm Beach’s thriving arts community.
Glazer Hall stands as a testament to Jill and Avie Glazer’s unwavering commitment to restoring and reimagining the historic Royal Poinciana Playhouse. Honoring its architectural heritage, the center will preserve the original John Volk design elements, while introducing a 400-seat theater with retractable seating, a cutting-edge audiovisual system, a wall of windows overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and exclusive private spaces.
For more information about Glazer Hall and how to support its mission, please email contact@glazerhall.org, call (561) 576-7860, or visit glazerhall.org.
School of the Arts and saxophone recording artist Eirinn Abu.
Robert Versteeg, Carole Gigliotti, Richard Rene Silvin
Maynard Monrow, Allison Raddock
Nicole Williams, Keith Williams
Kara Ackerman, Peter Soriento
Erinn Abu
String quartet from Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Photos by Serena Woodward Photography
Allison Stockel, Avram Glazer, Jill Glazer
Gail Worth, Barbara Gilbert
Fanning Hearon, Lisa Korman Avila
Hazel Schultz, Michael Schultz, Judy Berkowitz
Julie Reveley, Rob Reveley
The Pet Cottage Post
A Day In The Life At The Pet Cottage: Where Every Tail Tells A Story
Tucked away in Jupiter Farms is a place where pets who’ve lost their humans find love, care and a promise: they will never be alone again. The Pet Cottage is a sanctuary for pets whose people have passed away, become disabled or deployed. Once accepted into the program, these pets are promised a home for life.
Most of the 62 pets currently in their care live with Forever Guardians in the community. But some—those with medical or behavioral needs—stay at the sanctuary, including 14 dogs and one cat who live on-site.
pet matters
A typical day begins well before sunrise. “At 3:40 a.m., GiGi, a senior Jack Russell with dementia and Cushing’s disease, let me know she was ready to go out and eat,” shares the founder. “So, up we go.”
Dashie, a pit bull mix, and Angel, a senior chihuahua, join GiGi on the early morning outing. The rest of the dogs remain sleeping in their cozy crates or small cottages on the property. After morning meditation and journaling, the founder starts her work for The Pet Cottage—writing grants and planning the day.
By 7 a.m., it’s light enough to begin the full morning routine. Elvis, a large shepherd mix, is let out into his favorite park. Peanut, Sugar Baby and Tuffy are next, bounding with energy. Poppy and Auggie, a bonded pair of cocker spaniels awaiting placement, follow soon after.
Poop is scooped, tails are wagged and fresh air is enjoyed before everyone heads back inside. Nine of the dogs eat
the same food, while a few are on special diets. Medications are handed out, and the feeding routine stretches across the main house and the two additional cottages that house bonded pairs like Mister and Beary, and Dottie and BJ.
By 8:30 a.m., staff and volunteers begin arriving. Chloe, the volunteer coordinator, joins the morning pack walk—Angel in her stroller and the rest on leashes. A Facebook Live posting captures the fun for followers. Back inside, crates are cleaned and dogs are rotated depending on needs.
Sophie, a shy Maltipoo, eats breakfast in the guest room. “She was traumatized and isn’t comfortable with the other dogs, or many people—except me,” the founder says. Throughout the morning, volunteers help with cleaning, organizing donations, giving baths and, of course, showering the dogs with affection. The part-time assistant handles data tracking and veterinary records from one of the cottages, keeping dogs company while she works.
By mid-morning, the founder is in the office thanking donors, writing grants and preparing for board meetings. Some days include vet visits—The Pet Cottage pays for all medical care for the life of each pet. In the afternoons, meetand-greets are held with prospective guardians, with guidance from Franzi, their professional dog trainer.
By 4 p.m., it’s dinnertime. Dogs are fed, medications are given and evening routines begin. The day winds down with playtime, last walks and cuddles.
By 8:30 p.m., the house is quiet. Everyone is fed, safe and resting.
“It’s a full, beautiful day,” the founder reflects. “Busy— and so satisfying. I love my life.”
Join Our Pack
To schedule a visit call (561) 818-5025. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @thepetcottage. Learn more or donate at thepetcottage.org.
Wendy Derhak, Founder and Executive Director The Pet Cottage – Forever Promise. Forever Home.
Elvis looking out the window Angel in her stroller
GiGi
Dashie and Wendy
Elvis and Tuffy
Girl Scouts Of Southeast Florida Launch 2025 Summer Camp At Camp Welaka
The countdown to summer fun is on! Registration is now open for the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s 2025 summer camp session at Camp Welaka in Tequesta, Fla., a 640-acre preserved woodland where girls can explore nature, develop new skills and foster lasting friendships.
Open to all girls, not just current Girl Scouts, three summer programs at Camp Welaka offer a variety of outdoor adventures and leadership-building opportunities for girls from kindergarten through 12th grade. The three signature programs are:
Resident Camp is designed to build confidence and independence in an environment where the girls are empowered by their peers and camp staff to try something
summer camps
new. Campers will enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, hiking, themed events and more. There are three sessions of Resident Camp running from June 13 through July 17 for girls entering kindergarten through 12th grade.
Day Camp offers all the excitement of camp without the overnight stay. Perfect for younger campers, this experience gives girls the chance to explore the outdoors while developing key life skills including communication, responsibility and independence. Activities include archery, slingshots, paddling, hiking, pool time and arts and crafts. Day Camp is offered June 23 through June 27 and July 21 through July 25 for girls in kindergarten through 5th grade.
Camp 2gether allows girls and a trusted adult to experience camp life together. Featuring overnight stays and traditional camp activities, Camp 2gether helps families bond and create shared memories in a fun, natural setting. Camp 2gether runs from June 6 through June 8 and is open to girls entering kindergarten through 12th grade and their accompanying adults.
“Our summer camps at Camp Welaka are designed to give every girl a safe, supportive space where she can unplug, build confidence and connect with others,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “As evidenced in our recent State Florida Girl Report, more than half of high school girls regularly feel sad or hopeless and screen time is at an all-time high, camp offers something different—real friendships, outdoor adventures and the chance to discover their strengths. You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to attend, but after a week at camp, most girls are excited to become one.”
Space is limited. To register or for more information visit https://www.gssef.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-andoutdoors/summer-camp.html.
MAY 2025
BUSINESS
President’s Message
Celebrate May with joy, remembrance, and appreciation! This vibrant month honors milestones like graduations from preschool to college, Mother’s Day, and our fallen heroes on Memorial Day. But May offers even more to smile about!
Did you know May 2 is National Brothers and Sisters Day, May 5 is National Hoagie Day, and May 20 is National Dog Rescue Day? Cheer for the Kentucky Derby on May 3, but save room for National Mint Julep Day on May 30! Indulge on National Devil’s Food Cake Day, buzz with excitement for World Bee Day, and grin big on National Smile Day (May 31)—though why not smile every day?
Community Champion
Capstone IT provides expertise in network security and technology solutions for businesses and organizations. They provide services covering the entire Treasure Coast, serving the communities of Fort Pierce all the way down to Boca Raton. They offer a multitude of services including Managed IT, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Backup & Disaster Recovery, Hardware As a Service, It Support & Consulting, Network Auditing & Monitoring, Microsoft 365 Services, as well as a top-notch Help Desk that is always there to offer support. Their leadership team is there to provide guidance on proactive measures such as implementing robust cyber security protocols, ensuring data integrity with regular backups, and offering responsive support. Contact their team at (561) 257-1879 or visit https://www.capstoneitservices.com to get started with protecting your organization and have peace of mind for your business and cyber security.
2025 Palm City Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors
President Rebecca Beckett HJ Sims
President Elect Meghan Shirey Boys & Girls Club of Martin County
Vice President Mike Gonzalez Blue Stream Fiber
Treasurer Chris Coller Twinkles Gift Shop
Past President David Bradford Edward Jones
Executive Board Member Amanda Foster Zarro Mortgage
Director Pat Gleason State Insurance
Director Rob McLaughlin Access 365 Urgent Care
Director Carolyn Leibowitz Cruise Planners
Director Daniel Wade Century 21 Move with US
Director James FitzGerald Mattamy Homes
Director Lori McNicholas Keller Williams of the Treasure Coast
Director Ryan Bloss Ashley Capital
Director Rob Ranieri House of Hope
Director Angela Kacprowicz Guaranteed Garage Doors and Repair
Ex-Officio Toby Overdorf State Representative
Ex-Officio Ed Ciampi Martin County Commissioner
Ex-Officio Marsha Powers Martin County School Board
May shines a spotlight on our nurses, teachers, and EMS professionals, while celebrating Women’s Health Month, Military Appreciation Month, and National Pet Month just to name a few. There’s a day for everyone, and our Chamber connects you to the heart of Palm City’s vibrant community.
We challenge you to explore our Business Directory at www.palmcitychamber. com! Connect with local businesses for your needs, from dining to home services, or support a Palm City nonprofit making a difference. Our diverse members span every industry, ready to serve you with quality and care. Visit, shop, and engage with the businesses that strengthen our community.
May the 4th be with you as you channel your inner Jedi on Talk Like Yoda Day, May 21. Join us in making May unforgettable—support local, smile often, and thrive with Palm City and find your reason to celebrate!
Dyer Difference Award Assists
Vietnam Veterans And Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches
Way back in 1957, a group of Florida Sheriffs gathered to discuss the problem with the young boys in their communities getting into trouble with law enforcement because they didn’t have a whole lot of stability, consistency, and love in their home lives. Collectively, the group decided to invest $5,000 to create a home for boys who needed a supportive family and community to help them grow into lawful and resilient citizens. Nearly seven decades later, the problems are still the same, and the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches are still working to help prevent delinquency and develop responsible, productive citizens through programs that focus on character, integrity, stewardship and quality. For example, a youth
Honoring
who learns how to care for, respect and ride a horse also learns a whole lot about responsibility and the importance of following through. Those skills translate far beyond the paddock and trails at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and can help build confidence, provide a sense of direction and establish goals through experiences that youth likely would not have otherwise had. The bonus is that these experiences also help to foster a relationship of trust and goodwill between youth and law enforcement agents. The April Dyer Difference Award in St. Lucie County will help raise funds to support the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches and the important work they continue to do.
In Indian River County, a group of volunteers who make up Voices of Veterans of Indian River County work hard to assist approximately 16,000 local veterans who have fought the battle for our freedoms with a variety of different resources. To help raise fund to assist with disability benefits, housing, clothing, food and medical assistance, the Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County
host an annual golf tournament for about 250 participants, and proceeds from the tournament help to keep the programs and services going throughout the year. The April Dyer Difference Award supports the work of Voices of Veterans of Indian River County and the annual golf tournament, and is proud to be a sponsor of the event. The Dyer Difference Award is all about celebrating the beauty and kindness in our midst. For the Dyer family and the members of the Dyer staff, the award and the $6,000 in donations made monthly between the St. Lucie and Indian River counties are all about helping to make a positive difference in the community. For the recipients, it’s an acknowledgement of their tireless efforts to do the same and a much-needed financial boost to help further their missions. If you’d like to nominate a nonprofit organization for the Dyer Difference Award, please visit www.dyerdifference. org or find Dyer Difference on Facebook.
ADVANCING BRAIN HEALTH FOR EVERY BRIGHTER TOMORROW
We’re advancing brain health with the latest research and treatments. Because the right breakthrough can change everything. From strokes and MS to spine care and brain tumor surgery, world class neurological care is right here at Cleveland Clinic in Stuart and Port St. Lucie.
Dyer General Manager William Peck presents the Dyer Difference Award to St. Lucie Sheriff Rich Del Toro and John Carvelli. Photo courtesy of Ilena Luts.
Dyer Difference Award – pictured are Al Nahmias, Dennis Sampson, Tim Nightingale, Nicole O’Neill, Dyer Executive Manager Jonathan Hardie and Ben. Photo courtesy of Ilena Luts.