Page 1 - Jupiter Spotlight - February '21

VOL. 13 NO. 2 www.seabreezepublications.com FEBRUARY 2021

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon

Meets Goal To Support Disabled Veterans

By Chrystal D. Rambarath explains, “Florida is home to
The COVID-19 pandemic brought our world to a the third largest population of
standstill, forcing businesses, small and large, to slow or veterans in the United States –
shut down completely. But while many industries dwindled, more than 1.5 million people.”
the nonprofit organizations that provide basic needs and However, even as the demand
serve society’s most vulnerable experienced exponential for services increased because
demand. One local nonprofit, Wounded Veterans Relief of COVID-19, the pandemic
Fund (WVRF), knows this too well. curtailed fundraising efforts.
WVRF was born in 2009 with a simple but noble goal – to WVRF receives no government
support Florida’s disabled veterans by relieving their financial funding, and depends heavily on
strains and facilitating their transition to civilian life. The the goodwill of the public and its
organization’s beneficiaries are veterans of conflicts going as far flagship fundraising events. Its
back as World War II. Michael Durkee, an army combat veteran, signature event is its annual ball,
was appointed as executive director in 2016, who says, “I am which, like many large events in
very grateful to be in a position to help my fellow veterans during 2020, was canceled. This was
their greatest time of need.” Michael, a former community liaison
and board member, grew WVRF’s network to support veterans Wounded Veterans Relief
throughout Florida. This expansion is critical, because Michael Fund Telethon on page 2
Gladys Knight And Dana Carvey To Headline

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

Proceeds Benefit renowned for his spot-on impressions of President George
W. Bush among others, will headline the event – which will
“Pups4Patriots” At American be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic – on Friday,

Humane And “Lois’ 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 the of great entertainment and great fun, and this year will be no
cream of the Southeast Florida philanthropic society. Now, its exception thanks to the participation of Gladys Knight and
27th annual affair has drawn an “empress” and a “president.” Dana Carvey.”
Indeed, the one and only Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight,
and the multitalented comedian and actor Dana Carvey, Gladys Knight And Dana Carvey on page 3
The Arc Raises Nearly $90,000 With WILD Pants

The Arc transformed its annual fundraiser adding a “Much of the world may have paused for the pandemic, are grateful for the community’s generous response to
2020 twist. Supporters stepped out in their sassiest slacks our programs did not. We still had clients and their families provide continued support to clients and their families.”
for the WILD Pants fundraiser bringing in $89,000. relying on us every day,” stated Kimberly McCarten,
Traditionally, The Arc recruited men from the community president and CEO of The Arc of Palm Beach County. “These WILD Pants on page 3
to model colorful pants in an effort to raise money to modern challenges pushed us
support programs for people with disabilities. This year, outside of our comfort zone
participants of all ages and genders were asked to make, to create compelling ways to
decorate, or buy tricked-out trousers to battle for the generate essential donations,
championship title. and it paid off – literally. We

Jessica McCarten Cathy Law Jessica Gehring