Non-Profit Notices

Summer has been hot but Kindergarten through 2nd graders, along with our tweens and teens, took a sweet break with Kona Ice at BLAST. While some campers were off on field trips, the kids who stayed on campus still had plenty of fun. The summer heat was real, but Kona Ice's cool flavors helped everyone beat it. Thank you, Kona Ice!

School is going into full swing August 10th; this year Banner Lake Academy is adding 5th grade! Our school is growing and so is our campus. We look forward to our students learning, making new friends, and childhood adventures.

August 8th is our Banner Lake Day. Students and parents will join together to celebrate the beginning of the year. Activities include live DJ, food, and raffles. Students can also select much needed items like clothes, shoes, and care bags with hygiene products. 20-25 children will receive fresh confidence boosting hairstyles for the new school year. There will also be financial literary resources: Banks, credit unions and 4C’s will offer guidance to empower families with financial knowledge and childcare resources.

Treasure Coast Community Singers 24th Season Announcement

The Treasure Coast Community Singers are proud to announce the start of their 24th season!! TCCS is devoted to keeping people singing, creating purposeful music for the enrichment of the Treasure Coast.

TCCS has 5 different choruses. The Community Chorus welcomes all singers of varying levels. You don’t need to audition. You just need to love to sing and be high school age and above. The Chamber Chorus performs classical music. You need to be an experienced singer and be in high school or above. Auditions are required. TCCS has two youth choruses – Youth K-grade 5 and Middle/High School- grade 6-10. Neither of these choruses require auditions. The final chorus is the Ensemble. This is a selection based program for experienced singers. This is a smaller group which performs within the community.

Rehearsals for the choruses are held on Mondays at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2221 NE Savannah Rd., Jensen Beach, Fl. The Ensemble meets on Wednesday. Registrations have begun. Go to the website at tccsingers.org to register online. Registrations are also held at Trinity United Methodist Church August 10, 17 and 24 starting at 4:00pm for the youth/middle/high school choruses, 5:00pm for the Chamber (audition times are on the website) and Community Choruses.

Join us!! Come for the music and stay for the family!

Education Foundation launches back-to-school opportunities for classroom support

STUART, Fla. — As Martin County students return to school August 10, the Education Foundation of Martin County is inviting individuals, families, civic groups, nonprofits and businesses to help equip local classrooms through three online programs that connect community support directly with teacher and student needs.

Through Adopt-A-Class, supporters can adopt specific classrooms or school programs online for $100 or more, helping teachers access needed resources without paying out of pocket. Classrooms and programs may be adopted more than once, and the foundation’s goal is to have every classroom adopted at least once this school year. To view available classrooms and programs, go to https://www.educationfoundationmc.org/p/251/adopt-a-class.

Through Fund-A-Project, teachers can post requests for specific classroom projects designed to support students’ learning needs, giving donors a simple way to fund targeted educational experiences. To view teacher requests, go to https://www.educationfoundationmc.org/p/285/fund-a-project.

Through Bulletin Board Listings, community members can respond to non-monetary classroom needs by offering volunteer time, donated materials, gently used equipment, subject matter expertise, advisory board support, books, magazines, shoe boxes and other reusable supplies. Teachers can also post classroom requests, creating a direct exchange between the community and Martin County classrooms.

Lead sponsors supporting the EFMC’s “Your Classroom Connection” online platforms are Patty McAuley, Seacoast Bank; Tami Karol, Tami Karol Insurance; Kelley Decowski, RE/MAX of Stuart; Dr. Ajay Goyal, Diagnostic Radiology Center of the Treasure Coast; Lisa Rhodes, Education Foundation of Martin County; and Dr. Vincent Napoli, Napoli Orthodontics. Photo By Doreen Poreba

“Every great classroom innovation begins with an idea,” said Chanda Leon, a pre-AICE biology teacher at Martin County High School and the Education Foundation’s 2025-2026 Martin County Teacher of the Year. “Too often, that idea never becomes reality because of cost. Adopt-a-Classroom and Fund-a-Project have helped to remove financial barriers, allowing me the opportunity to convert creative solutions into meaningful learning experiences for my students."

One hundred percent of donations go directly to classroom needs thanks to the foundation’s program sponsors. Lead sponsors include Napoli Orthodontics, the Kelley Decowski Team at RE/MAX of Stuart, Tami Karol Insurance, Diagnostic Radiology Center of the Treasure Coast, Seacoast Bank, and Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa Injury Lawyers. Other sponsors include Precision Site Contracting, Stuart Pediatric Dentistry, Sullivan Electric & Pump, Searcy Law, New Wave Compass – Sara Crombie, Ampersand Graphics, JoAnna Oster, RE/MAX of Stuart, Pinder’s Nursery, All Jetting Technologies, Elegant Entries, Lesser Landy Smith & Siegel PLLC, SwissMango and Sal’s Air.

“Every adopted classroom, funded project and donated resource sends a powerful message to our teachers and students that this community believes in them,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “When local residents and businesses step forward, they help turn classroom ideas into learning experiences that can inspire achievement all year long.”

Steven C. Simon, managing shareholder at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa Injury Lawyers, said, “We couldn’t be happier to support the Education Foundation’s Your Classroom Connection program. Educators make a lasting difference in the lives of students, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen classrooms across Martin County. It is a privilege to stand with many leading community businesses and join the Education Foundation in investing in educational excellence and student success.”

To adopt a classroom, fund a project, respond to a classroom need or learn more about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call 772-600-8062.

The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic nonprofit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent 501(c)3 organization, the foundation raises and distributes private and corporate funds through established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy and STEAM programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs that recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.

The Hobe Sound Nature Center Welcomes Dr. Hada Herring as Executive Director.

The Hobe Sound Nature Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Hada Herring as its new Executive Director. A lifelong Floridian with more than 16 years of experience in wildlife conservation, environmental education. Dr. Herring brings a weath of experience and passion to the organization as it continues its mission of inspiring the community to protect South Florida’s native habitats and wildlife.

WHO: The Hobe Sound Nature Center

WHAT: Appointment of Dr. Hada Herring as Executive Director

WHEN: Effective June 2026

WHERE: Hobe Sound Nature Center

Dr. Hada earned her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Florida International University, a Master of Professional Science in Marine Mammal Science from the University of Miami, and a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Florida. Throughout her career, she has led conservation initiatives, responded to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, developed innovative environmental education programs, and fostered meaningful community engagement.

As Executive Director, Dr. Herring will lead the Hobe Sound Nature Center in advancing its conservation, education, volunteer, and community outreach programs while strengthening partnerships that support the organization's long-term vision.

"I believe the most meaningful and lasting impacts on our local ecosystems happen when we work together—engaging the public, empowering community champions, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards," said Dr. Hada Herring, Executive Director of the Hobe Sound Nature Center. "Through innovative, evidence-based education, we can create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to see themselves as contributors to science and conservation, helping protect the Florida we all call home."

The Hobe Sound Nature Center Board of Directors is excited to welcome Dr. Herring and looks forward to her leadership as the organization continues to grow its impact across the region.

About the Hobe Sound Nature Center

The Hobe Sound Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works in cooperation with the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge to educate and inspire people of all ages about South Florida’s critical habitats and wildlife.

Hobe Sound Nature Center Launches "Nest Quest" Citizen Science Program.

The Hobe Sound Nature Center is excited to introduce Nest Quest: Sea Turtle Nest Investigation, a new citizen science program that gives community members the rare opportunity to participate in real sea turtle nest excavations alongside professional researchers at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach.

WHO: The Hobe Sound Nature Center

WHAT: Nest Quest: Sea Turtle Nest Investigation

WHEN: Throughout the 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season (dates announced as nests are ready)

WHERE: Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach

Nest Quest provides participants with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at sea turtle conservation while contributing to valuable scientific research. Participants join Hobe Sound Nature Center educators to observe an FWC-permitted sea turtle nest excavation, where important data are collected to help monitor nesting success and better understand sea turtle populations along Florida's east coast.

Unlike traditional educational programs, Nest Quest offers guests the opportunity to become citizen scientists by experiencing authentic conservation work firsthand. During each excavation, attendees learn about sea turtle biology, nesting behavior, hatchling development, and the importance of protecting one of Florida's most iconic marine species.

"Nest Quest gives our community the rare opportunity to witness sea turtle conservation in action," said Yasmeen Bruno, STEM Education Manager and Sea Turtle Biologist at the Hobe Sound Nature Center. "By observing an FWC-permitted sea turtle nest excavation, participants gain a deeper understanding of the nesting process, the challenges sea turtles face, and how scientific research guides conservation efforts. We hope every participant leaves with a greater appreciation for these incredible animals and a stronger connection to protecting Florida's coastal ecosystems.

The program is made possible through a partnership with Ecological Associates, Inc., whose permitted sea turtle monitoring team works throughout the nesting season to protect and study sea turtles along the Refuge beach. Space is limited, and Nest Quest experiences are scheduled around the natural timing of sea turtle hatchings. Advance registration is required, and interested participants are encouraged to join the Nest Quest Notification List to receive registration announcements as new excavation opportunities become available.

For more information or to join the Nest Quest Notification List, visit: https://hobesoundnaturecenter.org/nest-quest

Treasure Health Appoints George W. Eighmy as Chief Financial Officer

STUART, Fla. (July 27, 2026) – Treasure Health, parent company of Treasure Coast Hospice and Brevard-based St. Francis Hospice, announced the appointment of George W. Eighmy, MBA, FHFMA, as Chief Financial Officer. Eighmy succeeds Lisbet “Liz” Vandenberg, who recently retired from the nonprofit hospice organization.

       “George Eighmy offers an extraordinary depth of healthcare financial expertise and a proven record of strategic financial leadership,” said Treasure Health CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA. “As healthcare continues to evolve, strong financial stewardship is essential to fulfilling our mission. I am excited to welcome George to the leadership team and am confident that he will help position our organization for continued growth and long-term sustainability so that we can continue to deliver the highest quality care across the Treasure and Space Coasts.”

As Chief Financial Officer, Eighmy will oversee the fiscal management of Treasure Health’s financial operations while helping advance its commitment to compassionate end-of-life care. He will be responsible for financial strategy, budgeting, accounting, reporting, analysis, investments, and compliance, ensuring the organization remains well positioned to meet the evolving needs of patients and families served by Treasure Coast Hospice and St. Francis Hospice.

Eighmy brings more than 30 years of experience leading financial operations and strategy for healthcare organizations to the position. Most recently, Eighmy served as Associate Vice President of Finance with Lakeland Regional Health System, a $1.5 billion full-service acute trauma and teaching hospital system in Lakeland, Florida. Previously, he held senior finance leadership roles at Bassett Healthcare System in Cooperstown, New York, Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, Florida, and Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group in Bristol, Connecticut.

“It’s a privilege to join an organization whose mission touches so many lives throughout our community,” said George W. Eighmy, MBA, FHFMA. “I look forward to helping ensure the organization has the financial strength and resources to continue delivering exceptional care to patient and families for many years to come.”

Eighmy holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut. He is a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Managers Association (FHFMA) and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

About Treasure Health

Treasure Health is a non-profit community organization whose mission is to provide access to compassionate, caring, expert and professional hospice and grief support services to patients and families at the end of life. With a legacy rooted in service, Treasure Health compassionately leads and supports community-based hospice providers that embody a shared commitment to provide exceptional, quality end-of-life care.

The organization’s two nonprofit hospice providers, Treasure Coast Hospice and St. Francis Hospice, are nationally recognized for quality care, serving communities in Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Brevard counties. Combined, Treasure Health serves a population of more than 1.2 million people and cares for more than 1,000 patients daily in four Florida counties.

Gold Coast PR Council Announces Winners of 20th Annual Bernays Awards

South Florida communications professionals and organizations honored for excellence in public relations, marketing and community impact

Boca Raton, FL – July 28, 2026 – The Gold Coast PR Council (GCPRC), South Florida’s largest independent association of public relations, communications and marketing professionals, announced the winners of its 20th Annual Bernays Awards, recognizing exceptional campaigns, projects and professionals from throughout South Florida. Nearly 100 communications professionals, community leaders and guests attended the milestone luncheon.

Alec Lefeld, Melissa Perlman, Samantha Stepper, Mark Burns

The awards were presented during the Bernays Awards Luncheon on Thursday, July 23, at the Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach. WPTV NBC 5 anchor Tania Rogers served as emcee. New York Life was the presenting sponsor.

Branielle Edmonds, TJ Tracey, Ann Marie Scorrell, Duval Hendricks

“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bernays Awards gave us an opportunity to recognize not only the creativity and strategic excellence of this year’s winners, but also the individuals whose leadership has strengthened South Florida’s communications community,” said Sandy Collier and Melissa Perlman, co-presidents of the Gold Coast PR Council. “These honorees demonstrate the meaningful impact that thoughtful, innovative and responsible communications can have on organizations and the communities they serve.”

2026 Special Award Recipients

The prestigious President’s Award was presented to Gary Schweikhart, who co-founded the Gold Coast PR Council with the late Barry Epstein in 2002. Schweikhart has spent more than 55 years in communications and has led Boca Raton-based PR-BS, Public Relations By Schweikhart, since 2001. 

Additional special honors included:

2026 Bernays Award Winners

Best Nonprofit Project or Campaign — Large

Best Nonprofit Project or Campaign — Small

Best Marketing Material — Print

Best Marketing Material — Digital/Video

Best Special Event

Best Social Media Campaign — For Profit

Best Social Media Campaign — Nonprofit

Best Crisis Management

Best PR Campaign by a Small Company or Firm

Best PR Campaign by a Large Company or Firm

Mia Fromson, Petros Palppalas, Steven Lemons, Stacy Swanson, Zach McCarthy, Jenna Fantauzzi, Elizabeth Holmes, Roy Assad

Since 2005, the Bernays Awards have celebrated excellence in public relations campaigns, marketing programs, media relations, special events and communications initiatives throughout South Florida. The awards are named in honor of Edward Bernays, widely regarded as a pioneer of modern public relations.

About the Gold Coast PR Council Founded in 2002, the Gold Coast PR Council is South Florida's largest independent association of public relations, communications, marketing, and public affairs professionals. The organization provides networking, professional development, recognition, and educational opportunities for communications practitioners throughout the region. For more information, visit GoldCoastPRCouncil.com.

Wave Goodbye to Litter: Join Keep Martin Beautiful for the International Coastal Cleanup

Stuart, Fla. – Last year, volunteers removed nearly 3,000 pieces of microplastic from Martin County’s shoreline in a single morning. On Saturday, Sept. 19, our community will once again join hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the globe for the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup, removing litter from beaches, shorelines and waterways.

For more than three decades, Keep Martin Beautiful has proudly served as Martin County's local coordinator of this worldwide initiative, bringing together residents of all ages to care for the coastal places that define our community.

Each year, more than 1,000 volunteers, including individuals, families, businesses, youth groups, and civic organizations, roll up their sleeves to remove litter from our shorelines. While larger items like bottles and food packaging are common, volunteers also collect thousands of smaller, often overlooked pieces of debris, including cigarette butts, plastic foam fragments, discarded fishing line and microplastics. These pollutants travel through storm drains and waterways, threatening marine life and damaging fragile coastal habitats.

"Our beaches and waterways are at the heart of what makes Martin County such a special place to live," said Keep Martin Beautiful Executive Director Tiffany Kincaid. "The International Coastal Cleanup gives everyone an opportunity to make a real difference. In just one morning, volunteers can create a lasting impact while helping preserve these beautiful places for future generations."

Volunteers are encouraged to register on the Keep Martin Beautiful website and download the free CleanSwell™ app before the event. The app makes it easy for volunteers to record the litter they collect, providing valuable data to Keep Martin Beautiful and the Ocean Conservancy. The data helps scientists identify pollution trends, guide conservation efforts and develop solutions to reduce marine debris around the world.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Whether you are joining for the first time or returning year after year, every volunteer helps protect Martin County's coast and becomes part of one of the world's largest volunteer efforts to keep our oceans and waterways healthy.

Keep Martin Beautiful thanks the following sponsors for making the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup: WM, Martin County, Ashley Capital, Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, CSA Ocean Sciences, Lucido & Associates, Indian Riverkeeper, Ecological Associates, Coastal Waste & Recycling, The Guardians of Martin County, Jenkins Landscape, Live With Grace, Ram Real Estate, Solar Electric Power Company, City of Stuart and the Firefly Group.

For more information, to register or sponsor, visit keepmartinbeautiful.org or contact Keep Martin Beautiful at 772-781-1222 or info@keepmartinbeautiful.org.

About Keep Martin Beautiful

Keep Martin Beautiful (KMB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization founded in 1994 as an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Martin County through litter prevention, the promotion of recycling, improvement of solid waste management practices, and beautification and community revitalization activities. KMB signature events and programs include the Environmental Stewardship Awards, the International Coastal Cleanup, the Great American Cleanup, the Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-A-Street programs, as well as other educational and outreach activities. Find KMB on Facebook at facebook.com/KeepMartinBeautiful, follow KMB on Twitter at twitter.com/KMBmartin, visit KeepMartinBeautiful.org or call 772-781-1222.

Donate, Declutter & Shop for a Cause at ARC of the Treasure Coast’s Pop-Up Thrift Store Fundraiser

WHO: ARC of the Treasure Coast

WHAT: Pop-Up Thrift Store Fundraiser – Community members are invited to donate gently used items and working electronics, then return to shop an incredible selection of affordable treasures while supporting a meaningful cause.

WHEN: DONATION DROP-OFF: August 24–28 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SHOPPING EVENT: Saturday, August 29 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: ARC Tip Center 451 SW Ravenswood Lane Port St. Lucie, FL

WHY: Turn your unwanted items into opportunities for others. By donating and shopping at the ARC Pop-Up Thrift Store, you help support programs and services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the Treasure Coast.

Shoppers can browse hundreds of bargain-priced items, including clothing, shoes, housewares, China, collectibles, furniture, artwork, electronics, computer equipment, holiday décor, and more. Unique handcrafted items created by ARC program participants will also be available for purchase, offering one-of-a-kind gifts while directly supporting the people ARC serves.

Make room in your home, find hidden treasures, and make a lasting impact in your community.

Drive Change throughout Palm and Martin Counties with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Florida License Plate

(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) Wednesday, July, 29, 2026- Every day, drivers across Palm Beach and Martin Counties can turn their daily commute into a force for good, one license plate at a time. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Florida specialty plate transforms an everyday drive into a lasting investment in local youth, funding mentoring relationships that help children discover their full potential through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm and Martin Counties.

Mentorship in Motion: How Your Plate Makes an Impact Proceeds from every Big Brothers Big Sisters specialty license plate directly support life-changing mentoring programs right here in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, as well as throughout Florida. Available through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the BBBS tag is more than a plate. It's a commitment to mentorship, opportunity, and potential.

Proceeds go straight to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida and its network of 11 local agencies, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. These funds strengthen one-to-one mentoring relationships, provide training and support for mentors, and ensure every child in the program has the resources needed to thrive.

With a single plate, you can help: · Recruit and train new volunteer mentors right here in Palm Beach and Martin Counties · Expand access to youth mentoring services across our communities · Fund workplace readiness programs and support services that help local Littles thrive academically, emotionally, and professionally

How to Get Your BBBS Florida Specialty License Plate Neither the Palm Beach County nor Martin County Tax Collector's Office currently offers online specialty plate ordering, so getting your BBBS plate takes just one visit.

1. Make an appointment with your local Tax Collector's Office: Palm Beach County Tax Collector Belle Glade: 2976 State Road 15, Belle Glade, FL 33430 Central Palm Beach: 4215 South Military Trail, Greenacres, FL 33463 Downtown West Palm Beach: 301 North Olive Avenue, 1st Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

North County: 3185 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 South County: 501 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445 Westlake: 16440 Town Center Parkway South, Westlake, FL 33470 o Martin County Tax Collector Stuart: Main Office: 3485 SE Willoughby Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994 Hobe Sound: 11734 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 Indiantown: 16550 SW Warfield Boulevard, Indiantown, FL 34956 Palm City: 3001 SW Martin Downs Boulevard, Palm City, FL 34990

2. Request the Big Brothers Big Sisters Florida specialty plate. You do not have to wait for your registration renewal. Your plate can be changed anytime.

3. Prefer to order online instead? You can use a neighboring county's Tax Collector website that offers online ordering and have your plate shipped to your home, or use a licensed, bonded Florida courier tag agency for delivery to your door or a scheduled in-person appointment. Tag agencies charge a convenience or service fee plus shipping, and you'll need your current license plate number, insurance company and policy number, and a photo of your valid Florida driver's license.

New to Palm Beach or Martin County? Visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website to register your vehicle, and select the Big Brothers Big Sisters Florida specialty plate during the process.

Want a personalized plate? Check availability through the Florida DMV's Personalized Plate Inquiry tool, complete the Application for Personalized License Plate, and submit it at your local Tax Collector's Office. Your custom plate will be mailed directly to you.

The Cost of Change The Big Brothers Big Sisters plate costs just $25 annually above your standard registration fee, and that entire amount is a donation directly supporting youth mentorship in Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Already have the plate? Share a photo on social media and tag us to help spread the word. By driving around with your BBBS plate, you're helping recruit the next Big, support the next match, and inspire the next story of local impact.

Drive with purpose. Choose the plate that drives change.