Page 1 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - February '21

VOL. 31 NO. 2 www.seabreezepublications.com FEBRUARY 2021

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon

Meets Goal To Support Disabled Veterans

By Chrystal D. Rambarath time of need.” Michael, a
The COVID-19 pandemic brought our world to a former community liaison and
standstill, forcing businesses, small and large, to slow board member, grew WVRF’s
or shut down completely. But while many industries network to support veterans
dwindled, the nonprofit organizations that provide basic throughout Florida. This
needs and serve society’s most vulnerable experienced expansion is critical, because
exponential demand. One local nonprofit, Wounded Michael explains, “Florida
Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF), knows this too well. is home to the third largest
WVRF was born in 2009 with a simple but noble goal population of veterans in the
– to support Florida’s disabled veterans by relieving their United States – more than 1.5
financial strains and facilitating their transition to civilian million people.”
life. The organization’s beneficiaries are veterans of However, even as the
conflicts going as far back as World War II. Michael Durkee, demand for services increased
an army combat veteran, was appointed as executive
director in 2016, who says, “I am very grateful to be in a Wounded Veterans Relief
position to help my fellow veterans during their greatest Fund Telethon on page 2
Gladys Knight And Dana Carvey To Headline

LIFE’s Virtual 27th Annual ‘Lady In Red’ Gala

Proceeds Benefit Dana Carvey, renowned for his spot-on impressions of
President George W. Bush among others, will headline the
“Pups4Patriots” At American event – which will be held virtually due to the COVID-19
Humane And “Lois’ pandemic – on Friday, Feb. 19.
“ (The) COVID-19 pandemic has upended our ability
Food4Kids” At Palm Beach to do an in-person Lady in Red Gala – as it has adversely
impacted so much of our everyday lives,” said Lois Pope,
County Food Bank founder and chair of LIFE – Leaders in Furthering Education,
who hosts the evening. “But the gala is always an evening
LIFE’s annual “Lady in Red” Gala always attracts of great entertainment and great fun, and this year will be no
the cream of the Southeast Florida philanthropic society. exception thanks to the participation of Gladys Knight and
Now, its 27th annual affair has drawn an “empress” and Dana Carvey.”
a “president.” Indeed, the one and only Empress of Soul,
Gladys Knight, and the multitalented comedian and actor Gladys Knight And Dana Carvey on page 4
The Arc Raises Nearly $90,000 With WILD Pants

The Arc transformed its annual fundraiser adding a 2020 relying on us every day,” stated Kimberly McCarten, Tyson Mutchler took the championship belt and
twist. Supporters stepped out in their sassiest slacks for the president and CEO of The Arc of Palm Beach County. bragging rights. Participants relied on social media
WILD Pants fundraiser bringing in $89,000. Traditionally, “These modern challenges pushed us outside of our comfort
The Arc recruited men from the community to model colorful zone to create compelling ways to generate essential WILD Pants on page 2
pants in an effort to raise money to support programs for donations, and it paid off –
people with disabilities. This year, participants of all ages literally. We are grateful for
and genders were asked to make, decorate, or buy tricked-out the community’s generous
trousers to battle for the championship title. response to provide
“Much of the world may have paused for the pandemic, continued support to clients
our programs did not. We still had clients and their families and their families.”

Jessica McCarten Cathy Law Jessica Gehring