Palm Beach Social: The 2024 Season Comes to a Close

It’s hard to believe that it’s April, and the end of season in Palm Beach is here. I feel like we just celebrated Thanksgiving, but alas, Easter has come and gone, and Passover is right around the corner.

As with life, all good things must come to an end, but this year has been a record season for fundraising and supporting so many worthwhile charities, both local and national. AmfAR set a record this year when a whopping $10 million was raised in one night. Even by Palm Beach standards that is a lot of money! AmfAR does so much good for so many and, even being a global organization, made grants this year to two local organizations.

The American Humane Society pulled out all stops at the Hero Dog Awards hosted by Christie Brinkley and Carson Kressley, at a sold-out event at The Breakers. Local philanthropist and friend to all Lois Pope sponsored the star-studded evening where Maverick, a 150-pound European Blue Great Dane took home the honors in the Therapy Dog category. Palm Beacher, President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert continues to bring to life even more initiatives to help our furry friends and lots of people too.

The Palm Beach Symphony, celebrating 50 years under the leadership of CEO David McClymont, had one of the best parties and galas of the season at the Kravis Center. Cathie Black and Tom Harvey served as chairs for the evening which included cocktails, a concert and a dinner attended by Maestro Gerard Schwarz and world-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax.

In a town where the fun and fundraising never stops, and for good reason, more and more nonprofit organizations continue to serve our community, not just the town, but the region. One of my favorites is the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts. This gem of an arts organization continues to wow the community and this year brought in glass blowers from Venice who, over the course of a festive evening, took the audience on a journey for the creation of, yes, Murano Glass.

Davide Salvadore is an 11th-generation glass blower who to this day creates some of the most spectacular pieces on the planet, which are for sale at the center and help this one-of-a-kind facility bring to Florida something found nowhere else!

All in all, it’s been a great time here in the “Land of Endless Summer,” and most charities are already announcing their events for the fall and winter of this coming year. Like this year, most will sell out, so if I don’t see you here on the island, look here for the latest happenings in the incredible Town of Palm Beach!

Doug Evans is president and CEO of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the chamber, visit palmbeachchamber.com.