August 29, 2012

The Community Invited To Honor “Our Legend, Her Legacy”: Henrietta, Countess De Hoernle with “Red, White & Boca-Blue Countess Appreciation Day” On Monday, September 24, 2012, Her Actual 100th Birthday

Community-wide Tribute Planned to Recognize and Celebrate Her Selfless and Inspiring Philanthropy, Humanitarianism and Patriotism and Shower Her With “Birthday Wishes”

To honor Henrietta, Countess de Hoernle for her immense, selfless contributions to the community on her actual 100th birthday: Monday, September 24, the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller Commandery of Florida invites the community-at-large to be part of “Red, White and Boca-Blue Countess Appreciation Day”.  Throughout the day, residents, visitors, nonprofits, schools and universities, businesses, and government officials and staff are encouraged to pay visual tribute to the Countess in reflection of her patriotism for the United States, her “country by choice”, by wearing red, white, and blue and wrapping trees with red, white, and blue ribbons.

“We want the efforts to be simple and far-reaching as hundreds of thousands of lives have been rescued or enriched by the Countess’s generosity and leadership role in community involvement,” noted Barbara Schmidt, founder of Spirit of Giving Network and a C100 Honorary Gala Co-Chair with Dick Schmidt and Christine Lynn who added that a philanthropic digest can be viewed on www.Countess100.org.  “It is critically important the community-at-large, from the young to older generations, know of her indelible legacy and become inspired by her wisdom and ‘authentic’ giving lessons to make a difference in their communities for generations to come.”

“Our Legend, Her Legacy”
Managing her charitable work from her home since 1981 without any staff, the Countess de Hoernle has selflessly given away more than $40 million of her personal funds to local charities while serving on 16 boards of directors each year for more than 25 years, for more than 30 different charities in her lifetime.  Serving as an indelible and inspiring role model of philanthropy with wisdom and grace, there are more than 40 buildings named in her honor throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, New York and abroad.

Knowing what it was like to be the wife of a military veteran who fought overseas in World War II to protect the United States, she was the first private citizen in the United States that donated $1 million to the United Way’s 9/11 Fund, earmarking $100,000 to support families in Palm Beach County affected by the national tragedy. She also established the “Countess de Hoernle Relief Fund” at the United Way with an initial gift of $500,000 (and a second gift of $500,000 the following year) to support the families of deployed military sent overseas to protect and defend our country following 9/11. The latter funding was critical when Hurricane Wilma devastated parts of Palm Beach County; it enabled the United Way to work closely with commanding officers to identify and aid military families in need food, clothing and shelter; assistance in repairing damaged homes.

“Time, talent, and treasure” became her by-words as volunteer service on institutional and organizational boards, community involvement, leadership in philanthropic efforts and her commitment to the greater Palm Beach County area. Health organizations, educational facilities, scholarships, cultural programs, community singing and theater groups, abused women and children, students, veterans, first-responders, the elderly and, in particular, the desperately needy, sick and poor have all benefited from the remarkable spirit of kindness and giving that rules the life and daily work of the Countess de Hoernle, our legend as she inspires the community with her legacy.

Countess’s generosity and philanthropic philosophies include:
“Give while you live, so you know where it goes.”
“Giving begins at home, and this community is our home.”
“What no money? Give your time and talent — it’s all needed!”
“I’m proud to be an American — by choice.”
“There is no excuse for our veterans not to receive their benefits just because they do not have a permanent address.”

The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller Commandery of Florida
The Countess is its patroness and holder of the Grand Cross of Justice and Medal of Merit from one of the oldest orders of chivalry in existence that has raised funds to benefit the sick and the poor of the world since 1048 A.D.: the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, under Royal Charter and Constitution granted by His Late Majesty King Peter II of Yugoslavia.  Countess de Hoernle’s OSJ regalia, honorary degrees from Lynn University and Northwood University, awards, plaques, shields and commemorative photographs have been loaned for permanent display curated by the Boca Raton Historical Society at the Spanish River Library in Boca Raton.

Festivities Continue In The Evening
A formal “Our Legend, Her Legacy” gala celebration will be presented by the OSJ Commandery of Florida, a not-for-profit charitable 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization, to fulfill the Countess’s 100th birthday wish to raise money to benefit local charities. More than 700 dignitaries and community, business, and nonprofit leaders will gather at Boca West Country Club donning black or white tie, military or Scottish equivalent, tiaras, regalia, and decorations for dinner, music, multi-media tributes, reminiscing, a video retrospective and presentation of a gigantic birthday card signed by thousands from the community she has long supported. Gala Chair is Dame Isabelle K. Paul DCGSJ, Vice-Chair is Dame Alyce E. Erickson DSJ and Honorary Chairs are Christine Lynn and Barbara and Dick Schmidt. According to Dames Paul and Erickson, the gala’s program journal will be sent to the Library of Congress, and the Florida State and Boca Raton Historical Societies for inclusion in their historic archives.

To learn more about “all things Countess”; “Red, White & Boca-Blue Countess Appreciation Day” festivities; the gala, sponsorship opportunities, sending birthday wishes, and purchasing tickets, as well as updates, visit www.countess100.org and www.youtube.com/user/Countess100Gala; “Like” Countess on Facebook (www.facebook.com/countess100), and/or call Gala Chair Isabelle K. Paul (561) 391-3424.




August 13, 2012

Community Invited To Join In Showering Henrietta, Countess De Hoernle With Record-Setting Wishes For Her 100th Birthday As Part Of The C100 Festivities Planned To Honor “Our Legend, Her Legacy”




In appreciation for Henrietta, Countess de Hoernle’s immense, selfless contributions to the community, The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller Commandery of Florida invites residents, nonprofits, schools, companies, city and county officials and staff to participate in what is expected to be a heart-warming, record-setting birthday greeting initiative in the countdown to the Countess’s 100th Birthday Celebration (C100 Event) festivities.  

The “official” daylong C100 celebration to be held on the Countess’s actual birthday, Monday, September 24, 2012 begins with a communitywide “Red, White & Boca-Blue Countess Appreciation Day” during which the entire community is encouraged to pay visual tribute to the Countess in a way that reflects her patriotism for the United States, her “country by choice”, by wearing red, white, and blue and wrapping trees with red, white, and blue ribbons.

Festivities will conclude in royal-style with a formal gala celebration for more than 700 dignitaries and community, business, and nonprofit leaders who will don black or white tie, military or Scottish equivalent, tiaras, regalia, and decorations. Attendees will enjoy dinner, reminiscing, and a video retrospective and the presentation of the record-breaking birthday card signed by thousands from the community she has long supported.

“Our goal is to secure 5,000-plus well wishes and signatures, which should be easily obtainable considering all the organizations and lives the Countess has touched, enhanced, and enriched by her generosity and inspiration,” noted C100 Gala Chair Commander Isabelle K. Paul DCGSJ.  “We are encouraging companies, large and small, to display panels for staff signing in cafeterias; business and nonprofit organizations to make panels available at their special events and membership meetings; schools and universities to gather signatures from students, parents and staff; and residents to visit the Boca Raton libraries, recreation centers, and nonprofit venues to pen their birthday greetings and signatures.”

Beginning on Monday, August 6, 2012 and continuing through Friday, September 14, 2012, birthday card panels, which will be assembled as one gigantic birthday card to debut at the C100 gala, will be available for signing at key, convenient locations and events from Boca Raton to West Palm Beach.  Conceived, launched, and organized by Kaye Communications, the C100 Strategic Communications, and Community Relations and Media Relations Partner and sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue, the initiative is being driven by volunteers from Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, Spirit of Giving Network, and the Boca Raton Historical Society who comprise the official “C100 Signature Squad”.  The dedicated squad will be coordinating panel deliveries and pick-ups for companies, nonprofits, schools and universities, etc. as requested.

To request birthday card panel(s) and/or panel delivery and pick-up, companies, schools and universities, organizations and nonprofits should contact Kokie Dinnan at Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, kdinnan@familypromisepbc.org (561) 265-3370; Karen Krumholtz at the Spirit of Giving Network, karen@spiritofgivingnetwork.com (561) 385-0144; or Mary Csar at the Boca Raton Historical Society, mary@bocahistory.org (561) 395-6766, ext. 106 or (561) 212-0301.

The community-at-large, including residents, visitors and other fans of the Countess, is invited to stop by one of the following “official C100 birthday card signing locations” to “pen” their own wishes to “Our Legend” and commend “Her Legacy”.  The public can sign the record-breaking birthday card at the following locations:

South Palm Beach County:
Spirit of Giving Network, Vegso Community Center, 261 Northwest 13th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Boca Raton Historical Society, Old Town Hall, 71 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Saks Fifth Avenue-Boca Raton at Town Center, 5800 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Boca Raton City Hall, 201 West Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, 1800 North Dixie Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Kaye Communications, Inc., 1515 South Federal Highway, Suite 103, Boca Raton, FL  33432
Henrietta, Countess de Hoernle Art School-Boca Raton Museum of Art, 801 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486
YMCA of South Palm Beach County, 6631 Palmetto Circle South, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Florida Atlantic University, Living Room Theaters, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Gallery 22 By Yaacov Heller, Royal Palm Place, 320 Esplanade, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Downtown Boca Library, 200 NW Boca Raton Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33431
American Red Cross, 5820 North Federal Highway, Suite B, Boca Raton, FL 33487
Family Promise of Palm Beach County, 840 George Bush Boulevard, Building D, Delray Beach, FL 33483 (on the property of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church)

North Palm Beach County:
HomeSafe, 2840 Sixth Avenue, Lake Worth, FL 33461
American Red Cross, 825 Fern Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Northwood University Student Life Center, 2600 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL  33409
Children’s Home Society, 3333 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL  33136
Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, 1715 Tiffany Drive East, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

To learn more about the Countess, the gala, sponsorships, birthday greeting ads, and tickets, as well as updates and how to participate in the “Red, White & Boca-Blue Countess Appreciation Day” festivities, visit www.countess100.org and www.youtube.com/user/Countess100Gala; “Like” Countess on Facebook (www.facebook.com/countess100), or call C100 Gala Chair Isabelle K. Paul (561) 391-3424.

About The C100 Birthday Gala: On Henrietta, Countess de Hoernle’s Birthday, Monday, September 24, 2012:
To celebrate Henrietta, Countess de Hoernle’s immense selfless contributions to the community in royal style, the “Our Legend, Her Legacy” themed benefit gala will be held at Boca West Country Club with more than 700 dignitaries and community, business, and nonprofit leaders donned in black or white tie, military or Scottish equivalent, tiaras, regalia, and decorations for dinner, music, multi-media tributes, dancing, and reminiscing. The evening’s program will include a video retrospective and presentation of a gigantic birthday card signed by thousands from the community she has long supported.

Presented by the Order of St. John, Chaired Dame Isabelle K. Paul DCGSJ and Vice-Chair Dame Alyce E. Erickson DSJ with Honorary Chairs Christine Lynn and Barbara and Dick Schmidt, the event is being held as a benefit to fulfill the Countess’s 100th birthday wish of raising significant funds to benefit Boca Raton area nonprofits.  Sponsorships at various levels, commemorative journal tribute ads and birthday greetings, tables of 10 and individual seats at $375 per person are available at www.countess100.org. The gala’s program journal will be sent to the Library of Congress, and the Florida State and Boca Raton Historical Societies for inclusion in their historic archives.

About The Countess, “Our Legend, Her Legacy”:
Managing her charitable work from her home since 1981 without any staff, the Countess de Hoernle has selflessly given away more than $40 million of her personal funds to local charities while serving on 16 boards of directors each year for more than 25 years, for more than 30 different charities in her lifetime.  Serving as an indelible and inspiring role model of philanthropy with wisdom and grace, there are more than 40 buildings named in her honor throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, New York and abroad.  For more, visit www.countess100.org.

About The Presenting Sponsor:
The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller Commandery of Florida
The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, under Royal Charter and Constitution granted by His Late Majesty King Peter II of Yugoslavia is one of the oldest orders of chivalry in existence and has raised funds to benefit the sick and the poor of the world since 1048 A.D.  The Countess is its patroness and holder of the Order’s Grand Cross of Justice and Medal of Merit. The gala on the occasion of her 100th birthday is organized by the OSJ Commandery of Florida, a not-for-profit charitable 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization.


August 01, 2012

Brazilian Independence Day Takes The Stage In Downtown Boca At The Friday Night LIVE! "Boca's Brazilian Beat" Night


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information please contact:
Kaye Communications, Inc., 561-392-5166
Jon A. Kaye, Kaye Communications, Inc., 561-756-3097-mobile
Bonnie S. Kaye, Kaye Communications, Inc., 561-756-3099-mobile


BRAZILIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY TAKES THE STAGE
 
IN DOWNTOWN BOCA AT THE DESTINATION’S
FREE AND OPEN-TO-THE-PUBLIC 
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE!
“BOCA’S BRAZILIAN BEAT” NIGHT

SPIRITED PROGRAM FEATURES ZUMBA SHOWCASE,
CAPOEIRA DANCERS,
 CARNIVAL DANCERS AND DRUMMERS, PERFORMANCES BY BATUKE SAMBA FUNK, ROSE MAX, AND MORE

BOCA RATON, FL (July 31, 2012) –Downtown Boca will be this year’s premier hotspot for celebrating Brazilian Independence Day on Friday, September 7th as “Boca and Brazil Meet to Celebrate the Brazilian Beat” as part of the destination’s popular monthly Friday Night LIVE! series presented by JM Lexus. Held at Downtown Boca’s Sanborn Square in partnership with the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, CafĂ© Brasil 88.9 FM, the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Boca Tribune, Rotary Club of West Boca Raton and others, the free and open-to-the-public festivities will feature award-winning singer Rose Max and fan-favorite Batuke Samba Funk within its jam-packed schedule that includes a Capoeira and Carnival show and Zumba demonstration, DJ Fred, displays of art, vibrant fashion and more alongside delicious Brazilian “grab and go” cuisine served up curbside by the Gourmet Truck Expo. 

The Friday Night LIVE! activities begin at 6:00 p.m. at Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Highway (one block north of Palmetto Park Road) with Gourmet Truck Expo dining, a spirited Zumba demonstration and DJ Fred followed by a procession of Capoeira dancers and Carnival drummers and dancers.

Showtime starts at 7:30 p.m. as Batuke Samba Funk, a unique collective of musicians from Brazil and Miami, takes the stage to perform the classic samba/soul sound originating in Rio de Janiero in the late 1960s. The group combines the percussive grooves of Brazilian samba with the funk rhythms of American legends like James Brown and Earth, Wind & Fire. Batuke Samba Funk was founded in 2008 by bassist extraordinaire Diogo Olivera and features a revolving cast of the very finest musicians playing guitars, bass, drums, vocals and Afro-Brazilian percussion. As a signature element of the show, the band will erupt into a samba jam session using traditional Brazilian drums as well as recycled objects such as cans, buckets and scrap metal to create a joyous carnival atmosphere.

The night’s entertainment culminates with the performance of “South Florida’s favorite Brazilian singer,” Rose Max and her mesmerizing guitarist Ramatis Moraes. They will be “firing up” the streetside dance floor with authentic, classic samba music inspired by the nightclubs of Rio de Janiero accompanied by a pulsating band and a lively percussion section. Max’s talent and performance has earned her several Miami New Times “Best of” awards as well as three Brazilian International Press Awards.

Rolling out the welcome mat to the thousands of event-goers, Downtown Boca ambassadors, including Rotary Club of West Boca volunteers who are fluent in Portuguese, will be stationed throughout the event at the Downtown Boca Welcome Center conveniently located in the heart of the festivities. Participating businesses will extend hours with special sidewalk tastings, samplings, trunk shows, dining specials, menu items and discounts and late night "after parties" at area pubs and clubs will be held 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.

Visitors are encouraged to “come early, stay late...where something for everyone awaits” as thousands have done for previous Friday Night LIVE! events that have featured Tito Puente, Jr. and his Latin Jazz ensemble; Chris MacDonald, the “ultimate Elvis tribute artist”; the “CountryTown” Garth Brooks Tribute Show and line dancing; Florida Panthers Patrol Red Zone Night; and City Link’s Boca Beerfest.

Free parking for Friday Night LIVE! Brazilian Beat is available at City Hall (201 West Palmetto Park Road), the Downtown Library (200 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard), and other locations downtown where event signage is featured.

To extend event-goer celebration through the weekend for more time to explore Downtown Boca and surrounding areas, the shopping/dining/entertainment destination and the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau are teaming up with area hotels to offer “soon to be announced” special discounted “Stay & Play” room rates for the “Brazilian Beat” weekend.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands from South Florida, some for the first time, to Downtown Boca to enjoy the Brazilian Beat festivities,” said Boca Raton Downtown Manager Ruby Childers. “It will be a great night of celebrating, dancing, dining, and exploring all there is to see and do in Downtown Boca. In working with our programming and media partners, we expect a memorable evening.” She added that the Friday Night LIVE! presented by JM Lexus on October 5, 2012 will have a “Community & Culture” theme and kick off a series of programing related to “American Stories As Told Through The Cultural Arts” with the backdrop of the upcoming presidential debate to the area.

Future Friday Night LIVE! series 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.:
October 5th                 Community & Culture—Mizner Park Amphitheater
November 2nd            Kids Night In, Parents Night Out—Sanborn Square
December 7th             Holiday Sounds—Sanborn Square
*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.

*click to enlarge