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VOL. 34 NO. 2 www.seabreezepublications.com FEBRUARY 2021
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon
Meets Goal To Support Disabled Veterans
By Chrystal D. Rambarath former community liaison and
The COVID-19 pandemic brought our world to a board member, grew WVRF’s
standstill, forcing businesses, small and large, to slow or network to support veterans
shut down completely. But while many industries dwindled, throughout Florida. This
the nonprofit organizations that provide basic needs and expansion is critical, because
serve society’s most vulnerable experienced exponential Michael explains, “Florida
demand. One local nonprofit, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund is home to the third largest
(WVRF), knows this too well. population of veterans in the
WVRF was born in 2009 with a simple but noble goal United States – more than 1.5
– to support Florida’s disabled veterans by relieving their million people.”
financial strains and facilitating their transition to civilian However, even as the
life. The organization’s beneficiaries are veterans of conflicts demand for services increased
going as far back as World War II. Michael Durkee, an army because of COVID-19, the
combat veteran, was appointed as executive director in 2016,
who says, “I am very grateful to be in a position to help my Wounded Veterans Relief
fellow veterans during their greatest time of need.” Michael, a Fund Telethon on page 2
Gladys Knight And Dana Carvey To Headline
LIFE’s Virtual 27th Annual ‘Lady In Red’ Gala
Proceeds Benefit for his spot-on impressions of President George W. Bush among
“Pups4Patriots” At American others, will headline the event – which will be held virtually
due to the COVID-19 pandemic – on Friday, Feb. 19.
Humane And “Lois’ “ (The) COVID-19 pandemic has upended our ability to do
an in-person Lady in Red Gala – as it has adversely impacted
Food4Kids” At Palm Beach so much of our everyday lives,” said Lois Pope, founder and
County Food Bank chair of LIFE – Leaders in Furthering Education, who hosts
the evening. “But the gala is always an evening of great
entertainment and great fun, and this year will be no exception
LIFE’s annual “Lady in Red” Gala always attracts the thanks to the participation of Gladys Knight and Dana Carvey.”
cream of the Southeast Florida philanthropic society. Now, its The Lady in Red Gala is also about doing great things for the
27th annual affair has drawn an “empress” and a “president.” most vulnerable and at-risk members of society. And this year
Indeed, the one and only Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, and
the multitalented comedian and actor Dana Carvey, renowned Gladys Knight And Dana Carvey on page 3
The Arc Raises Nearly $90,000 With WILD Pants
The Arc transformed its annual fundraiser adding and their families relying on us every day,” stated Tyson Mutchler took the championship belt and
a 2020 twist. Supporters stepped out in their sassiest Kimberly McCarten, president and CEO of The Arc of bragging rights. Participants relied on social media and
slacks for the WILD Pants fundraiser bringing in Palm Beach County. “These modern challenges pushed
$89,000. Traditionally, The Arc recruited men from the us outside of our comfort zone to create compelling WILD Pants on page 2
community to model colorful pants in an effort to raise ways to generate essential
money to support programs for people with disabilities. donations, and it paid off –
This year, participants of all ages and genders were literally. We are grateful for
asked to make, decorate, or buy tricked-out trousers the community’s generous
to battle for the championship title. res pons e to provide
“Much of the world may have paused for the continued support to clients
pandemic, our programs did not. We still had clients and their families.”
Tyson and Ender Mutchler Cathy Law Jessica Gehring