SOCIETY
Inside the philanthropic evenings, cultural celebrations and unforgettable gatherings that bring Palm Beach together.
LIFE’S 32nd ANNUAL LADY IN RED GALA WAS A SMASHING SUCCESS
Photos By CAPEHART
The Temptations and Rita Rudner Headline Palm Beach’s Premier Philanthropic Event
Palm Beach, FL (February 23, 2026) — There may be some “Temptations” to say that LIFE’s 32nd Annual Lady in Red Gala was the best one yet—but it’s not Just My Imagination. The sold-out evening welcomed more than 600 civic and community leaders to The Breakers, Palm Beach, for what was unmistakably the social and philanthropic event of the season, raising more than $1,000,000.00 million for LIFE’s charity partners.
Now in its fourth decade, the Lady in Red Gala once again delivered its signature blend of world-class entertainment, exceptional cuisine, and joyful generosity—complete with the iconic, sky-high ice cream sundae, a guest favorite.
This year’s masquerade theme transformed the ballroom into a glittering sea of sequins and masks. Gala chair and host Lois Pope quipped that she hadn’t seen that much sparkle since a Liberace concert. She also noted the timing—just ahead of Mardi Gras—explaining that “Fat Tuesday” may now be better known as ‘Skinny Tuesday,’ thanks to Ozempic, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Legendary Motown group The Temptations had guests on their feet, singing and dancing to timeless hits including My Girl, Just My Imagination, Treat Her Like a Lady, and The Way You Do the Things You Do. Earlier in the evening, comedienne Rita Rudner delighted attendees with her sharp, relatable humor and observations on life, love, and the differences between men and women.
The Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adults Spring Luncheon
Photos By CAPEHART
From Water to Wellness:
85 Years of Healing
The Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adult’s supporters dove into a celebration of health and history at the 33rd Annual Spring Luncheon, on April 22nd at The Beach Club. This year’s event, themed “From Water to Wellness: 85 Years of Healing,” served as both a celebration of the Center’s storied history and a vital fundraiser for its future.
For 85 years, the Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adults (RCCA) has been at the forefront of combining water-based therapy with modern wellness techniques. This event honored that history while looking toward the future of physical rehabilitation. Guests were dazzled by a water-inspired setting designed to reflect the Center’s deep-rooted connection to aquatic healing and physical restoration. The table centerpieces by Everett Simon featured two shades of blue hydrangea, light blue delphinium, dark blue gentiana, white tulips, green amaranthus, white garden roses. white peonies, hellebores, white veronica and of course, an abundance of seashells.
Dr. Elizabeth Cooney Reyes chaired the luncheon with her sister and co-chair Catherine Cooney Yeatman. Guest speaker Dr. Michael Cooney, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon from the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, remarked “As a surgeon, I may start the process of healing – but places like the RCCA complete it. The rehab center doesn’t just help patients recover –it helps them reclaim their independence, their confidence, and their lives. And that is something truly worth celebrating and supporting!”
Big Dog Ranch Rescue Raised Nearly $5 Million at “Wine,Women & Shoes” Annual Fundraiser
Hosted at the Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach with over 2,000 guests
Special guests included Big Dog Ranch Rescue Board Member and Honorary Chair Lara Trump; renowned animal advocate Katherine Heigl;
World-renowned dog trainer and rehabilitation expert Cesar Millan; Judge Jeanine Pirro; Fashion designers Anne Fontaine and Nardos; Big Dog Ranch Rescue Founder Lauree Simmons alongside Event Chairs Kim Albers and Elena Cardone of Cardone Capital plus the Official Event Emcee Erin Scavino
(PALM BEACH, FL) – Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue in the United States, raised nearly $5 Million during its annual “Wine, Women & Shoes” fundraising weekend held March 6–8 at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. The record-breaking event welcomed more than 2,000 guests for a weekend celebrating fashion, philanthropy and lifesaving rescue efforts.
The 3-day signature event, supported by Honorary Chair Lara Trump and Chaired by Kim Albers and Elena Cardone of Cardone Capital alongside the event emcee, Erin Scavino. The event also featured global fashion designers, Anne Fontaine and Nardos on a spectacular fashion show, luncheon, live auction and onsite dog adoptions. Adoptable dogs stole the spotlight as they strutted down the runway in a heartwarming canine fashion show, styled by Surf Souleil.
Celebrity guests included actress and animal advocate Katherine Heigl and internationally acclaimed dog behaviorist Cesar Millan and Judge Jeanine Pirro. “This year was a record-breaking success and boosted awareness for Big Dog Ranch Rescue,” said Founder Lauree Simmons. “It was a heartwarming display of community spirit, uniting style enthusiasts and animal advocates for a truly monumental cause.”
Founded in 2008, Big Dog Ranch Rescue has saved more than 88,000 dogs and is committed….
Annual Evening Of Gratitude
Photos by CAPEHART
April 13th 2026
(PALM BEACH) — The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts brought together Broadway performers, rising student artists and top supporters
for an evening that perfectly captured the impact of arts education in our community.
At its annual Evening of Gratitude, more than 270 guests experienced a dynamic program featuring students from the Bogen Young Artists of Promise Fellowship alongside cast members from “A Beautiful Noise,” blending professional performance with the next generation of talent.
The evening previewed the 2026–2027 season and highlighted how donor support directly fuels world class programming and education initiatives that reach thousands of local students each year.
A Taste of Asia
Photos by Morikami Musuen and Japanese Gardens
A Culinary and Cultural Experience at the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (March 7, 2026) — more than 250 guests were transported to the Land of the Rising Sun during the sold-out “A Taste of Asia: A Culinary and Cultural Experience” at the Morikami Museum andJapanese Gardens in Delray Beach.
At the annual festival-style fundraiser, guests explored an array of Asian flavors with curated culinary passports that provided VIP access to exceptional dishes from some of South Florida’s most celebrated restaurants and chefs. Participating restaurants included Brewsaki, Ceviche DOZO, Chubby Cat (Japanese Izakaya Ramen & Sushi), Cornell Café, Ela Curry & Cocktails, Hawkers, Ito En, Kaminari Ramen, Kapow! Noodle Bar, Kasumi, Niigata Sake Selections, Nobu Miami, Ramen Lab Eatery, Shojo’s Dojo, Stage Kitchen & Bar, Sushi YasuTanaka, and Winebow Fine Wines & Spirits.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed premium whiskey, sake, and beer tastings while experiencing an immersive lineup of cultural entertaiment. Highlights included a silent auction and dancing under hte starts to the anime-inspired jazz sound of 8 But Wave. Attendees were also captivated by a live painting demonstration by renowned Japenese ink artists Kimata Yasunori and the power rythyms of taiko drumming performed by Fushu Daiko against the scenic backdrop of Lake Morikami.
Cox Science Center & Aquarium
Photos by CAPEHART
Smarty Party 2026
(WEST PALM BEACH, FL) – The featured speaker for the Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s (CSCA) Smarty Party 2026: The Science of Sleep, Dr. Michael Young shared that his Nobel Prize-winning research began with his childhood fascination with a night-blooming flower in Florida. During a “flower side” chat with Smarty Party co-chair Deborah Norville, his inspiration was brought to life, where cascading white florals at the heart of his story set the décor tone for over 500 guests on January 15 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to the highly anticipated presentation, the evening exceed ed its $2.4 million goal and featured a crafted cocktail reception, a seated dinner and curated moments celebrating CSCA’s purpose to open every mind to science.
“Everyone leaves the Smarty Party knowing a little more than when they walked in the door,” said Norville “This event plays a vital role in supporting CSCA’s educational outreach, hands-on exhibits and STEM based programming, and it is my privilege tonight not to conduct a fireside chat, but a ‘flowerside’ chat with Dr. Michael Young, the 2017 recipient of the Nobel Prize for Medicine. We could not have a better speaker to share his knowledge about circadian rhythms and how to get a good night’s sleep.”
The annual Smarty Party directly supports CSCA’s mission-driven programs, ensuring continued access to innovative, inclusive and immersive science education that sparks curiosity, makes science accessible and relevant for all, and strengthens the Center’s impactacross the community.
MorseLife
Photos by CAPEHART
Annual Golf Classic & Awards
(PALM BEACH) — MorseLife Health System teed up another memorable day of camaraderie and philanthropy at its Annual Golf Classic and Awards Luncheon on April 6 at The Breakers Ocean Course. Set against the backdrop of one of South Florida’s most iconic courses, the event brought together supporters and golf enthusiasts to make a meaningful impact for MorseLife’s Hospice Care program.
The day began with a grab-and-go breakfast, followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start on the historic Ocean Course. Players spent the morning enjoying sweeping Atlantic views and spirited play, all in support of compassionate, end-of-life care for patients and families across Palm Beach County.
“MorseLife’s Annual Golf Classic is always one of my favorite events because it brings together so many of our generous donors and valued community partners for a morning of connection and purpose,”said Ashley Robinson, Vice President of Events at MorseLife Health System. “Most importantly, today directly supports our Hospice Care program, helping us provide comfort, dignity and compassionate careto individuals and families during life’s most sensitive moments.” Following 18 holes, guests gathered at the Flagler Steakhouse for a celebratory awards luncheon, where participants reflected on the day’s impact and the collective generosity that continues to strengthen MorseLife’s mission.
This year’s event was made possible through the generosity of its sponsors, including title sponsor Whiting-Turner, along withJudy Jokiel, Knight Corporations, Michelle Farmer Collaborate, Forvis Mazars, TheBandier Family Foundation, Adams Coogler, CareOne Pharmacy, The Robbins Family, T.D. Bank, William and Phyllis Mack, Thomas and Judith Iovino, and Martin and Bonnie Gregge. VIPs in attendance included Phyllis and William Mack, Janet and Aurthur Hershaft, Beth and Marc Goldberg, Arthur Loring, Cliff Robbins, Ed Pantzer, Michael Rome, John Stark, Susie and Jeffrey Levitt, Nancy and Peter Brown, Beverly and Dan
Flowersheimer, Carol and Robert Trow, Jan and David Ball, Judith Jokiel and Peter Farmer.
MorseLife Health System provides integrated residences, health care and services for older adults, including independent and assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, memory care, home health, and hospice. The organization is Palm Beach County’s exclusive PACE provider and has earned the Governor’s Gold Seal Award for excellence in long-term care. For more information about MorseLife Health System or to join upcoming events, visit www.morselifeevents.org, email
events@morselife.org or call 561.242.4661.
ADFMDA GALA
Photos by Jack Gancarz
Palm Beach Rallies for Israel’s Emergency Responders
PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 27, 2026) — Hundreds gathered Thursday evening at The Breakers in Palm Beach for the annual American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) Palm Beach Gala in support of Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service. The evening highlighted MDA’s lifesaving work across Israel and honored those who have helped sustain that mission during a time of war.
Bestselling author and journalist Douglas Murray joined Noa Tishby, an Israeli actress, producer, and advocate, for a live conversation that centered on Israel, the war, antisemitism, and the moral stakes of the moment.
“There are a lot of causes that we can give to,” Tishby said. “Some of them are great. Some of them are amazing. MDA, Magen David Adom, is incredible. They actually do the work. They are important for Israel. They deliver.”
Murray praised MDA’s frontline impact, telling the audience, “I’ve seen on the ground in Israel, and I’ve seen the enormous good work that you do as an organization.”
He later framed the broader fight of the current war between Israel and Iran in stark moral terms: “The world’s biggest death cult has just tried to take on the world’s greatest life cult, and the life cult’s going to win.”
Reflecting on the resilience he has witnessed in Israel, Murray added, “If you want to cheer up, you should come to Israel. It’s much better there because people are united and they have a purpose and they know what they’re fighting for.”
The evening’s theme, “From Darkness to Light,” was brought into sharp focus through remarks from former hostage Omer Shem Tov, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and held captive for 505 days.The evening’s theme, “From Darkness to Light,” was brought into sharp focus through remarks from former hostage Omer Shem Tov, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and held captive for 505 days.
The Art Of Giving
Raising More Thank $1.5 Million for The Foundations School
The Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education Spring Garden Party
Photos by CAPEHART
Annual benefit at Club Colette raises support for new Learning Garden at WPB Campus
(Palm Beach) More than 150 community leaders, supporters, The Foundations School (TFS) teachers and parents gathered at Club Colette on March 16 for “The Art of Giving”: Spring Garden Party benefiting The Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education (CCE). The annual
event raised more than $1.5 million to support the creation of a new Learning Garden for TFS at CCE in West Palm Beach.
CCE advances academic success through programs that support students, families, and communities. At the center of this work is TFS, a K–5 independent lab school where research-aligned instruction and
whole-child supports are implemented to drive strong academic outcomes for underserved students.
Access to TFS is made possible through a combination of philanthropy and state scholarships. The results achieved on campus not only transform student trajectories, but also support CCE’s growing role in developing and sharing effective, field-tested approaches to teaching and learning.
“When students receive the right support early, the results are remarkable,” said Robert L. Hamon, President and CEO of The Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education. “While only a fraction of students in surrounding schools are reading on grade level, nearly 90% of our students are. That difference isn’t about the students; it’s about
the environment we create around them. This is what’s possible when we invest in children.”
Chef Showdown
Benefiting Trustbridge Hospice Foundation
Photos by Acranecat
A Heartfelt Thank You for Sponsoring Trustbridge at the 8th Annual Chef Showdown!
A sold-out crowd of 313 guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening at the 2025 Chef Showdown, hosted at Delaire Country Club to benefit the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation. Together, we raised $254,715 to support families in Palm Beach and Broward Counties facing advanced illness and end-of-life care.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Champion
Executive Chef Christopher Reichart, Gleneagles Country Club, wowed the
judges and guests with his Australian Wagyu and Lobster creation and will
serve as host of the 2026 Chef Showdown.
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Supporters
Platinum Sponsor: Mrs. Billi Marcus
Gold Sponsors: Acrisure and Dr. Richard Esack & Ms. Betty Jakubowicz
Special thanks to all sponsors, in-kind donors, the entire Host Committee,
and our dedicated leadership team — Event Chair Mickey Rosenzweig,
Event Vice Chair Jeff Persily, and Event Auction Chair Andrea Cannon —
for making the evening possible.
65th International
Red Cross Ball
Ushers in the Palm Beach Social Season with Remarkable Success
Photos by Capehard Photography
For the fourth consecutive year, Dame Amanda Schumacher and Mr. Charles Schumacher chaired this prestigious event. Their dedication to the Red Cross mission is a testament to their spirit of generosity and compassion and will be cherished for years to come. The Schumachers’ remarkable commitment was further recognized with the announcement of their induction into the Chairman’s Council, an elite circle of philanthropic leaders whose lifetime giving exceeds $1 million, by Former Chairman of the American Red Cross National Board of Governors, Ambassador Bonnie McElveen Hunter. This milestone reflects the Schumachers’ extraordinary leadership and deep devotion to the humanitarian work of the Red Cross, solidifying a legacy that will inspire others for generations
“We are deeply grateful to be recognized by the American Red Cross as national leaders and humanitarians,” said Dame Amanda Schumacher. “Charles and I believe that giving our time, talents, and resources in
service to others is central to the legacy we hope to leave. It is a true honor to support the mission of the Red Cross and to see how these fundraising efforts continue to positively impact the U.S. Armed Forces members and their families around the world.”
This year’s Ball paid tribute to General Randy A. George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and his wife, Patty George, honoring them with the distinguished Patriots Legacy Award for their lifetime of service as a military family. General George, who has served our nation in combat and command around the globe, was also the evening’s keynote speaker. Patty George, a West Point graduate, veteran and lifelong advocate for military families, has dedicated more than three decades to strengthening Soldier & Family Readiness Groups and championing wellness initiatives across military communities. Together, “Team George” exemplifies the leadership and devotion to service that the Red Cross is privileged to recognize.
As the military’s history is inseparable from America’s history, and with the American Red Cross itself founded on the battlefields of the Civil War, the Ball honored the U.S. Armed Forces and reaffirmed our commitment to supporting military service members, veterans and their families through our Service to the Armed Forces programs. During the evening, guests enjoyed a performance by United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and heard a powerful reflection from Medal of Honor recipient Retired Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee, who shared how the Red Cross changed his life by responding to a disaster that destroyed
his home and helped shape his lifelong commitment to service. His story
underscored the profound impact of the Red Cross mission and the
enduring need to support those who serve our nation.
