The Kravis Center Kohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach, Florida, was the center of the charitable world on November 1st, 2024. It was the night of the Best Buddies Rock the Gala, an event that truly lived up to its legendary reputation and has a rock solid philanthropist following.
Amazing music, and the guests dressed to the nines, arrived to celebrate Best Buddies, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world of inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This year’s gala was particularly special, setting new donation records. The entrance hall of the Kravits Center’s Pavillion was a showcase of brands that care with over the tops silent auction items.
The outstanding team was led by Tricia Williams, the Regional Director who created magic with Danielle Erblat, Lead Transition Manager, Daniella De La Riva, Deputy Director, Jobs & Transition, Tyler Jasensky, Lead Program Manager, Torrance Bostic, Program Manager. When Rolise Rachel told me about Best Buddies it caught my interest as I treasure how many charities she helps each year and when she says a cause is outstanding like this Gala, it truly is! Therefore I flew right into West Palm Beach Airport to attend and cover this amazing Gala with the ultimate cause and fell in love with it.
2024 CHAIRS & COMMITTEE:
Lynsey Kane & Hunter Huff, Co-Chairs Dan Labow, Sponsorship Chair Sarah Christy, Auction Chair Kathy Casper, PR Chair Nikole D’Angelo, Co-Logistics Chair Marcelle Burke, Co-Logistics Chair Anna Glennon, Champion Engagement Chair Elspie Hellermann, Committee Lead (Decor).
Advisory Board: Sarah Christy & Rick Colandreo, Co-Chairs, Tyrone Adras, Spencer Brown, Jim Dawson, Michael DeDonno, Dan Mangru, Deborah Searcy, Dan Labow, Annette Givens, Hope Gibson, Cara Pregadio,
The atmosphere inside the pavilion was electric. Friends, both new and old, reunited with warmth and enthusiasm. The gala served as a poignant reminder of the power of community and the importance of Best Buddies’ mission: Throughout the evening, attendees were treated to a program filled with moving speeches and captivating performances by kids and adults that master their challenges. But the true heart of the gala lay in its recognition of the Best Buddies Champion of the Year candidates, individuals who had dedicated themselves to raising funds and awareness for the organization.
These champions, embodying the spirit of inclusivity, had spent months tirelessly working to support Best Buddies. The announcement of the Champion of the Year was a moment of pure joy and celebration, met with applause and tears with cheers from the packed ballroom. This year’s gala was co-chaired by the amazing and dynamic Lynsey Kane and charismatic Hunter Huff, marking a significant milestone as Hunter was the first individual with IDD to hold this position. He was a mix beyond cool, heartwarming and adorable! Their leadership and dedication were evident throughout the night, setting a powerful example of inclusivity and partnership.
The 2024 buddies were:
“Dear Friends, This eight-week philanthropic competition for Best Buddies in Palm Beach celebrates Best Buddies’ participants and community leaders throughout the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast communities who have been nominated as “Champions.” Their joint goal is to increase awareness of the mission of Best Buddies while simultaneously raising funds to sustain our programs. Concluding the eight-week campaign, all candidates and their mission partners are being honored tonight at the Champion of the Year Gala. The Champion candidate who raises the most donations, surpassing all rivals in the competition, will take home the Crown of Inclusion and the title of Champion of the Year 2024. This year is very special as we aim to open the first Best Buddies Independent Living Program in Boca Raton. Additionally, funds raised by the Champions and proceeds from the Gala will directly benefit the existing local programs of Best Buddies in Palm Beach. This continues to help us create more friendships for students and adults, Integrated employment, develop leadership opportunities, and open new programs for hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast. Thank you for supporting our Champion of the Year Gala!”
Beyond the celebration, the Best Buddies Rock the Gala served a crucial purpose: raising funds to support the organization’s programs. These programs include the development of an inclusive living home in Palm Beach County, a testament to Best Buddies’ commitment to providing opportunities for individuals with IDD to live independently and thrive in their communities. As the night drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment and hope. The Best Buddies Rock the Gala 2024 was not just an event; it was a big family of people who care and we at seasun or honored to be part of that family.
* His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal, award winning TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse author, Public Speaker and Philanthropist ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, Lübeck and Kiel. ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a
