Page 12 - The Islander - May '22

Page 12, The Islander

Fundraising EvEnt

Vita Nova’s Manatees And Martinis Raises Funds

To Benefit Homeless Youth In Palm Beach County

Vita Nova hosted Those in attendance
the Fifth Annual also heard from Vita
Manatees and Martinis Nova’s CEO Jeff
on Saturday, March 19, DeMario, as he thanked
at Manatee Lagoon, an guests for their support
FPL Eco-Discovery in Vita Nova’s mission
Center in West Palm to help homeless
Beach. The nonprofit’s young adults create a
main fundraising event brighter future through
raised over $100,000 housing, education,
for the homeless young life skills training,
adults Vita Nova serves Tierra and employment. One
in Palm Beach County. young woman, Tierra,
Guests of the sold-out event experienced an exhilarating shared with guests Jeff DeMario, Palm Beach County Ryan and Janelle Burke, Ariana and Sky Crocket
evening on the water featuring an array of culinary delicacies, her journey through Commissioner Christine Lambert
exotic beverages including Blue Martinis, live music by Jimmy the foster care system and Monte Lambert
Stowe & The Stowaways, and the opportunity to bid on unique and the struggles,
silent auction items. Dan Meister and Toni May served as the heartache, and abuse she experienced. She is now an advocate
emcees of the evening and assisted in raising additional funds for foster care reform, and thanks to Vita Nova, she is
through the live auction and Call to the Heart. thriving at Palm Beach State College with honors with
her next steps to enter a prestigious four-year university.
Vita Nova helped her have a chance for a better life and
realize her potential and gifts to succeed in life.
Serving over 400 youth in Palm Beach County,
Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former
foster care, LGBTQ, and other homeless youth through
supportive housing, education, employment, and life skills
training. As the voice of homeless young adults, Vita Nova
aims to end homelessness for youth ages 18 to 25 years
old in Palm Beach County.
Chairpersons of the successful event were Nicole and
Charles Kowanetz. Rand Hoch served as honorary chairman. Andre Kahn and Michael Janiece Davis and Rand
Sponsors included FPL, HSS Florida-Hospital for Branch Hoch
Palm Beach County Special Surgery, The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach
Thomas Rivera and Wendy Commissioner Gregg Weiss County Human Rights Council, GEO Group, Cornerstone Palm Beach Fine Wine & Spirits, KWA Group Branding,
Herrera and Ashley Berry Solutions, Morselife Health System, Domenick and Mracheck Fitgerald, Rose, Konopka, Thomas & Weiss,
Jennifer Macri, Kristy and Grier Pressly, Hamptons P.A., and Media Sponsor Palm Beach Illustrated.
About Vita Nova
Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster
care, LGBTQ, and other homeless youth through supportive
housing, education, employment, and life skills training. Vita
Nova Inc., located in West Palm Beach, Fla., is comprised
of three components: the Spot, Housing (The Village), and
Independent Living.
Vita Nova means “new life” in Latin and was founded by
Father Leo Armbrust, a man who believed that foster youth
deserved a better quality of care. Through the efforts of the Vita
Nova team members, its volunteers, and its benefactors, older
foster and homeless youth are allowed to lead lives characterized
by independence, self-determination, and personal responsibility.
To learn more about Vita Nova or to donate, visit vitanovainc.
Jeff and Jill DeMario Peter Cruise and David Chin Jeff DeMario, Rand Hoch, Nicole and Charles Kowanetz org or call( 561) 689-0035.
Photos by Tracey Benson Photography

Julia Murphy, Jim Dove, Victor Figueredo, Katherine Murphy
Palm Beach County Jeff Darnell, Tim King, Victor Figueredo, Chris Brown
Commissioner Christina
Charles and Nicole Kowanetz Lambert and Monte Lambert

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com Kathleen Spears and Jessica
Toni May and Dan Meiste Shannon and John Favole Sandy and Jose Coto Cecere