Society Survivors: Charities celebrate fundraising and social scene longevity

In a town where 60-year-olds still serve on the junior committee and centenarians still drive themselves to the club for bridge games, longevity is a given.

On the social calendar, however, where charities are here one season and gone the next, an event that has hung on for five years is considered a "successful newcomer," 10 years or more is a "mainstay," and anything more than 20 years old is a veritable éminence grise.

This season, the Palm Beach Symphony, MorseLife, the Center for Creative Education, the LIFE Foundation's Lady in Red gala, The Center for Family Services' Old Bags Luncheon, and the Darbster Fur Ball are marking 50, 40, 30, 30, 25 and five years, respectively.

And the celebrating is about to begin.

50 YEARS

On Monday, Palm Beach Symphony supporters gathered at Club Colette to kick off the golden anniversary year. It is one of several social events to recognize the milestone, including the Jan. 4 gala kickoff hosted by James Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui at the Findlay Galleries. That by-invitation event is in honor of 50th anniversary chairs/gala chairs Cathie Black and Tom Harvey and honorary gala chairs Patrick and Milly Park.

"This Golden Anniversary Season underscores Palm Beach Symphony’s growing international prominence," said board chairman Borynack, "as well as its continued impact in our community through the education and community engagement programs that remain at the heart of our mission.

"We are delighted with all the preparations Cathie Black and Tom Harvey are undertaking to make this milestone year a success as chairs of the gala and the 50th Anniversary Season.”

40 YEARS

MorseLife Health System will host its 40th Anniversary Celebration at The Breakers on Dec. 15. This event, described as "a dazzling display of gratitude and celebration," will honor chairs Sondra and David S. Mack and honorary chairs Terri C. Sriberg and Donald M. Ephraim.

Tony Award-winning singer, actress and dancer Sutton Foster will entertain.

The gala is the first in a season-long series of events that also includes the 17th Annual Literary Society, the dedication of the Gendelman Children’s Holocaust Memorial and the annual golf classic.

“As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we reflect on the extraordinary impact we’ve had on countless seniors and their families," said Keith Myers, president and CEO of MorseLife Health System. "This journey, filled with dedication, passion and continuous growth, has been nothing short of exceptional. As we enter the next 40 years, we carry forward a legacy of excellence and innovation in redefining aging with even greater commitment."

The Gendelman Children’s Holocaust Memorial dedication will take place Jan. 25 on the MorseLife Campus. Palm Beach artist and philanthropist Bruce Gendelman designed the 25-foot bronze sculpture that will be adorned with 5,000 ceramic butterflies, each symbolizing children who perished during the Holocaust.

The 17th annual Literary Society brings authors James McBride, Abraham Verghese and Jeannette Walls to The Colony Hotel on Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 14, respectively, to discuss their respective novels and illuminate the stories behind their writings.

The Golf Classic, chaired by Ed Pantzer, takes place April 8 at The Breakers Ocean Course and includes breakfast, a day on the green, and an awards luncheon at the Flagler Steakhouse.

40 YEARS

The Center for Creative Education got a jump start on its season of celebration Nov. 8 with its "Thanks for Giving Fall Luncheon" at the center, where guests had the opportunity to interact with students at the organization's school before lunch.

Talbott Maxey, Kenn Karakul, and Tom Quick, representing three decades of support, were honorary chairs.

More is coming.

On Feb. 6, the Findlay Galleries will host the a kickoff reception for the Spring Dinner.

On March 4, Pauline Pitt will chair the annual Spring Dinner at Club Colette. Patrick and Milly Park are honorary chairs for the by-invitation event.

"As a longtime CCE supporter and now chairwoman of the 30th Anniversary Spring Fundraiser, I'm not just celebrating the incredible achievements of the Center for Creative Education over the past 30 years; I'm envisioning a future where CCE's impact only grows stronger," said Pauline Pitt.

"In the next 30 years, I see CCE reaching even more students, igniting their imaginations and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Together, we'll continue to write a story of creativity, innovation and educational excellence," she added.

"The success of our fundraising events at the Center for Creative Education can be attributed in large part to the consistent and unwavering support and generosity from Palm Beach residents," said Robert Hamon, the center's president and CEO.

"So many of them believed in our cause early on and introduced us to their friends and others who were drawn to our impact within education, the arts and building stronger communities. Our events are not just fundraisers; they celebrate the power of unity, creativity and the profound impact we can make when we come together for a common cause."

30 YEARS

The LIFE (Leaders In Furthering Education) Foundation's Lady in Red Gala, born from Lois Pope's crusade to build a monument in the nation's capital to disabled veterans, celebrates its 30th anniversary on March 17 at The Breakers.

Pope, who is co-chairwoman of the event with Christine Lynn, credits the people who believe in her cause and underscore that belief with their dollars.

"The Lady in Red is able to celebrate 30 wonderful years because we have the best, most dedicated supporters in the world! Their dedication to our cause is unparalleled and I am forever grateful for their support."

This year's gala features performances by Paul Anka and Jay Leno.

25 YEARS

The Center for Family Services' Old Bags Luncheon, the organization's signature Palm Beach fundraiser, is celebrating its silver anniversary this season.

Robin Gillen and Mally Skok are chairwomen for the event, which is known for its extensive silent auction of high-end designer handbags. Diane Smith and Tammy Pompea are honorary chairwomen.

“The Old Bags Luncheon has been a highly successful fundraising model for the Center for Family Services," said executive director Ellen Vaugh. "Our donors know that our signature event is not only beautiful and hosts an amazing signature auction, but is making an impact in our community by raising critical funds to provide mental health services.”

The event is also known for having a high-profile speaker, which hadn't been announced as of our deadline.

But we have the scoopa-doopa.

When the mercurial Sharon Stone backed out, friends approached Martha Stewart, who agreed to appear in her stead.

The Silver Jubilee luncheon will take place Feb. 21 at The Breakers.

5 YEARS

With its fifth annual fundraiser well-established on the social calendar, Darbster Rescue's Fur Ball has attained "successful newcomer" status.

Victor Figueredo, who is chairing the "Pal-entine Fur Ball" with David Granville, Jacqui Michel, Patricia Quick, Hope Geier Smith, and Laura Moore Tanne, gives all the credit to the board.

"The success of Darbster Rescue is due to the incredible, hard-working and generous board of directors," he said.

The theme for the event, which takes place Feb. 4 at Club Colette, celebrates the bond between humans and their pets.

Matthew E. Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA, is the honorary chairman.

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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: From successful newcomers to eminences gris, charities mark milestones