Page 1 - Talk of Tequesta - February '21
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PERMIT NO.2075
PEACEFUL, FRIENDLY, COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE
VOL. 24 NO. 2 www.seabreezepublications.com FEBRUARY 2021
tEquEsta ProFilE
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Telethon Meets Goal
To Support Disabled Veterans
By Chrystal D. Rambarath
The COVID-19 pandemic brought our world to a help my fellow veterans during their greatest time of need.”
standstill, forcing businesses, small and large, to slow or Michael, a former community liaison and board member,
shut down completely. But while many industries dwindled, grew WVRF’s network to support veterans throughout
the nonprofit organizations that provide basic needs and Florida. This expansion is critical, because Michael explains,
serve society’s most vulnerable experienced exponential “Florida is home to the third largest population of veterans
demand. One local nonprofit, Wounded Veterans Relief in the United States – more than 1.5 million people.”
Fund (WVRF), knows this too well.
WVRF was born in 2009 with a simple but noble goal Tequesta Profile on page 2
– to support Florida’s disabled veterans by relieving their
financial strains and facilitating their transition to civilian
life. The organization’s beneficiaries are veterans of conflicts
going as far back as World War II. Michael Durkee, an Fundraising EvEnt
army combat veteran, was appointed as executive director
in 2016, who says, “I am very grateful to be in a position to
The Arc Raises
tEquEsta sPotlight
Nearly $90,000
Gladys Knight And Dana Carvey With WILD Pants
To Headline LIFE’s Virtual The Arc transformed
its annual fundraiser
27th Annual ‘Lady In Red’ Gala adding a 2020 twist.
Supporters stepped out
in their sassiest slacks
Proceeds Benefit “Pups4Patriots” At American Humane for the WILD Pants
fundraiser bringing in
And “Lois’ Food4Kids” At Palm Beach County Food Bank $89,000. Traditionally,
The Arc recruited men
LIFE’s annual “Lady in Red” Gala always attracts the the evening. “But from the community
cream of the Southeast Florida philanthropic society. Now, its the gala is always to model colorful
27th annual affair has drawn an “empress” and a “president.” an evening of great pants in an effort to
Indeed, the one and only Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, and entertainment and raise money to support
the multitalented comedian and actor Dana Carvey, renowned great fun, and this programs for people
for his spot-on impressions of President George W. Bush year will be no with disabilities. This
among others, will headline the event – which will be held exception thanks year, participants of
virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic – on Friday, Feb. 19. to the participation all ages and genders
“ (The) COVID-19 pandemic has upended our ability to do of Gladys Knight were asked to make, Tyson and Ender Mutchler
an in-person Lady in Red Gala – as it has adversely impacted and Dana Carvey.” decorate, or buy
so much of our everyday lives,” said Lois Pope, founder and The Lady in tricked-out trousers to battle for the championship title.
chair of LIFE – Leaders in Furthering Education, who hosts Red Gala is also “Much of the world may have paused for the
about doing great things pandemic, our programs did not. We still had clients and
for the most vulnerable and their families relying on us every day,” stated Kimberly
at-risk members of society. McCarten, president and CEO of The Arc of Palm Beach
And this year continues that County. “These modern challenges pushed us outside of
tradition: Proceeds will benefit our comfort zone to create compelling ways to generate
disabled veterans through the essential donations, and it paid off – literally. We are
“Pups4Patriots” program at grateful for the community’s generous response to
American Humane, and South provide continued support to clients and their families.”
Florida youth through the
Fundraising Event on page 2
Tequesta Spotlight on page 4