March 30, 2012

SERIOUSLY STRATEGIC! Kaye Communications Launches Expanded Services Platform and New Division

For more information and interviews, please contact:
Kaye Communications, Inc. (561) 392-5166
Jon A. Kaye, jkaye@kcompr.com, (561) 756-3097 mobile
Bonnie S. Kaye, bkaye@kcompr.com, (561) 756-3099 mobile


Kaye Communications Launches Expanded Services Platform
Including the New KCOM-WRITES Division 
To Empower Businesses And Organizations Of All Sizes And Industries
To Grow And Dominate

 The Hybrid Integrated Marketing & Public Relations Firm's 
Trailblazing KCOM-WRITES
Established As Innovative Source
For Strategic "Game Changing" Original Content

Boca Raton, FL (March 30, 2012) - Kaye Communications, a South Florida-based full-service marketing and public relations firm serving regional and national clients, announced today that it has launched a SERIOUSLY STRATEGIC!(SM) expanded services platform and unveiled a new division, KCOM-WRITES. The expansion makes the firm's signature market-relevant communications strategies, community engagement initiatives and 'original' content development accessible to companies and organizations of all sizes in a variety of industries and budgets. According to Kaye Communications President and Chief Strategist Bonnie S. Kaye, KCOM-WRITES - staffed by a team of professional writers, award-winning journalists, columnists and editors - will focus on developing strategic results-generating content and brand messaging to establish and/or strengthen client brand positioning and influence, awareness and reputation in today's ever-evolving 24/7 competitive communications age.
  
EXPANDED PLATFORM OFFERS  
MORE CHOICE/MORE ACCESSIBILITY 
  
Under the firm's newly defined services platform, clients can choose from retaining the firm for comprehensive annual programs, a single practice area, or a combination of services ranging from monthly C-Suite "Think Tank" sessions and counsel, strategic communications assessment and planning, corporate communications staff selection and training, and phased-in integrated programs to quarterly communications reviews, consulting/training sessions, alliance-building introduction and cultivation programs, news media and social media initiatives, and project/campaigns for audience, employee, membership, and alumni engagement. 
  
Long-operating as a hybrid in the marketing and public relations industry with its integrated inclusion of other business disciplines (i.e. leadership and sales training), Kaye Communications' practice areas include: KCOM-Strategic, KCOM-Think Tank, KCOM-BrandMaster, KCOM-Media Relations (print, broadcast, and digital), KCOM-Online & Social (including search engine optimization and blog series planning), KCOM-Connect (Community Engagement), KCOM-Crisis Solutions, KCOM-Public, KCOM-GREEN (Sustainability Initiatives), KCOM-Events, KCOM-Writes ("Original" Content Development), KCOM-Creative (Graphic & Web Design) and KCOM-Outsource (Executive-On-Loan).
  
NEW DIVISION "WRITES RIGHT" FOR RESULTS AS NEW SOURCE FOR STRATEGIC CONTENT  
  
The firm established KCOM-WRITES to meet the burgeoning demand by companies for on-going, fresh "original" content strategically developed to grow brand influence and customer engagement via a variety of communication channels. The division focuses on developing today's content essentials, ranging from brand promise messaging, blog series content, website copy, social media campaigns, news releases, bylined articles, e-blasts, and newsletters to ads, commercials, and brochures; invitations; sales letters; presentations; speeches and more. The KCOM-WRITES services can be implemented with support from other firm practice areas, including KCOM-Creative, KCOM-Media Relations, KCOM-Online & Social, KCOM-Connect and KCOM-Crisis Solutions.

"Long known for our firm's expertise and track record of success in delivering results-driven 'customized original content' as the strategic foundation for all integrated internal and external communications for our clients, our enhanced dedication in this practice area through KCOM-WRITES will be of significant benefit to small and large companies and organizations throughout the country on so many levels," noted Kaye. "By leaving this art and science to us, businesses can focus on what their focus should be...business generation."  
  
KCOM-WRITES ALLEVIATES THE PAIN, SO BUSINESSES CAN FOCUS ON THE GAIN 

Kaye reported that while most companies competing in today's 24/7 communications age know they need to communicate better and more often, a large percentage are stymied, often paralyzed, and genuinely fearful of engaging. Business owners and entrepreneurs can easily and quickly recite a number of obvious communications channels, but most will tell you that they are not proficient or know how to even start to effectively use and populate those channels to best share their brand promise and reinforce their brand influence and its company mission. Many of those who have been "in the game" are not sure what they are doing is working.

"'Writing right' is a critical game changer," Kaye noted. "We excel in delivering effectual content, knowing well that 'writing right' is much more than just writing...it means 'writing for results' based on sound strategy. Success is only achieved by intelligently creating specifically-targeted messages and utilizing the vehicles that most impact audiences, from collateral, videos, ads, and presentations to mobile apps, broadcast, and online and social media." 

DRAWING ON A PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN A VARIETY OF CLIENT CONCENTRATIONS

With more than 65 years of combined principal experience to draw upon, the firm's strategic client concentrations focus on clients in healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle (residential development, spas, etc.), professional services, legal, ACE (arts, culture and entertainment), campaigns and conferences, public entities (government agencies, community redevelopment agencies, business improvement districts), sports and GREEN/sustainability fields.

According to Kaye, the expanded platform and KCOM-WRITES will deliver the level of services the firm principals have successfully developed and implemented on behalf of national and regional brands, including Boston Market; Boca Raton Resort & Club; Promise Healthcare; Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa; Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for the Downtown Boca destination; Downtown Boca's inaugural Meet Me On The Promenade Streetside Fest; Allianz Championship, a PGA Champions Tour event; Muvico Theaters; California Pizza Kitchen; Law Offices of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC; the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University and Home Box Office (HBO).

Read Bylined Article: 
"Viewed As Relevant Or Relic
In The New Normal? What Your
Marketing & Communications (MarCom)
Says About Your Business"

To learn more about our
Seriously Strategic!(sm) Communications M.R.I. (Messaging.Relationships.Image)
EVAL for your business, contact Jon Kaye at
 jkaye@kcompr.com 


Kaye Communications, Inc. is headquartered at South City Plaza, 1515 South Federal Highway, Suite 103, Boca Raton, Florida 33432. For more information on the firm's practice areas and overview of client services visit www.kcompr.com, call 561-392-5166 or email SmartStrategiesBegin@kcompr.com. 


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March 23, 2012

Got Mambo? Tito Puente Jr. And Latin Jazz Ensemble To Headline Next Scheduled Event In Downtown Boca’s Friday Night Live! Entertainment Series Friday Evening, April 6th At Mizner Park Amphitheater

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kaye Communications, Inc. 561-392-5166
Bonnie S. Kaye, bkaye@kcompr.com, Cell: 561-756-3099
or Jon A. Kaye,
jkaye@kcompr.com, Cell: 561-756-3097


GOT MAMBO?
TITO PUENTE JR. AND LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE TO HEADLINE
NEXT SCHEDULED EVENT IN
DOWNTOWN BOCA’S FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! ENTERTAINMENT SERIES
 FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 6TH AT MIZNER PARK AMPHITHEATER

BOCA RATON, FL  – The next evening in the new Downtown Boca “Friday Night LIVE!” entertainment series, where attendees are encouraged to "come early, stay late...where something for everyone awaits," presents live Latin Jazz-themed festivities at Mizner Park Amphitheater in Downtown Boca featuring Tito Puente, Jr. and his ensemble.

The free and open-to-the-public evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with the popular Gourmet Food Truck Expo lineup Miami Spice, Nacho Mama’s Grill, Dolce Gourmet Cupcakes, Bite Gastrotruck, Arepabox and Palate Part serving up Hispanic favorites.  At 7:00 p.m. the night revs up with a spirited Zumba performance helping attendees to get their “fit” on with a Latin flare.  Tito Puente Jr. and his Latin Jazz Ensemble take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

Tito, Jr. is on a passionate mission to nurture the musical legacy left by his father, a popular Mambo King and Grammy Award-winning musician. Tito Puente, Jr. has become an audience favorite in casinos, performing arts centers, symphony halls and jazz festivals worldwide, performing more than 300 shows over the past 5 years. And now, Tito Jr. comes to Downtown Boca with a mixture of the old and the new as he takes a musical departure into some powerful new music he can truly call his own.  His new CD release, “Got Mambo?” is receiving heavy praise from Tropical and Latin Jazz critics alike.

“We’re looking forward to what is sure to be a high-energy performance by the world-renowned musician Tito Puente, Jr. to spice up our Latin Jazz theme”, said Downtown Manager Ruby Childers, who referenced that thousands attended the initial event in the newly-launched Friday Night LIVE! series in March.

On the first Friday of every month, the Friday Night LIVE! series will fill parts of Downtown Boca (including Sanborn Square, Mizner Park Amphitheater and Palmetto Park Road), showcasing live themed entertainment by award-winning bands and vocalists as participating shops, restaurants, and clubs extend their hours for “shopping and strolling” and offer Friday Night LIVE! samplings, discounts, and specials.  In addition, gourmet food trucks will line the event streets with café style seating, art galleries plan exhibitions, boutiques may feature streetside fashion or trunk shows, and more for exploring and enjoying the destination, from Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, including the signature collection of shops and boutiques, restaurants and galleries along the Promenade, Palmetto Park Road and Plaza Real South. 

Dates* and themes* planned, include the following; unless noted, all evenings are free and begin with festivities at 6:30 p.m. and live entertainment to take the stage at 7:30 p.m:
April 6th                      Latin Jazz—Mizner Park Amphitheater
May 4th                        Sock Hop/Boca Bop—Sanborn Square
June 1st                      Walkway to Waterway “Summertime Fest”—Palmetto Park Road
July 6th                        Americana/Picnic in the Park—Sanborn Square
August 3rd                  CountryTown—Sanborn Square
September 7th            Brazilian Beat—Palmetto Park Road
October 5th                 Community & Culture—TBD
November 2nd            Spirit of Thanks&Giving—Sanborn Square
December 7th             Holiday Sounds—Sanborn Square
 *rain dates may be scheduled for following Friday subject to artist availability; themes subject to change. Most series events are free.

For more information and event details, visit downtownboca.org regularly or call 561-367-7070. To become a Downtown Boca event sponsor, contact Jon Kaye, Kaye Communications at jkaye@kcompr.com or 561-392-5166.





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March 22, 2012

Hospitality Industry Veteran Gary Hyre Named General Manager at The Savoy Hotel

For more information and interviews, please contact:
Kaye Communications, (561) 392-5166
Jon A. Kaye, jkaye@kcompr.com, (561) 756-3097 mobile
Bonnie S. Kaye, bkaye@kcompr.com, (561) 756-3099 mobile
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY VETERAN GARY HYRE
NAMED GENERAL MANAGER 
AT THE SAVOY HOTEL
MIAMI BEACH, FL - Hospitality veteran Gary Hyre has been appointed general manager for The Savoy Hotel, a historic, all-suite oceanfront boutique hotel located in the heart of South Miami Beach's art deco district, just steps away from exciting cafes, boutiques and nightlife on Ocean Drive. The announcement was made by Lee Weeks, chief executive officer of Coral Hospitality, the full-service hospitality management and Investment Company specializing in hotels, clubs, and residential property that was awarded the management contract in August 2011 for the landmark property that in the past decade expanded to include the iconic Arlington Hotel.
With 25 years of hospitality experience in grand opening planning, staff recruitment, customer service training and operational consulting, Hyre is well-suited to direct its $1 million property refreshment program and manage and oversee all operations and guest services for the 75-suite, 2-acre oceanfront property known for its art deco tripartite architecture. Fashioned for an intimate experience, the property features private direct access to the beach, two free-form swimming pools with cabanas, a 3,640 sq. ft. oceanview sundeck, fitness room, in addition to The Terrace, the hotel's poolside restaurant; Albert's Place, a private dining room; the Arlington Ballroom; and Oceanview Terrace for outdoor weddings and social functions.
"We are pleased to have Gary Hyre to lead our renovations, repositioning and operations efforts at The Savoy Hotel that continues to be an iconic jewel on South Beach," said Weeks. "Given Gary's extensive background with luxury hotel and resort properties that are recognized worldwide for their exemplary operations and personalized guest service, we know our dedicated staff and guests will benefit from his experience, expertise, and vision."
Prior to joining The Savoy Hotel, Hyre, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, held a 13-year tenure with Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company where he produced record setting financial results, while maintaining strict Mobile 5Star and AAA 5 Diamond service standards and maintaining a successful track record of customer service results, leadership development and process improvement for its properties in Naples, FL (5-star, 5-diamond); Laguna Beach, CA (5-star, 5-diamond); Pasadena, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Marina Del Ray, CA: Amelia Island, FL. He was a team member recipient of the Presidents Malcolm Baldridge Quality Award, and Conde` Nast Traveler, #1 Resort Worldwide for Ritz-Carlton Naples.

During his career, he has also held tenures with Florida Central Appraisal Inc., Lake Placid, FL as owner/operator; The Club at Olde Cypress in Naples, FL as general manager, GLH Consulting Group in Naples, FL as customer service and leadership training consultant serving clientele that included The Club at Fiddler's Creek, Hardy Development Group, and The Atlantis Hotel Resort Bahamas. A native of (home town), he graduated from Boston University, Business School of Hospitality.

The Savoy Hotel, owned by Savoy Hotel Partners and under the management of Coral Hospitality, is located at 425 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach FL.  It is a 10-minute drive to Miami International Airport and The Port of Miami. For more information and reservations, visit online at www.savoymiami.com or 800-237-2869.

About Coral Hospitality:
Coral Hospitality, ranked a Top 5 independent management firm for the past eight years, is a full-service hospitality management and investment company specializing in beach, mountain and golf resorts. Coral Hospitality has widened its spectrum to include a diverse portfolio of resorts, hotels, condominiums, private golf clubs, spas and community associations. Currently managing a collection of more than 25 properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean, Coral Hospitality operates each with a core belief in providing thoughtful service in unique surroundings. Coral Hospitality continues to pursue a growth plan to enhance its portfolio with new resorts and clubs, as well as identifying additional capital partners with similar interests in developing and managing unique properties within the hospitality industry For more information, visit www.CoralHospitality.com.


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Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa Announces Diego Garcia as Latin America Regional Sales Manager

Media Contact:
Kaye Communications, Inc. 561-392-5166
Bonnie S. Kaye, bkaye@kcompr.com, 561-756-3099-mobile or
Jon A. Kaye, jkaye@kcompr.com, 561-756-3097-mobile
Media site:
www.caribbean-media.info


Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa Announces 
Diego Garcia as Latin America Regional Sales Manager

ARUBA  – The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Diego Garcia to the position of Regional Sales Manager. Garcia, as regional sales manager, will be responsible for the Latin American region.

Garcia brings with him more than 14 years of experience in the sales and operations industry with several Aruban hotels and has a proven track record of meeting and exceeding revenue goals.

“We are pleased to have Diego with us at the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa, as he has demonstrated a keen instinct for identifying new business opportunities, maintaining relationships among representatives of all facets of the sales process and launching new markets within the leisure sector,” said Arianne Valentino, Director of Sales & Marketing.

Garcia studied mechanical engineering at the Universidad del Valle in Cali. His interests include technology, community work, traveling and reading. He will be based on-property in Aruba and report to Director of Sales & Marketing Arianne Valentino.

About Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa:
The recently renovated AAA Four Diamond Radisson Aruba Resort, located on Palm Beach – the island’s top beach – is a 15-acre tropical oasis offering exceptional accommodations and facilities enhanced by warm and caring, attentive service. The resort’s award-winning oceanfront Larimar Spa, known for treatments incorporating indigenous island ingredients, is the most comprehensive in Aruba and a favorite of spa connoisseurs. With an exceptional staff – many with the resort for more than 15 years – the property is notable for its gracious service, having the largest expanse of white sandy beach on the island, exotic lagoons, cascading waterfalls, manicured fragrant gardens, and 355 guestrooms, including 30 luxurious suites and exclusive Plaza Club accommodations. The Radisson Aruba captures the essence of Aruban charm offering sumptuous cuisine in three restaurants; including Sunset Grille, the island’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant and Mira Solo, the island’s only martini bar featuring a variety of 52 martinis; a 30,000-square-foot pool area with two free-form pools; a five-star PADI dive and water sports facility, and more than 15,000 square feet of special event space. Club Carlson – a whole new world of hotel rewards – makes staying at Radisson even more satisfying.


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March 20, 2012

Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC Celebrates Its 85th Anniversary

Law Firm Founded in The Days of Addison Mizner and Charles Lindbergh
Continues to Grow And Benefit The Community





Cake and reminiscing were plentiful at the Law Offices of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC (LLL&S) today as the firm celebrated its historic leadership role in and contributions to the legal, business and philanthropic fields in Palm Beach County and the State of Florida on its 85th anniversary.  The third oldest law firm in Palm Beach County was founded by Joseph Lesser in 1927, the same year that Calvin Coolidge was president, Charles Lindbergh made the first non-stop transatlantic flight from New York City to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis, and locally, the Breakers celebrated its first anniversary after its rebuild and the first flight of Pan American Airways took off from Key West to Havana, Cuba.

“I can remember my grandfather telling me how he took my grandmother away from her close-knit family  —  especially her sisters  —  in Rome, Georgia to ‘make it’ in the real estate boom here touted by Addison Mizner, only to find that the moment he stepped off the train…the boom went bust,” said LLL&S Managing Partner Gary Lesser, Joseph Lesser’s grandson. “He quickly transitioned his real estate career to the practice of law, hanging his shingle on Narcissus Avenue in West Palm Beach…where the legacy for Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith took root.”

Under Gary’s stewardship, the firm grew from two attorneys and one assistant when he joined his father Shepard Lesser in 1992 at a 2,000-square-foot storefront office location in downtown West Palm Beach, to include new partners (Joseph B. Landy joined in 2001; Michael Smith in 2004), 10 attorneys and 17 staff operating from a 15,000-square-foot free-standing headquarters it owns on Northpoint Parkway in West Palm Beach. In addition, the firm has offices in a 12,000-square-foot office building it owns in Boca Raton, and a 7,000-square-foot office complex it owns in Stuart, Florida.

LLL&S focuses on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases, having delivered significant verdicts and settlements for its clients. All firm attorneys are “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell for demonstrating the highest level of legal ability and ethics. Reflecting the respect of their peers in the legal, business and nonprofit communities, firm attorneys have been elected to serve in key leadership positions for The Florida Bar, Palm Beach County and Martin County Bar Associations, Palm Beach County Medical Society, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Florida Atlantic University Foundation, Autism Speaks, and the Jewish Federation of the Palm Beach County. Balancing job performance with a strong belief in community service — as inspired by founder Joseph Lesser — continues to serve as the firm’s key cornerstone value.

“Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith has been at the ground floor of Palm Beach County for nearly a century,” noted Florida Bar President Scott Hawkins, himself a West Palm Beach lawyer with the venerable firm of Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, whose roots go back to 1924. “I first worked with Shepard Lesser in the late 1980’s when I was a young lawyer. He was exceedingly courteous and solution-oriented. Since that time, I have gotten to know Gary Lesser, who displays the same qualities and has become a very important leader in The Florida Bar. I wish the firm continued success.”

When asked what he thinks would make his grandfather proud, Gary Lesser noted three areas: “the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence in client service, strictest adherence to the Florida Bar’s professionalism and ethics, and the broad, diverse community outreach and public service we impart to enhance the well-being of our community and beyond.”

“What I think my grandfather would be most proud of is the tremendous community ‘giveback’ mission of our firm that has been driven by the three-generation family/firm legacy of community involvement he inspired,” added Gary. Joseph was a regional President of and a volunteer for the Lion’s Club and was involved in the Salvation Army most of his life, at one point serving as regional General Counsel.  He was a founder and the first President of Temple Beth El, Palm Beach County’s first Conservative synagogue, and a founder and one of the first Presidents of the local B’nai B’rith chapter.  Joseph was recognized by a number of organizations for his community involvement and leadership, most notably receiving the 1978 Ben Gurion Award from the State of Israel Bonds, a coveted award given to those who perpetuate the vision of Israel's first prime minister for the future of the country. Elie Wiesel was presented the honor in 1975.

In the past 18 months, the boutique-size firm contributed more than $400,000 in donations and sponsorships to support vital charity and business missions of South Florida, including health, medical research, education, special needs, humanitarian/human rights, veterans, arts and culture, economic development, legal aid organizations, and other causes, and provided more than 2,500+ hours of pro bono legal services and community service. This year LLL&S has given a major gift to the athletics program of Florida Atlantic University that has been commemorated with a concession stand named for the firm in the new FAU Stadium. It has also dedicated a bench at the entrance to the new Palm Beach County Bar Association building.

Shepard Lesser added his father would also be pleased to know that in the past year his grandson Gary was peer-elected to The Florida Bar Board of Governors, and was recognized for the fifth time by Florida Trend Magazine as a Legal Elite and being inducted into its Florida Legal Elite Hall of Fame (only 56 Florida attorneys — out of 93,000+ — named Legal Elite for five years). Gary was born (1967) and raised in West Palm Beach; graduated from Forest Hill High School; earned a B.A. in International Affairs, George Washington University, 1989 and earned J.D., University of Miami School of Law, 1992 (where he was a member of Bar & Gavel Society, and served as Associate Editor of the Yearbook of International Law and Editor-in-Chief of Res Ipsa Loquitur, the law school's newspaper).

For more information on LLL&S services and its offices in West Palm Beach, Stuart and Boca Raton, call (561) 655-2028 or visit the Firm’s website at www.lesserlawfirm.com.
From left (partner today): Mickey Smith, Gary Lesser, Shepard Lesser, Joe Landy

From left: Firm Founder Joseph Lesser and Shepard Lesser

A Young Joseph Lesser-Firm Founder

Three generations of Lesser men: From left: Gary Lesser, Joseph Lesser, Shepard Lesser

 Firm Founder Joseph Lesser working at his desk

Viewed As Relevant Or Relic In The New Normal? What Your Marketing & Communications (MarCom) Says About Your Business

*please click on document to enlarge*


Kaye Communications, Inc. Celebrating 15+ Years of Successful Strategies


*Please click to enlarge*







March 12, 2012

Inaugural “Off The Green” Downtown Boca Golf Cart Parade To Launch Destination Celebration March 17th

Downtown Boca invites families, area neighborhoods, country clubs and golf courses, schools and universities, community organizations, nonprofits and visitors to “rev up” their St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 17th by  lining the streets for its First Annual “Off The Green” Downtown Boca Golf Cart Parade presented by Delray Hyundai-Delray Acura and held in conjunction with Festival of the Arts BOCA St. Patrick Day Extravaganza. Including several solar-powered carts featured by Shamrock GREEN Sponsor: the PGA Tour’s Allianz Championship, the free, family-friendly, open-to-the-public parade will begin at 12 Noon at Mizner Park Amphitheater (590 Plaza Real).
To showcase Downtown Boca’s great shopping, dining, cultural, entertainment and lifestyle offerings, the golf cart parade route will take the decorated carts all throughout Downtown Boca– through Mizner Park, across the pedestrian promenade and Sanborn Square, down Palmetto Park Road and around Royal Palm Place, with carts returning to Mizner Park Amphitheater for judging. Spectators can watch the festivities from Sanborn Square or from the official “watch spots” at Irish pubs and eateries in Downtown Boca, including Black Rose Irish Pub, Dubliner, Flanigan’s, Holloway’s, O’Brian’s, and Wishing Well.
Organizations participating in the parade include Allianz Championship, Biergarten, Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, Boca Raton Travel, Broken Sound Club, Downtown Advisory Committee, Florida Atlantic University, GGP, Juicy Results, Palm Breeze Charters, Salon Monaco, Siemon & Larsen, Sol Children Theatre Troupe, The Spaniard Tapas Bar, and Tucci’s Pizza. A cash prize and “Irish Gift Basket” will be awarded at the conclusion of the parade at the Mizner Park Amphitheater clock tower to the most creatively decorated golf cart, as judged by representatives from local Irish establishments.
“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of this inaugural event in Downtown Boca and are looking forward to all of the day’s festivities,” said Jim O’Neil, president of Delray Hyundai-Delray Acrua. “We are excited about an entire week of world class entertainment with the Festival of the Arts BOCA, and the culmination being this new parade and the Irish extravaganza in Downtown Boca.  It’s going to be great fun for the community.”
With emphasis on making it an even GREENER St. Patrick’s Day, Allianz Championship tournament director Ryan Dillon notes that “the parade gives us yet another opportunity to advocate for the on-going ambitious GREEN goals we put into swing at our 2012 tournament to achieve a smaller carbon footprint, set precedent for zero waste at other large spectator events and directly benefit and support the ‘greening’ initiatives of the City of Boca Raton, our tournament host for the past six years.”
More Celebration Follows Parade
At 1:30 p.m., free festivities courtesy of Mizner Park, The Dubliner and coordinating sponsor Festival of the Arts Boca will feature children’s activities and bagpipes. The Festival of the Arts BOCA St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza at the Mizner Park Amphitheater begins at 3:00 p.m. with performances by the Drake Irish Dancers, fiddler James Kelly. Founded by Karl Drake, the Drake School of Irish Dance is one of the strongest schools of Irish Dance in the southeast, producing many regional and national champions as well as World Medal holders. Beginning at 6 p.m., the Festival of the Arts will present a free live concert by Celtic band Seven Nations.
Premier seating is available: $20 for adults and $10 for children over 12 years old.  Limited free general “on-the-lawn” admission is available for those who bring their own chairs or blankets.
“It’s wonderful to see the downtown community coming together to celebrate and start a new tradition in the City,” said Festival of the Arts Chairman Charles Siemon.  “We are very thankful to festival sponsors General Growth Properties, Delray Hyundai Delray Acura and the Dubliner for providing us with the opportunity to bring great talent to the party.”
City of Boca Raton Downtown Manager Ruby Childers agrees. “It is collaborations, business engagement, and sponsor support like this that make Downtown Boca a stronger, more vibrant destination where visitors and residents can come early, stay late …knowing something for everyone awaits.”

March 02, 2012

Downtown Boca Launched New Themed Entertainment Series: “Friday Night LIVE!” On First Friday Of Every Month


Giving residents, businesses and visitors yet another reason to “come early, stay late…where something for everyone awaits” to discover Downtown Boca’s great dining, shopping, culture, entertainment and lifestyle offerings, the destination launched a monthly open-to-the-public Friday Night LIVE! themed entertainment series on Friday night, March 2nd.

Born from the success of Downtown Boca’s inaugural 2011 Meet Me On The Promenade street-filling festival, the Friday Night LIVE! series debuts with City Link’s Boca Beerfest, a ticketed event at Mizner Park Amphitheater in March that will feature 100+ brews and a selection of wines, live entertainment, local bands, gourmet food trucks, a cigar and smoking area, a VIP section on the Museum Terrace with unlimited liquor and wine bar and catered food, and other activities with an “after party” at Biergarten.


On the first Friday of every month thereafter, the Friday Night LIVE! series will fill parts of Downtown (including Sanborn Square and Palmetto Park Road), showcasing live themed entertainment by award-winning bands and vocalists as participating shops, restaurants, and clubs extend their hours for “shopping and strolling” and offer Friday Night LIVE! samplings, discounts, and specials.  In addition, gourmet food trucks will line the event streets with café style seating, art galleries plan exhibitions, boutiques may feature streetside fashion or trunk shows, and more for exploring and enjoying the destination, from Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, including the signature collection of shops and boutiques, restaurants and galleries along Palmetto Park Road and Plaza Real South.

Included in the themed plans, are crowd-pleasing, family friendly live performances from Latin jazz and bossa to Rock ’n Roll, country and island sounds; “chances to win” gift certificates and prizes; fun activities such as street-filling sock hops, themed dance showcases by Fred Astaire Dance Studio instructors and students, old fashioned hayrides along East Boca Raton Road, street artists, a July lemonade stand décor and beverage contest, a Brazilian conga line along Palmetto Park Road; and at times late night “after parties” at Downtown Boca pubs and clubs.

“While there is much to do and see in Downtown Boca everyday, we wanted to ‘kick it up’ big on a regular basis with a diverse array of live entertainment on First Fridays to open each month to underscore that ‘It’s Happening!’ in Downtown Boca,” noted City of Boca Raton Downtown Manager Ruby Childers. “Excitement among local businesses, including galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs is high, so all should post Downtown Boca in their calendars as ‘the place to be’ the first Friday of every month.”
Dates* and themes* planned, include the following; unless noted, all evenings are free and begin with festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m. and live entertainment to take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

March 2nd City Link Boca Beerfest**—Mizner Park Amphitheater
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Tickets $20-$30 (visit www.downtownboca.org for $5 off coupon)
April 6th Latin Jazz—Sanborn Square
May 4th Sock Hop/Boca Bop—Sanborn Square
June 1st Walkway to Waterway “Summertime Fest”—Palmetto Park Road
July 6th Americana/Picnic in the Park—Sanborn Square
August 3rd CountryTown—Sanborn Square
September 7th Brazilian Beat—Palmetto Park Road
October 5th Community & Culture—TBD
November 2nd Spirit of Thanks&Giving—Sanborn Square
December 7th Holiday Sounds—Sanborn Square
*rain dates may be scheduled for following Friday subject to artist availability; themes subject to change. Most series events are free; **admission fee charged.

For more information and event details, visit DowntownBoca.Org regularly. To become a Downtown Boca event sponsor, contact Jon Kaye, Kaye Communications at jkaye@kcompr.com or 561-392-5166.

FAU Stadium Receives $50,000 Gift from Law Firm of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith


FAU Stadium Receives $50,000 Gift from
Law Firm of
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith

BOCA RATON, FL (February 22, 2012) – The Florida Atlantic University athletics department recently received a gift of $50,000 for its on-campus stadium from Gary Lesser on behalf of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC. The contribution has been recognized with permanent signage on a stadium concession area.

“We are extremely grateful to Gary Lesser and Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith for this gift,” said Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., vice president of community engagement at FAU. “We truly appreciate their generosity, and we’re pleased to name the Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith concession area in their honor.”

Gary Lesser is managing partner for Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith and serves on the Florida Bar Board of Governors. He also is a member of the FAU Foundation Board, a dedicated group of alumni and friends of the University who volunteer their time and expertise to spearhead fundraising efforts and manage the Foundation’s assets. This year, Lesser and his Firm are celebrating 85 years of serving its clients and supporting the greater community of Palm Beach County.

“As committed members of the Boca Raton community, we are proud to support the FAU football program as it continues to shine a bright national spotlight on the University,” said Lesser. “We look forward to the Owls’ 2012 season and being an active part of the many other exciting events that will be hosted at FAU Stadium.”

To date, FAU has secured more than 30 named sponsorships for the stadium. The University is offering naming rights for more than 30 additional venues in and around the stadium to help fund the $70 million project. FAU’s 30,000-seat open-air stadium features 6,000 premium seats, including 24 suites, 26 loge boxes, 1,000 premier club seats and 4,000 priority club seats, and the latest, state-of-the-art amenities.

For more information about FAU Stadium, visit www.fausports.com. For more information about FAU’s Division of Community Engagement, call 561-297-3575.

-FAU-



Photo Caption: From left, Joseph Landy; Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., vice president of community engagement at FAU; Gary Lesser; and Merryl Haber.

About Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith:
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, (LLL&S) the third oldest law firm in Palm Beach County, was established in 1927 by Joseph H. Lesser in West Palm Beach, and is now celebrating 85 years of serving clients throughout Florida, focusing on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. All Firm partners and associates are "AV" rated by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating in ethics and legal ability. With offices in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Stuart, LLL&S is active in the community, and has donated significant time and financial support to numerous charities. For more information on LLL&S call (561) 655-2028 or visit www.lesserlawfirm.com.

About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses and sites. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.