The good son: Scarpa's promise to his late mother brings honor from community health center
The grounds of the town's recreation center transformed into a garden as the FoundCare community health center honored its stalwarts at the annual À Votre Santé fundraiser.
The event took place April 8 and spotlighted the organization's rapid growth.
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The al fresco night, which had a garden party theme, began with an hourlong reception of champagne and hors d'oeuvres before guests moved to their seats at rustic farm tables for remarks from FoundCare CEO Christopher Irizarry.
Irizarry gave guests a brief history of the nonprofit before offering a preview of its future expansion efforts.
“FoundCare has grown exponentially throughout the years thanks to the countless individuals who believe in FoundCare and our mission to serve," Irizarry said. "We acknowledge our vital role in our community as well as the vital role our community plays in our continued growth and success.”
Irizarry continued, “This year will be FoundCare’s most aggressive expansion effort as we look to add adult primary care services to our current social service sites in Belle Glade and Boynton Beach and break ground on our new site in Riviera Beach. "
Following his remarks, Irizarry introduced the event’s 2023 honoree, John F. Scarpa, who was recognized for his unwavering commitment to furthering FoundCare’s mission. The founder, former president and chief operating officer of American Cellular Network Corp. and co-founder of Unitel Wireless Communications Systems spoke about his calling to FoundCare.
“When I was introduced to FoundCare at the beginning of the pandemic, I was most impressed by their passion and commitment to help people get access to vital health care services regardless of their ability to pay for them," Scarpa said. "FoundCare has a wonderful team of providers and board-certified doctors ready to deliver dignified care to anyone who needs it ... I made a promise to my mother that I would use the resources I have been blessed with to help those in need. FoundCare is now part of that promise.”
The evening continued with dinner and dancing under the full moon to singer and 11-time Grammy nominee Dennis Lambert, who entertained guests with his chart-topping songs from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and the stories behind them.
More that 300 people attended the sold-out event including Nancy Brinker, Cyndi Cerone, Barnette and Ken Druskin, Jessica Julian and Bruce Coren, Max and Joseph McNamara, Jeff Koons, Mary Ann and Mike Pontano, Sondra and David Mack, Joann and Russ Swift, Raquel Lambert and Tom Shaw.
Proceeds assist FoundCare in its mission to provide quality health care and social services for all individuals and families.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach Society: Scarpa's promise to late mother brings honor from FoundCare
