Just when you thought everyone in Florida had boarded a plane for the Greek Isles or elsewhere cool, breezy and exotic, an array of summertime events proves there’s life after April–in fact, there are year-round parties and excitement in the Sunshine State.
Kindness on Tap, Sip with a Promise, a benefit for Family Promise of Southeast Florida held in July, dramatically proved the point. It featured two hours’ worth of tempting light bites, open bar, wine tasting, music, auctions and much more in the Oak Room at the ever-popular Farmer’s Table restaurant.
The summertime celebration brought together community leaders, donors and supporters of the organization, along with those looking for a little sizzle-season socializing. Special guests included board president Rick Giles, president of Giles Capital Group, board member Taylor Materio, Chief Development Officer for the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, and Victoria Karasin, member of Impact100 Palm Beach County.
Creative passion fruit cocktails and strumming guitars were special highlights. Without all the in-season formality and fussiness, the whole evening felt more like a gathering of good friends than a fundraising event. Guests enjoyed a special opportunity to meet neighbors and make new acquaintances while supporting a vital cause. That’s what summertime does in South Florida. It breaks down barriers and brings people together.
All proceeds benefited the families served by Family Promise of Southeast Florida, which promotes self-reliance and ongoing independence.
“The event highlights the issues surrounding family homelessness and educates attendees on the challenges they face,” Executive Director Jennifer Raymond explains. “This awareness is crucial for garnering broader community support and encouraging more people to contribute to the cause.”
Family Promise’s signature 90-day Road to Independence program has transformed the lives of local families by offering temporary shelter, nutritious food and such basic necessities as clothing, toiletries and housewares. Complementing this are counseling and support programs that include financial literacy workshops and life skills education to help build family stability.
Additionally, the organization recently introduced the Step Up to Success Program for underemployed adults, which subsidizes job training and continuing education as well as provides funding for professional licenses and certifications.
Summing up the event, Ms. Raymond notes: “Kindness on Tap, Sip with a Promise embodies the spirit of compassion and kindness within our local community. It serves as a reminder of the community’s commitment to helping its most vulnerable members and reinforces the importance of that help and support.”