Philanthropy Alive and Well in Boca Raton

There's more to philanthropy than charitable donations.  When you make a decision to become a philanthropist you take on a role in improving the quality of life, generating human kindness. Whether you're looking to restore a historical landmark or volunteer at a local hospital, you'll find philanthropy and advocacy alive in many Boca Raton communities.


Along with the celebrity organizations and events such as the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic held each November.  The motivation to get involved helping charities is appealing to individuals wanting to give back.  While we can't give you all of them, here's a list of places we've compiled for you to locate aggregations around your neighborhood.
The Philanthropy Guild is connected with Boca Raton's Regional Hospital and its donor recognition society.  They'll host their 54th Annual Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball on January 23rd, 2016.  The ball will focus on donors supporting the new Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute. The Black Tie Event will be hosted by the lovely Goldie Hawn and held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club near Townsend Place and Royal Palm Yacht Club.  The project will include a 33,280 square foot addition to the hospital. This renovation will include aquatic therapy, speech therapy, assisted daily living, diabetes treatment, and cardiac rehabilitation to name a few.   The same design team completed the Women's Health and Wellness Institute in June of this past year.  The need for providing innovative health care is prevalent, and the project is a worthy cause for devoting one's time.
Your time is valuable and finding a non-profit or fund to attach to is as unique as you are.  If supporting the arts is more your speed, then you may be interested in learning more about The Forever Arts & Culture Endowment Challenge. The F.A.C.E.C. is a community foundation from both Palm Beach and Martin Counties that is looking to sustain local cultural organizations. The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is one of the largest community foundations and has raised over $100 million in grants and scholarships. They've tackled many deserving causes such as hunger, housing, and education.  You can find more information by visiting their website at www.communityfoundation.org.
Impact 100 of Palm Beach County continues to grow and is considered a leader in women's philanthropy.  They focus primarily on Health, Education, Art Culture, Environmental Issues and Family.  The women heading this group has played huge roles in Boca Helping Hands, The Florence Fuller Child Development Center and Equine Assisted Therapies.  The group believes in one woman, one meeting and one vote to impact lives.  
If impacting animal lives such as Sea Turtles is more of your interest, then get involved in becoming a donor or attending the next Sea Coast Toast 2016. Their 7th annual event is dedicated to enhancing the conservation efforts of the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. The Cousteau Society along with The International SeaKeepers Society will be creating awareness of the risk of sea levels rising which affects our shores both financially and ecologically.  Other than the event Gumbo Limbo introduces environmental education for over 100,000 visitors'.  Building public awareness for coastal and marine eco-systems is their biggest support. You can learn more about the rehab center by visiting them at 1801 North Ocean Boulevard in Boca Raton.
The Junior League of Boca Raton is a branch of a larger national organization titled Association of Junior Leagues International.  The organization has a focus on Hunger, Child Welfare and Non-Profit Support. Some of the projects they've funded are the Boca Raton Community Garden with organically grown plants, trees, and vegetables. The community garden is a community driven program with donations from Whole Foods, Sunflower Landscaping and Zimmerman Tree Service.  Besides the garden project they've assisted over 800 babies per month, with their Diaper Bank.  These ladies are making an impact on the community by the positive and sustaining projects they support.
In the South Palm Beach area, a group called Boca West Foundation strives to help the community with funding projects for at-risk children and their families.  They assist with the American Association of Caregiving Youth, Boca Helping Hands and the Boys and Girls Clubs along with several others.  Their next big events will be the $100,000 Golf Challenge held April 4th, 2016 and the Concert for the Children hosted by Natalie Cole with the Atlantic City Boys Choir. There's plenty of time to get your tickets for these two events. With the impressive list of causes this organization and its contributions is making a difference in many lives.

Many individuals partner with these types of organizations.  Individuals such as Designer and Creative Art Director from Brook's Brothers Zac Posen. Posen threw a benefit called Shuzz where he provided free shoes to less than fortunate children.  The young native New Yorker is involved in Teachers Count, which assists in building appreciation for our United States teachers. Posen displays his abundance of resources by involving his business and lending a helping hand showing his peers he is not only a young success, but he's also a resourceful person that continues to aid those in need.
These are a few of the organizations that are looking for volunteers, donors and supporters.  You can find many worthy causes by visiting meetup groups, and going to www.bocaguide.com no matter what your calling is the impact that's received in your heart is always present when you reach out to those who need it most.  
If having a long term commitment doesn't fit your lifestyle or schedule, seek volunteer programs that allow you to be included without making a huge time constraint.  The world of humanitarianism is rewarding and necessary for the strong growth of our neighborhood along with the individuals we serve.  Being active is a good way to make new friends as a noble and charitable socialite.
When it comes to finding the charity or advocacy program that's right for you, you'll help to make the community stronger and more sustainable creating a better place for us all to live.   For any information on the organizations visit their website or contact us for a recommendation.