Non-Profit Notices

AMERICAN HUMANE SOCIETY’S RESCUE TEAM DEPLOYS TO COLORADO TO PROVIDE CRITICAL CARE FOR ANIMALS DISPLACED BY WILDFIRES

Working alongside Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, first responders brave extreme heat to support emergency shelter for 200 evacuated pets in Pueblo

PALM BEACH, FL — American Humane Society in Palm Beach, Florida, announced the deployment of its rescue team to Pueblo, Colorado, in response to significant wildfires in the region. Responders are on the ground assisting the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) at a temporary emergency animal shelter set up to care for pets belonging to families displaced by active wildfires.

The emergency animal shelter operates adjacent to a local American Red Cross shelter for residents, keeping evacuated families close to their beloved pets. The facility is currently housing approximately 200 displaced animals, primarily dogs and cats, that require immediate food, water, medical assessment, and daily care.

Emergency pet shelters are critical during natural disasters to ensure families can evacuate safely and find housing without leaving their pets behind. One survey following Hurricane Irene found that 53% of pet owners said their pets were the reason they did not evacuate. 

American Humane Society maintains trained disaster response teams and specialized resources stationed across the country to ensure a swift response whenever and wherever animals are in crisis. First responders travel the nation with a fleet of specially equipped rescue vehicles fully outfitted with life-saving emergency supplies.

When disasters strike, families face unimaginable stress, and worrying about the safety of their pets only compounds that trauma,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “Our rescue team is on the ground in Colorado with a single mission: providing a safe haven and compassionate care for more than 200 animals until they can be reunited with their families.

As temperatures in the region climb to a blistering 97 degrees, American Humane Society’s team of first responders and trained volunteers, including Taylor Nickelsen of Palm City, Florida, is working in extreme heat to ensure the animals remain cool, hydrated, and safe from heat stress. 

American Humane Society’s historic rescue work dates back to 1916, when the U.S. Secretary of War asked the organization to care for wounded horses during World War I. Today, that legacy of first response continues as teams provide emergency veterinary care, sheltering, and field rescue during major hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.

For more information on American Humane Society, visit americanhumane.org.

About American Humane Society 

With offices in Palm Beach, Florida and Washington, D.C., American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, visit AmericanHumane.org, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MARTIN-ST. LUCIE HOSTS “FLORIDA NONPROFITS BY THE NUMBERS” 

The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie recently convened nearly 100 nonprofit representatives, Foundation Fundholders and professional advisors for an in-depth look at the economic and social impact of the nonprofit sector in Florida.                                                

Elizabeth Barbella and Sabeen Perwaiz 

“Florida Nonprofits by the Numbers” was presented by Sabeen Perwaiz, President & CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, and included updates on the state of the sector, its economic impact and the potential effects of recent policy changes at the local, state and national levels.  Elizabeth A. Barbella, President & CEO of The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie and Board Chair of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, also presented.

Suits for SeniorsCareer Ready

In addition to the essential services that Florida's nonprofits offer to at-risk communities, they are an economic engine, making up more than five percent of the state's workforce and helping drive Florida’s economy (the 15th largest in the world).  Nonprofits are also an economic multiplier:  For every direct job in the nonprofit sector, nearly two more jobs are supported. 

Light House Café Ministries

In Southeast Florida, nonprofit organizations employ more than 146,000 individuals annually and generate $39.4 billion in annual revenue.  In Martin and St. Lucie counties alone, nonprofits employ 4,393 individuals and generate over $868 million in annual revenue. 

“Florida Nonprofits by the Numbers” was co-hosted by Northern Trust, The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie, the St. Lucie County Children’s Services Council and the Florida Nonprofit Alliance. 

                                               Love Serving Autism

Founded in Stuart in 1988, The Community Foundation is the largest community foundation grantor to Martin and St. Lucie Counties.  Together with its Fundholders and partners, The Foundation invests over $7 million annually in local nonprofit organizations, creating important, lasting changes for the enrichment and betterment of our community.  In the past decade alone, The Foundation has awarded over $35 million in grants and scholarships, with over 80 percent of this funding invested right here in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties.  To learn more about The Community Foundation Martin-St. Lucie, visit www.tcfmsl.org or call 772-288-3795.

Summer is in full swing at Banner Lake Club, and we've got a big community event on the calendar plus an update on how our BLAST kids are spending their summer. Here's what's new:

A day of celebration, service, and hope for our community!

Mark your calendars for a morning packed with resources and fun for the whole family:

We hope to see the community there!

Banner Lake After School Time (BLAST) is keeping kids ages 5–18 active and engaged all summer long. Each week brings a new field trip, plus daily activities and outdoor games that keep students moving, socializing, and having fun.

This summer's field trips have included: art classes at Bailey's Art Gallery, bubble fun with the Bubble Truck, Kona Ice for those super hot summer days, movies, jump and water parks, and more!

From team games to creative projects, BLAST gives kids a chance to build friendships and try new things in a safe, supportive environment. It's been a great season of laughter, energy, and community.

Learn more at BannerLakeClub.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Ripper, 772.223.7851 kkripper@coamartin.org

Council on Aging Martin County Says Goodbye to Summer

 And Hello to New Meals on Wheels Truck

Stuart, FL – Council on Aging Martin County’s annual Summer Sendoff will add a new feature to its celebration this August 27 – a ribbon-cutting for a specially-outfitted Meals on Wheels vehicle.

Thanks to a challenge grant from the United Way Foundation of Martin County and the generous participants at COA’s Pep Rally Gala in February, the Council on Aging Martin County has purchased a new Meals on Wheels truck.  The official ribbon-cutting will take place during an event billed as “the Ultimate Staycation.”

In the air-conditioned comfort of the Kane Center on Salerno Road, Summer Sendoff guests will enjoy lite fare and interesting drinks in a casual atmosphere. It will be a perfect blend of professional networking with support for an incredible mission.

The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, and continues until 7:30 p.m.

Everyone who attends and donates $20 for a ticket will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a spectacular $400 gift card to the luxurious Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. Donations will go to the Meals on Wheels program.

“We love welcoming the community to the Kane Center,” said Council on Aging Martin County CEO Karen Ripper. “It’s a perfect spot to meet new friends, make new contacts, and refresh relationships after the heat of the summer. And there is no better cause than the Meals on Wheels program.”

Meals on Wheels provides hot, noontime meals for Martin County seniors who are unable to shop or cook for themselves. A dedicated team of volunteers delivers more than 500 meals each weekday, bringing both a hot, healthy meal, a warm smile, and a wellness check. The volunteers communicate with care navigators at COA if they see any client issues that need to be addressed.

“We’re deeply grateful to the United Way Foundation Board of Directors,” Ripper said. “The new truck will help our dedicated team of volunteers to deliver a nourishing daily meal to homes throughout Martin County and to four Senior Dining Centers throughout the county. It will keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and give us reliable transportation to serve our seniors.”

The Council on Aging Martin County is the only Meals on Wheels provider in the county. The program depends, in large part, on generous donations from the community.

To register for the summer sendoff or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit  coamartin.org/summer 

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About the Council on Aging Martin County

For seniors, their families, and caregivers, the Council on Aging Martin County is their trusted and comprehensive hub for senior resources. We work with the community to reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness, and hunger. Together, we help seniors live a safer, healthier, and happier life.

From our Adult Day Club, Day Primary Care Center, case management, and memory enhancement programming, to our nutrition and exercise classes, games to improve memory, concerts and social events, the Council on Aging’s Kane Center on Salerno Road is a beehive of activities. Services also take to the road – like Meals on Wheels, providing a hot meal and a warm smile to more than 580 homebound and needy Martin County senior residents in their home each day, or Senior Dining Centers at locations throughout the county in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Indiantown and Hobe Sound. The Elder Care Mobile Outreach Bus brings knowledgeable and compassionate staff directly to seniors in local neighborhoods.

For 51 years, the Council on Aging Martin County has been working tirelessly to inspire a community that embraces, uplifts and encourages seniors to maintain lives of quality and purpose. Stay healthy. Be active. Eat well. Get help when you need it from the Council on Aging Martin County. Please visit us in person, online at coamartin.org, or on social media, and learn more about the many services of the Council on Aging Martin County. Our staff and volunteers are ready and eager to help.

Education Foundation of Martin County Celebrates a Year of Impact  

STUART, Fla.  The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) concluded its 2025-2026 fiscal year with remarkable momentum, investing approximately $1.4 million to support students, teachers, and schools throughout Martin County’s public education system.

Chanda Leon of Martin County High School was named the 2025-2026 Martin County Teacher of the Year. 

From literacy and workforce development to STEM education and innovative classroom projects, the Foundation continued its mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities for all students while supporting the educators who help them succeed.

One of the year’s most visible successes was the “For the Love of Reading” Book Vending Machine Initiative, which now serves every traditional elementary, middle, and high school campus, as well as The Hope Center for Autism. During the school year, elementary students read more than 178,000 books and over 763 million words while earning thousands of books of their own through reading incentives. The initiative also introduced new reading challenges designed to increase student participation and create excitement around literacy.

- Students earned a trip to the EFMC Book Vending Machine at Citrus Grove Elementary for meeting their reading goals. Each student earned a book of their choice to keep as their very own. 

The Foundation’s literacy efforts extended beyond the school day. Nearly 1,200 children and family members participated in Book Bonanza Family Literacy Events, where families enjoyed dinner, literacy activities, and free books while building positive reading habits together.

The EFMC also expanded opportunities for students preparing for future careers. Nearly 200 high school students earned industry-recognized healthcare certifications, while others participated in workforce readiness experiences designed to help them transition successfully to employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.

Jensen Beach Elementary Assistant Principal Jamie Law, Kindergarten teacher Jill Boudreau and EFMC President Jennifer DiTrapani-Gimbal surround a group of smiling students.

Students struggling with reading received targeted support through literacy coaching, afterschool intervention programs, and summer learning opportunities designed to strengthen foundational skills and improve academic outcomes. Innovative classroom grants funded creative teacher-led projects that engaged students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literacy, resiliency, and career exploration.

Additional initiatives supported STEM education, real-world mathematics applications, college and career readiness, and recognition programs that celebrate outstanding educators.

“Every day we see the incredible impact that community support has on students and teachers,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “Whether it’s a child earning their first book, a student gaining a professional certification, or a teacher bringing an innovative idea to life, these opportunities help change lives and create brighter futures.”

EFMC Executive Director Lisa Rhodes, EFMC Board Member Danielle Wertz, and FPL Director of Community Engagement Kate Cotner pose in recognition of FPL’s support to provide STEM learning opportunities to Martin County’s students and teachers

According to Dr. Jennifer DiTrapani-Gimbal, president of the Education Foundation of Martin County, the organization’s success is rooted in collaboration. “Our community believes in the power of education. When schools, families, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders work together, students benefit in extraordinary ways.”

As the Foundation looks ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, its focus remains clear: Expanding opportunities, strengthening educational outcomes, and ensuring every student has the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive.

For information about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit the website, www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call the office at 772-600-8062.

The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit 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 group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.

Volunteers Bring Hope, Healing and Heart  to Children at Hibiscus Children's Center  

MARTIN COUNTY — For children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, healing begins with a safe place to stay and kind, caring adults who show up, spend time, and remind them they matter.

At Hibiscus Children's Center, volunteers play an invaluable role in helping children feel safe, supported, and connected. Whether tutoring after school, helping with homework, preparing meals, organizing activities, playing games, reading bedtime stories, assisting with arts and crafts, or lending a hand with everyday household tasks, volunteers help create the sense of normalcy every child deserves.

Children living at the Tilton Family Children's Shelter often arrive carrying emotional wounds from difficult circumstances. While Hibiscus provides comprehensive mental health services, educational and literacy services, and trauma-informed care, volunteers add another layer of healing by building positive relationships and creating meaningful moments of joy.

Some volunteers spend time reading with younger children to strengthen literacy skills, while others tutor students, assist with school projects, or create artwork.  Volunteers also support staff by helping maintain welcoming living spaces, assisting with special events, gardening, organizing donations, and sharing hobbies and talents that introduce children to new interests and experiences.

For more information about volunteer opportunities and how you can help children, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.                                 

Humane Society of the Treasure Coast seeks adopters, fosters as shelter renovation continues

PALM CITY, Fla. — As renovation work continues at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, the organization is asking the community to adopt or foster animals to help ease pressure on the shelter. Dogs are currently among the greatest placement needs because most are housed on-site.

Project Pawsible, now in Phase II, is a comprehensive renovation effort to modernize and upgrade the facility. The construction project is improving animal living spaces and enriching their environment, as well as enhancing adoption areas and creating more comfortable and visible spaces for the overall care and well-being of dogs, cats and small animals in the shelter. Because the project is ongoing, there is no set deadline for the community response; every adoption or foster placement helps create needed flexibility while the renovation continues.

“We couldn’t be more excited to raise the quality of life for the animals in our care and streamline our public services, but we’re asking for the community’s help in placing animals during this busy time,” said HSTC President and CEO Frank Valente. “Every adoption or foster placement gives an animal comfort while keeping renovation work moving forward. Those who cannot adopt permanently can make an immediate difference by fostering, especially for dogs who need a break from the shelter environment.”

Adoptions are available at the humane society’s Palm City location, both thrift stores in Stuart, and partnering locations, including The Kitty Cup, South Florida’s first cat café, in Port St. Lucie. The Kitty Cup is half café and half cat interaction experience. To view all adoption locations, visit hstc1.org/Adopt.

                                                           Maverick

Families looking for the most urgent adoption opportunities are encouraged to consider the humane society’s Promote-a-Pet program, featuring shelter animals that are experiencing fear, anxiety or stress in the shelter environment and fare better in foster homes while they wait for permanent families. Adopting one of these pets opens a foster home for another animal in need. Adoption fees also are waived for the humane society’s Pets of the Month, a rotating group of featured animals selected to help them find homes more quickly.

Adoptable pets and real-time availability may be viewed at hstc1.org/Adopt. Promote-a-Pet animals may be viewed at hstc1.org/PromoteAPet and Pets of the Month are listed at hstc1.org/PetsOfTheMonth. Short- and long-term fostering opportunities also are available. Learn more at hstc1.org/foster.

For more information about adopting, call 772-223-8822. For more information about fostering, email catfoster@hstc1.org or dogfoster@hstc1.org, or call 772-600‑3220.

About the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast — The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, Florida. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and X at https://x.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call 772-223-8822

BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE 2026 RAISES CRITICAL FUNDS FOR YOUTH MENTORSHIP IN PALM BEACH AND MARTIN COUNTIES

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Annual Bowling Fundraiser Celebrates Community Champions and Life-Changing Mentorship

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Friday, July 17, 2026— Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties celebrated another landmark Bowl for Kids’ Sake on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Greenacres Bowl, bringing together community members, corporate partners, and supporters for a night of friendly competition, laughter, and meaningful impact.

After Hour Pediatrics Team Photo - Kelly Zampini Rob Allee  Dawn Howell Josiane Hewitt-Anderson Keslene Neossaint  Marta Suarez 

The annual fundraiser generated critical dollars to support mentorship programs connecting young people with caring adult role models across Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Team Lantana PD - Sergeant Tom Dipolito Officer Garret Vallis Officer Robert Gagnon Crime Analyst Karen Dipolito

Every dollar raised through Bowl for Kids’ Sake goes directly toward matching “Littles,” the young people served by Big Brothers Big Sisters, with “Bigs,” the dedicated adult mentors who encourage, guide, and champion them.

These one-to-one relationships, backed by 120 years of research and community trust, have been proven to open doors to new opportunities and help youth build brighter futures.

    Split Sponsor Seacoast Bank winning Best Team Spirit Group Photo 

“From the first ball rolled to the last raffle ticket called, every single person in that room showed up for the kids in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and that means the world to us,” said Yvette Flores Acevedo, CEO/President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “This community’s generosity is what makes life-changing mentorship possible.”

Award Winners

The evening recognized outstanding participants across four categories:

Top Fundraiser: Andrew Leace

Top Fundraising Team: Leace Strikes No Spares

Best Team Spirit: Seacoast Bank

Best Team Name: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Gutter

Palm Beach Advisory Board

Special recognition goes to the members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Palm Beach Advisory Board, whose dedication and tireless effort made the evening possible: Kristy Shore, Chairman; Sylvia Huff, PhD, MBA, Vice Chairman; Andrew Leace, Past Chairman; Jeff Lichtenstein; and George Chandler.

Banner with # of littles on the waitlist

Event Sponsors

Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2026 was made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:

The Palm Beach Post LocaliQ, Jacob & Greenfield, PLLC, Seacoast Bank, After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care, Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, Portia Culley at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, UES, Clear Mind Counseling PLLC, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Florida Crystals, Innovative Telecom Solutions, Kelley Kronenberg, Pavon Realty Group, Thrivent, and Cleveland Clinic.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization with a 120-year legacy of creating life-changing friendships between young people and caring adult mentors. Through one-to-one mentorship relationships, Big Brothers Big Sisters empowers youth to realize their potential and build futures full of promise. To learn more or get involved, visit mentorbig.org.

Forum Club Announces 2026-2027 Leadership Team

West Palm Beach, Fla. – The Forum Club of the Palm Beaches today announced its 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board of Directors that will lead the organization during its 51st season. The Forum Club is Florida’s largest nonpartisan political and public affairs organization, inviting national and international leaders from different viewpoints to share their insights with its membership of nearly 800 community leaders.

For more than 50 years, the Forum Club has stimulated thought and promoted dialogue by presenting over 500 speakers to share their insights with our community. Last season, speakers included U.S. President Donald J. Trump; former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and Federal Reserve Chair Janet L. Yellen; and Citadel Founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin, among others.

"Our Board of Directors is comprised of some of our community's most respected and accomplished leaders, bringing together a remarkable breadth of experience, expertise, and perspective, said Sarah Criser Elwell, Forum Club Chief Executive Officer. “Their collective leadership strengthens every aspect of the Forum Club's mission and ensures we continue to serve as a trusted, nonpartisan forum where meaningful dialogue can thrive. It is truly a privilege to work alongside this exceptional group of leaders, and I am deeply grateful for their willingness to invest their time, talent, and leadership as we look ahead to another exceptional season."

The 2026-2027 Forum Club Executive Committee includes the following individuals:

"As we begin the Forum Club's 51st season, I am honored to serve alongside such an accomplished and dedicated Board of Directors,” said Patrick Franklin, Forum Club Board President. “For more than five decades, the Forum Club has brought together leaders with diverse perspectives to foster thoughtful dialogue on the issues shaping our community, our nation, and our world. This season, we will continue that tradition by welcoming influential voices, engaging our members in meaningful conversations, and inspiring the next generation of civic leaders. I look forward to building on our remarkable legacy and helping lead the Forum Club into another year of exceptional programming and community impact." 

The Executive Committee is joined by the 2026-2027 Forum Club Board of Directors, which includes:

For more information about the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, please visit www.forumclubpalmbeach.org. For questions about the organization and these appointments, please contact Chief Executive Officer Sarah Criser Elwell at selwell@forumclubpb.org or (561) 304-0570.