26th Annual Rotary Golf Tournament To Take Place On Thursday, May 9th At Boca Lago Country Club To Honor Dr. Ira J. Gelb

Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise and Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton
Join Forces to Honor Dr. Ira J. Gelb and Raise Funds
to Benefit the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine 

and Local College Undergraduate Scholarships

Boca Raton, FL (March 26, 2013)— The Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise and the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton have joined forces to honor Dr. Ira J. Gelb at the 26th Annual Rotary Golf Tournament May 9, 2013 at Boca Lago Country Club. The event will raise funds to benefit the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University as well as local college undergraduate scholarships.

The two clubs honor the esteemed Dr. Ira J. Gelb, a visionary and medical leader who planted the seed for a medical school that came to fruition as the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Dr. Gelb serves as a leader in his role of Assistant Dean for Pre-Baccalaureate Programs, Co-Director of Cardiology and Clinical Professor of Biomedical Science. He has also received the FAU President’s Distinguished Service Medallion.

Norman Matus and Bob Hildreth are co-chairs of this event, representing the Boca Raton Sunrise and Downtown Boca Raton clubs respectively. The event committee is comprised of Dr. Steve Alman, Marleen Forkas, David Katz, and Daniel Spandau.  Honorary Co-Chairs include Dr. Robert Colton, Eric Glasband, Larry Nagle and Robin Nagle.

The tournament begins at 11:00 a.m. with registration and lunch for the participants. A golf clinic by Bruce Fleisher will be held from 11:15-11:45 a.m. The shotgun start will take place at 12:30 p.m., and a reception will follow the day’s play at 5:30 p.m. The reception will feature dinner with gourmet carving stations, an auction and the awards ceremony.

Players may register as individuals for $250 or as a foursome for $1,000. Event sponsorships are also available from $100 to $5,000.

For more information, please contact Norman Matus (561-302-4655), Bob Hildreth (561-302-6494) or email events@thefreuds.com.

#####

150+ Community, Business and Civic Leaders On-Site for Unveiling of Boca Raton Bridge Hotel Transformation Plans

Hotel to Re-Open After Transformation Period in Late Fall 

with New Rooms, Lobby, Waterfront Dock and More, 

Generating New Employment Opportunities 

BOCA RATON, FL (March 25, 2013)— With more than 150 community, business and civic leaders in attendance, the design direction and inspiration for the aesthetic and structural transformation of the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel was revealed during a recent special preview reception at the top of the iconic
boutique hotel. Russ Flicker, managing member of AWH Partners, LLC that in partnership with The Lane Organization purchased the boutique hotel property in September 2012, presented a site plan featuring the extensive property architectural reorientation with a new “sense of arrival” and relocation of hotel’s entrance and restaurants, expansion of indoor and outdoor waterfront public spaces, and renderings of the innovative interior design renovation concepts of the lobby, restaurants, and guest rooms conceived by the commissioned Gensler design firm. Throughout the evening, the captivated guests also enjoyed sampling a culinary “taste” of what is to come at the “newest jewel on the Boca waterfront” designed to meet or exceed the desires and needs of today’s discerning vacationers as well as the community’s social and business guests.

Led by a seasoned team of hotel ownership, management, designers and hospitality, operations, and marketing consultants, the reinvention plans will reposition the hotel into a premier South Florida experience with its own distinctive signature in the destination. The complete transformation to a luxury four-star hotel status will include the introduction of entirely new hospitality and dining concepts, with plans to take optimal advantage of the property’s most distinctive assets: its prime location – on the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Boca with direct access to Atlantic Ocean – and its breathtaking water views. The preliminary phase of the Bridge Hotel’s major “reinvention” was launched in November 2012 with the construction of the hotel’s new dock-to-dine “waterfront promenade” that flanks the property’s entire Lake Boca perimeter to expand hotel guest and community food and beverage enjoyment opportunities.

AWH Partners, LLC, identifies and acquires outstanding assets in key locations that require operational and physical repositioning to achieve their highest and best use. The Bridge is an established community icon in an enviable locale with a longtime history serving as the locals’ favorite “guesthouse” for visiting friends, family, and colleagues. The acquisition afforded the partnership the opportunity to return to South Florida to expand its presence add another “hotel repositioning success story” to its burgeoning portfolio. The Lane Organization LLC enters into cities to reposition assets and team up with management firms who can assimilate to their locations while standing out amongst the competition.  Lane Hospitality, the management firm for the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel and unrelated to The Lane Organization LLC, is committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the value of hotel real estate, and provides expertise in all facets of hospitality management and brand marketing.

The Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, one of Palm Beach County’s boutique icon hotels with panoramic water
views from every guest room, is located where the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Boca Raton meet at
999 East Camino Real in Boca Raton. Hotel reservations are available until April 28th, visit www.bocaratonbridgehotel.com or call (561) 368-9500. For dining updates at WaterColors or reservations for Carmen’s award-winning Sunday Brunch, call (561) 886-4570 or visit www.opentable.com.

About AWH Partners, LLC
AWH Partners, LLC, a joint venture between August Group Ventures, LLC and Winston Harton Holdings, LLC, offers an experienced institutional investment and management platform with dedicated capital. For more information, visit www.awhpartners.com.

About August Group Ventures, LLC
August Group Ventures is a privately held real estate investment, development and management firm founded in 2009 by New York-based Related Companies veteran Chad Cooley to pursue opportunities in the ailing hospitality market.  August Group owns and manages hotels around the United States and seeks opportunities to invest in and manage assets requiring capital, repositioning and turn-around expertise. For more information, visit www.augustgroupventures.com.

About Winston Harton Holdings, LLC
Winston Harton Holdings, LLC (WHH) was established by Russell Flicker and Jonathan Rosenfeld to acquire distressed, value-added and operationally intensive real estate assets through equity and debt. Its principals have extensive experience and complementary skill sets in the real estate sector, including acquisitions (private transactions and public securities), capital markets and asset management and asset repositioning. WHH will partner with both traditional institutional capital as well as private pools of capital to pursue transactions ranging from $10 - $250 mm.  For more information, visit www.whhllc.com.

About The Lane Organization LLC
The Lane Organization LLC (“Lane Organization”) was founded by Clifford P. Lane and his son Matthew in 2011. Focusing on luxury hotels, the Lane Organization enters into cities to reposition assets and team up with management firms who can assimilate to their locations while standing out amongst the competition. The Lane Organization emphasizes building strong partnerships while maintaining the company’s core ideas, beliefs, and values to ensure the success of all of its properties. For more information please visit www.thelaneorganization.com.

About Lane Hospitality
Lane Hospitality offers expertise in all facets of hospitality management and is committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the value of hotel real estate. For more information, visit www.lanehospitality.com.

Room Preview

Saks Fifth Avenue at Town Center And Nat King Cole Generation Hope Co-Hosted Special Champagne Reception And Luncheon to Raise Funds to Keep Music Alive In Schools

World-Renowned Home Accessories Designer Jay Strongwater 

Presented His Latest Creations to Attendees 

as Funds Raised For Music Education in Area Schools

BOCA RATON, FL (March 26, 2013)— Saks Fifth Avenue in Town Center at Boca Raton hosted a private luncheon featuring world-renowned home accessories designer Jay Strongwater to benefit the Nat King Cole Generation Hope (NKCGH).  Saks Fifth Avenue General Manager John Antonini, along with Timolin and Casey Cole, twin daughters of the Nat King Cole who founded NKCGH, welcomed guests to the “Shop For Charity” fundraising event to support NKCGH’s mission of providing music education in South Florida schools with the goal of inspiring our youth while enriching their lives through the power of music.

During the luncheon, Jay Strongwater gave a captivating presentation about the launch and growth of his 

globally renowned brand during which he shared anecdotes on the expansion of his designs from jewelry to home accessories. He also displayed his latest designs and creations from jewelry, jewelry boxes, clocks, home décor and picture frames to other handcrafted items. At the conclusion of the event, Strongwater signed all pieces purchased by the 50 luncheon attendees; to encourage more “shop for charity” proceeds, Saks Fifth Avenue donated 10% of all purchases made throughout the store that day by the 50 attendees to NKCGH. 

“We were extremely honored to welcome Jay Strongwater to our store for this very special luncheon to benefit Nat King Cole Generation Hope,” said John Antonini, Vice President & General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton. “It brought us great pleasure to be able to share this extraordinary opportunity with Timolin and Casey Cole and to help support their ongoing efforts in this community.”

The mission of Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to provide music education to children with the greatest need and fewest resources. It is accomplished by funding programs that provide for instruction, mentoring and resources. Their vision is that Nat King Cole’s unforgettable legacy will ensure future generations are given the opportunity to learn and experience the joy of music. NKCGH accepts grant applications throughout the year, which are reviewed by its Board of Directors and grants are awarded twice yearly based on the merit of application and availability of funds. 

Under Casey and Timolin’s passionate leadership, Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc., to date, has benefited more than 5,000 children in music programs in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Earlier in the month, the GENERATIONS concert, the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, raised more than $170,000. Those funds will significantly catapult the reach and response of NKCGH in granting much needed resources that have been dramatically depleted at area schools.

Since its inception, the NKCGH has granted funds to several Palm Beach County schools and programs including Boca Raton Middle School, Boca Raton Community High School, Belvedere Elementary School, Canal Point Elementary School, Cholee Lake Elementary School, Forest Hill Community High School, Jaega Middle School, North Palm Beach Elementary School, Plumosa Elementary School of the Arts, Summer Strings at Lynn University, Roosevelt Community Middle School, U. B. Kinsey Elementary School, and the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County. Those in Broward County receiving funds include Dillard High School and Piper High School, with those in Miami-Dade County including American Senior High School, Heritage Elementary School, New World School of the Performing Arts, Northwest Miami Senior High School, and Palmetto Elementary School.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit natkingcolefoundation.org, call 561-213-8209 or email info@natkingcolefoundation.org. 

About Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc.

The Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. mission is to provide music education to children with the greatest need and fewest resources. We accomplish this mission by funding programs which provide for instruction, mentoring and resources. Our Vision is that Nat King Cole’s unforgettable legacy will ensure future generations are given the opportunity to learn and experience the joy of music.

We believe that every child should be exposed to music education. Studies have proven that participation in school music has a positive impact on areas considered outside the realm of music including dexterity, coordination, self-discipline, self-esteem, thinking skills, listening skills, creative abilities and personal expression. Through the efforts of Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc., and the community as a whole, we envision a day when music will be a central part of all children’s lives. 

#####

Cole Twins and Jay Strongwater

Third Annual “Golf For America’s Bravest” Tournament Hosted By Broken Sound Club Raised $60,000 To Benefit The Wounded Warrior Project And Tunnel To Towers Foundation In Partnership With The Gary Sinese Foundation

Programs Raise Public Awareness, Help Injured Servicemen and Women
with Unique Needs, and Build “Smart Homes”
for Military Men and Women Returning Home With Devastating Injuries

Boca Raton, FL (March 20, 2013) – More than 240 Broken Sound Club members and their guests hit the green to “chip in” to raise more than $60,000 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Tunnel to Towers Foundation in partnership with the Gary Sinese Foundation at the community’s third annual “Golf For America’s Bravest” tournament. Participants had the choice to make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers, or both; this year’s total reflects a 273% increase from the $22,000 raised from last year’s tournament.

Broken Sound Club Resident and Club Member Sal Caragliano and his wife Wendy founded the annual tournament to benefit the national Wounded Warrior Project with the help of fellow club members, retired Col. Ed West and Seena Bilaow, after learning from his son-in-law Ben Harrow that a friend of his had lost both his legs and almost his life in Afghanistan in 2011. Just three months after the second tournament, Harrow, a decorated soldier himself, stepped on a live IED while on duty and was severely injured. While originally held to benefit the “Wounded Warrior Project”, the event expanded this year to also support the on-going efforts made by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in partnership with the Gary Sinese Foundation to build customized “smart homes” for adapted to address the individual needs of the most severely injured U.S. military personnel.

The awards luncheon at the conclusion of the tournament featured Frank Siller, chair of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation; wounded veteran Ben Harrow, a West Point graduate, Army Captain and Green Beret (with three Bronze Stars) who is the son-in-law of tournament founder and Broken Sound Club members Sal and Wendy Caragliano; and Roland Loynaz, the Green Beret responsible for saving Ben Harrow’s life. Select speakers read Albert Caswell's poems on freedom, bravery, heroism and sacrifice, which were written for co-chair Seena Bialow; CCE, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer John Crean; and Broken Sound Club Director of Golf Scott Feller. Broken Sound Club President Ivan Snyder was presented with Caswell’s work, which includes “Harrowism!”, a poem inspired by Ben Harrow, signed by Jon McCay and Jon Buynar and recorded in the Congressional Record by The Honorable Christopher Gibson of New York.

“Members of Broken Sound Club have tremendous empathy for all members of the armed forces who have been wounded while in action,” said Caragliano. “I’m proud of the overwhelming support and generosity demonstrated to help a diverse group of warriors who have been protecting our country with a record amount of funds raised this year.”

The Wounded Warrior Project raises awareness and enlists the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs to meet their needs. The Tunnel To Towers Foundation – created to honor Stephen Siller, a first responder firefighter hero who raced through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full gear and later died when the Twin Towers collapsed – launched Building for America’s Bravest with support from the Gary Sinese Foundation. The program constructs Smart Homes for military men and women returning home with devastating injuries such as those sustained by Harrow. Smart Homes are custom designed, on a case-by-case basis, specially adapted to address the individual needs of our most severely injured U.S. military personnel. Building for America’s Bravest helps to restore their ability to live a life of independence and is our way to show profound gratitude for all they have sacrificed.

“Over and over, the Broken Sound Club community has proven to be an exceptional group of humanitarians,” noted CCE, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer John Crean. “So many resident club members are passionate about and engaged in a variety of vital local, national, and international missions that support our US military, medical research, excellence in healthcare, education and welfare of children, pet adoption, the cultural arts, and assistance when disaster hits beyond their own community.”

“Golf For America’s Bravest” tournament play commenced after a presentation by the Color Guard on the driving range at Broken Sound’s Club Course. The more than 240 members and guests were spread across two shotgun starts. The three groups of winners at the tournament were:
• Patten Slight – Played at the Club Course – Won with a score of 64
o Joel Horrowitz, Michael Mendelsohn, Herb Seligson, Peter Stein
• Eisenhower Slight – Played at the Club Course – Won with a score of 60
o Bonnie Rappaport, Marianne Vishno, Adele Russo, Elizabeth Nolan
• Grant Slight – Played at the Old Course at Broken Sound Club – Won with a score of 62
o Alberto Mendoza, William Vishno, Arthur Friedman, Dr. Lawrence Moses

“When one community rushes to the aid of another, in this case our military community, it launches a contagious benefit to all involved,” said Frank Siller. “It helps to not only raise awareness and funds at a given moment, but exponentially grows an organization’s message echo through their families, friends and colleagues in a very personal ‘on the ground’ way that significantly supersedes any ad or promotional campaign. On behalf of all the U.S. military we serve, we so appreciate Broken Sound Club’s dedication to our organization in trumpeting our mission.”

About Broken Sound Club:
Whatever one’s passion or interest…their active enviable home life, business life, sporting life, and social life complement each other perfectly at Broken Sound Club. Known as the “friendly” club for its signature blend of warmth, elegance and genuine hospitality, this award-winning private gated golf and country club community offers a choice of 27 lushly landscaped intimate residential villages, each with its own character. All are just minutes away from its main clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining, two Audubon Sanctuary certified signature golf courses (one host to the PGA Champions Tour season opener), a new two-acre $6 million poolscape with bistro, a new $7 million 35,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and 23 tennis courts. This 5-Star Platinum Club of America is conveniently close to two international airports, and just a few miles from the private Boca Raton Executive Airport, Boca’s burgeoning Class A office parks and vibrant Downtown, pristine beaches, A-rated public and award-winning private schools, two universities, sports arenas and stadiums, and an exciting world of shopping, dining, art and culture, recreation, and nightlife.

About Wounded Warrior®:
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs to meet their needs. WWP is a national nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.  To get involved and learn more visit, www.woundedwarriorproject.org

About Tunnel to Towers Foundation:
The sole purpose is to honor the legacy of love given by Stephen Siller, FDNY, who laid down his life on 9/11, by following Stephen’s footsteps of selflessness and love by “doing good” in his memory. The Foundation has established “In the Line of Duty” programs for Firefighters, First Responders, and Military and “Legacy of Love” programs to make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of children who have lost one or both parents. To achieve our mission, the Foundation is committed to the following initiatives: The Tunnel to Towers Run and Building for America’s Bravest in partnership with the Gary Sinese Foundation.  Through Building for America’s Bravest, the torch held by Stephen and his fellow fallen brothers on 9/11 has been passed on to those who serve in the Armed Services. The program constructs Smart Homes for military returning home with devastating injuries. Smart Homes are custom designed, on a case-by-case basis, specially adapted to address the individual needs of our most severely injured U.S. military personnel. Building for America’s Bravest helps to restore their ability to live a life of independence and is our way to show our profound gratitude for all they have sacrificed.

#####

Broken Sound Club Recognized As One Of “America’s Healthiest Clubs”: Awarded Highest Overall Private Club Rating In The Nation To Date By Club Industry Premier Wellness Experts At Prevo Health Solutions

Achieving the highest overall rating to date in the country for private clubs, Broken Sound Club has been recognized with the honor of being known as the first of the “America’s Healthiest Clubs” in the country. The recognition was awarded by Prevo Health Solutions, Inc., the club industry’s premier wellness experts with expertise in workplace wellness and member recruitment and retention.

Prevo Health is the executive producer of “America’s Healthiest Clubs”, the club industry’s only wellness rating system and recognition for a healthy environment achieved via a distinguished third-party validation. Its mission is to improve the overall health of the private club industry through education and sharing of best practices. The Prevo team consists of health professionals, certified nutrition and fitness experts, workplace wellness gurus and engagement specialists who know how to inspire and engage people to eat wise and exercise.

Through its America’s Healthiest Club awards program, Prevo Health quantitatively evaluates clubs across five equally rated categories: Fitness, Nutrition, Staff, Members and Facilities. Each category is comprised of multiple questions, each of which have a maximum point balance with certain responses valued/weighed as more important. The Criteria Committee is comprised of a host of advisors, workplace wellness experts, certified nutritionists, world-renowned chefs, fitness experts and experienced private club executives. Each brings years of experience and expertise to assist in defining questions, responses and proven best practices.

According to Prevo Health Solutions Founder & President Rick Ladendorf, a “singular stand out” the evaluation team observed and recognized as what sets Broken Sound apart from other clubs nationwide is the Club’s use of a third-party, online, incentive-based Wellness Program. The program tracks and manages employee participation in activities, education, challenges and, most importantly, it encourages everyone to achieve their fitness goals, all while at work.

“So far, Broken Sound is the only club in the nation we have evaluated that has licensed a third-party wellness platform to maximize employee engagement and participation,” reported Ladendorf. Employees begin by taking an online Health Risk Assessment that is followed by a prescriptive, personal and integrated program that includes a daily to-do list, meal plans, fitness programs and an integrated health coaching module.

“We measure the two most important variables: availability and participation. A club that has a beautiful fitness facility with a 10% participation rate will not score as well against a club with an unmanaged fitness facility and 70% participation,” added Ladendorf.

The Health Score is quantitative and levels the playing field, so all clubs can participate regardless of square footage, size of membership, geography, type of club or membership fee. A Health Score of 800-plus qualifies a club as one of America’s Healthiest Clubs, a distinguished third party validation and recognition for achieving a healthy environment.

According to Ladendorf, Broken Sound Club will be recognized, along with other private clubs ranked in the top 100 of assessed clubs, at the year-end award ceremony to be hosted February 2014 at the Club Managers Association of America annual conference. A listing of America’s Healthiest Clubs and the name of their general managers will also be published in the February 2014 issue of BoardRoom Magazine accompanied by a feature story.

“We at Broken Sound Club pride ourselves in being trailblazers in the club industry in maximum benefit to our dedicated staff and engaged membership, ”said John Crean, CCE, the Club's General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. “This is truly an honor we take seriously, for health and wellness are part of our Club’s core values.  We know that a healthy staff is key in maintaining an energized team for delivering exemplary member service; a healthy membership means that our members can actively enjoy all that awaits them…from golf and tennis to dancing the night away at social events.”

Crean noted the anticipation is growing for the grand opening of a new 35,000-square-foot spa and fitness facility this April. Named “Moonstone”, the spa was conceptualized by Peacock + Lewis Architects, constructed by The Weitz Company, and treatment concepts and protocols, product selection, and operational fluidity created by American Leisure that has developed and managed spa programs for the Spa at Fisher Island, Spa at Williams Island in North Miami, The Spa at the landmark Plaza Athenee, NYC and Setai Club & Spa, Wall Street.

To offer a diverse menu of services and treatments, American Leisure is creating signature massages, facials, and wraps using cutting-edge esthetics equipment for women as well as a special “men’s only” spa treatment and services menu that includes traditional barber service and manicure and pedicure options. For women there will be a salon with stylist, a hair blow dry bar and manicure and pedicure treatments will feature the Blend Bar Mix Station where every guest designs and creates their own exfoliating Body Scrub and Whipped Body Crème using all natural, vitamin-rich grape seed oil based ingredients and high quality aroma oils for the ultimate handcrafted body product. A choice of six aromas at the Blend Bar, including the signature Broken Sound Silk made with Lemongrass and Eucalyptus.

Just outside the door of the spa within the 35,000-square-foot building is the new fitness center offering the latest in fitness equipment, scheduled aerobics classes and by-appointment private training sessions, a dedicated Pilates area, and a state-of-the art spin room with interactive video that would rival any area residential community spa.

For more information on Broken Sound Club, its residential villages, and club membership program, visit BrokenSoundClub.org, facebook.com/brokensoundliving or contact Maureen Schreiber, Director of Membership at (561) 241-6820 or Maureen_Shreiber@BrokenSoundClub.Org, For further information on America’s Healthiest Clubs, please visit www.prevohealth.com.

About Broken Sound Club:
Whatever one’s passion or interest…their active enviable home life, business life, sporting life, and social life complement each other perfectly at Broken Sound Club. Known as the “friendly” club for its signature blend of warmth, elegance and genuine hospitality, this award-winning private gated golf and country club community offers a choice of 27 lushly landscaped intimate residential villages, each with its own character. All are just minutes away from its main clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining, two Audubon Sanctuary certified signature golf courses (one host to the PGA Champions Tour season opener), a new two-acre $6 million poolscape with bistro, a new $7 million 35,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and 23 tennis courts. This 5-Star Platinum Club of America is conveniently close to two international airports, and just a few miles from the private Boca Raton Executive Airport, Boca’s burgeoning Class A office parks and vibrant Downtown, pristine beaches, A-rated public and award-winning private schools, two universities, sports arenas and stadiums, and an exciting world of shopping, dining, art and culture, recreation, and nightlife.

About Prevo Health Solutions, Inc.:
Prevo Health Solutions, Inc. is the club industry’s premier wellness experts with expertise in workplace wellness and member retention. Or mission is to improve the overall health of the Private Club Industry through education and sharing of best practices. Our team consists of health professionals, certified nutrition & fitness experts, workplace wellness gurus and engagement specialists. We know what works in the workplace and we know the club industry. Prevo Health Solutions works with employers of all sizes to develop and execute custom wellness strategies which maximize engagement and participation. As wellness advocates, our mission is to share best practices to improve the health and wellness of the club industry for both the workplace and membership. And if every private club in the nation embraced wellness as a strategy, we could collectively improve the health of millions, save billions, create thousands of new jobs and stimulate the economy.

Natalie Cole Delivered an “Unforgettable” Performance at Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. GENERATIONS Concert That Raised More Than $170,000 for Music Education In South Florida Schools

BOCA RATON, FL (March 12, 2013)— A crowd of 600+ was treated to a very personal “unforgettable” performance by nine-time GRAMMY® award-winner Natalie Cole at the second annual GENERATIONS Concert benefit recently held at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University in Boca Raton. The evening raised more than $170,000 for music education through Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc.

Twin daughters of music legend Nat King Cole, Timolin and Casey Cole of Boca Raton, launched Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. (NKCGH) to honor the legacy, music and life of their father in 2008 after learning of budget cuts in public schools directly affecting the arts. Since that time, donations have benefited more than 5,000 children with “the greatest need and fewest resources” in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Cole twins come from a family with a history of musical excellence and charitable giving, with their father a trailblazer in the music industry and mother Maria, also an entertainer, known for supporting multiple causes throughout her life. By giving students the opportunity to enhance their musical talents and abilities, their family’s legacy lives on.

The benefit—NKCGH’s largest annual fundraiser— opened with students from the NKCGH “Summer Strings” music mentoring program at Lynn University along with appearances by talented local youth performers including guitarist Andrew Foreman, jazz vocalist Zoe Fromer and pianist Jermaine Teague. The classically trained South Florida twosome known as Black Violin followed with an opening act, fresh off their performance at the inauguration of President Barack Obama, including a showcase of their genre-defying blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B and even bluegrass music. As though performing in her own personal living room, headliner Natalie Cole shared family moments and serenaded the audience with an elegant, intimate rendition of many of her father Nat King Cole’s classic hits, including “Route 66” and “L-O-V-E.” She also performed “Unforgettable” and “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home” as a virtual duet with Nat King Cole himself through the use of a recording.

GENERATIONS Concert sponsors include Platinum Sponsor Patriot National Insurance Group; Silver Sponsor Celebrity Cruises; Bronze Sponsors Allied Health Institute, Excel Services Corporation and West Boca Medical Center; Patron Sponsors Florida Power & Light and Global Tower Partners; and Partners  Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Cruisin-America, Dawn of Designs, Kaye Communications, Inc., Lynn University, and SmartCruiser.com; and Media sponsors The Boca Raton Observer, The Boca Raton Tribune, Seaview Radio and LivingFLA.com.

The mission of Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to provide music education to children with the greatest need and fewest resources. It is accomplished by funding programs that provide for instruction, mentoring and resources. Their vision is that Nat King Cole’s unforgettable legacy will ensure future generations are given the opportunity to learn and experience the joy of music.

For more information on NKCGH, call 561-213-8209 or email info@natkingcolefoundation.org.

#####

Casey, Natalie, Timolin Cole

Citing Concern For Guest And Employee Safety During Major Transformation Period, The Boca Raton Bridge Hotel To Close Beginning April 29th

Late Fall Re-Opening To Generate New and More Employment Opportunities

BOCA RATON, FL (March 7, 2013)-- The Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, approved for a major transformation into luxury 4-star status, will close during renovation construction citing concerns for quality of guest comfort and service and the safety and health of employees and guests for the decision. According to Boca Raton Bridge Hotel General Manager Greg Kaylor, the hotel will close on April 29th, begin transformation in May, and remain closed until late fall upon completion of full renovation.  The preliminary phase of the Bridge Hotel’s major “reinvention” was launched in November 2012 with the construction of the hotel’s new “waterfront promenade” that flanks the property’s entire Lake Boca perimeter.

The Bridge Hotel remains one of Boca’s most notable, operating as a traditional hotel, as new ownership repositions and reinvents it to be more relevant and exciting to meet the desires and needs of today’s discerning vacationers as well as social and business guests. Led by a seasoned team of designers and hospitality, operations, management and marketing consultants, the hotel is being completely transformed into a premier South Florida experience with its own newly positioned distinctive signature in the destination.

“Over the last five months, our designers, consultants, contractors, ownership and management team have developed very exciting plans for the future of this hotel,” Lane Hospitality Chief Operating Officer Wayne West shared with hotel associates at a briefing on March 1.  “The scope of the plan is significant and the impacts of executing that plan are more comprehensive and integrated today than were originally contemplated. While we have explored many options relative to operating the hotel during the planned renovation period, we found that ceasing hotel operations for a period of time represents our best solution to renovating the physical structure without compromising our obligation to provide a safe and secure facility.”

Kaylor explained that it is not unusual for a boutique-sized hotel to close for a period of time when undergoing an extensive transformation such as what is planned for The Bridge Hotel that has long been in need of major structural and technical upgrading.

“The significant elevator and air-conditioning upgrading required to bring the hotel built in 1976 to current standards and the reorganization planned of public spaces during renovations would severely compromise our staff’s ability to service food and beverage in-room and restaurant operations as well as guest registration and housekeeping of guest accommodations,” explained Kaylor. “By closing for a period of time, and not working around each phase of the process, we are able to maintain a timeline in a safe environment to meet an anticipated late fall opening as Boca’s busy ‘season’ begins.”

He reported that only a minimal group of staff who will directly support the property’s day-to-day transformation process management will be on-site. Upon the completion of construction efforts, current employees may reapply for unfilled positions with business necessity, expertise, and past performance taken into account in making these decisions. He also noted that while the final staffing plan not yet determined, the new transformation plans will generate an increase in number of jobs available at the hotel at re-opening.

“In respect and appreciation of our staff members’ dedicated untiring loyalty through some long tumultuous financially challenged periods prior to new ownership, we have continually kept them informed though the transformation decision process,” said Kaylor. “Once the decision to close was made, we provided 60 days prior notice and are offering additional compensation for those who remain until the closing date.”

The hotel’s complete transformation will include the introduction of entirely new hospitality and dining concepts, further expansion waterfront amenities, and extensive reorientation and renovations of public spaces, guestrooms, and restaurants. Reinvention plans will take optimal advantage of the property’s most distinctive assets: its prime location -- on the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Boca with direct access to Atlantic Ocean -- and its breathtaking water views.

“There are always certain spots in any city that really just have something unique going for them and this particular piece of property is one of those rare finds in our city where the entire public as they boat or drive or take walks can utilize the ambiance and see the beauty of the lake and the location,” noted City of Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel at Boca Raton City Council meeting when approval was granted. “All of Boca will be very, very proud and happy when this particular property is renovated.  The beauty of the property is really something to behold.”

AWH Partners, LLC, identifies and acquires outstanding assets in key locations that require operational and physical repositioning to achieve their highest and best use. The Bridge is an established community icon in an enviable locale with a longtime history serving as the locals’ favorite “guesthouse” for visiting friends, family, and colleagues. The acquisition afforded the partnership the opportunity to return to South Florida to expand its presence add another “hotel repositioning success story” to its burgeoning portfolio. The Lane Organization LLC enters into cities to reposition assets and team up with management firms who can assimilate to their locations while standing out amongst the competition.  Lane Hospitality, the management firm for the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel and unrelated to the Lane Organization LLC, is committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the value of hotel real estate, and provides expertise in all facets of hospitality management and brand marketing.

The Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, one of Palm Beach County’s boutique icon hotels with panoramic water views from every guest room, is located where the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Boca Raton meet at 999 East Camino Real in Boca Raton. Hotel reservations are available until April 28th, visit www.bocaratonbridgehotel.com or call (561) 368-9500. For dining updates at WaterColors or reservations for Carmen’s award-winning Sunday Brunch, call (561) 886-4570 or visit www.opentable.com. 

About AWH Partners, LLC

AWH Partners, LLC, a joint venture between August Group Ventures, LLC and Winston Harton Holdings, LLC, offers an experienced institutional investment and management platform with dedicated capital. For more information, visit www.awhpartners.com.

About August Group Ventures, LLC

August Group Ventures is a privately held real estate investment, development and management firm founded in 2009 by New York-based Related Companies veteran Chad Cooley to pursue opportunities in the ailing hospitality market.  August Group owns and manages hotels around the United States and seeks opportunities to invest in and manage assets requiring capital, repositioning and turn-around expertise. For more information, visit www.augustgroupventures.com.

About Winston Harton Holdings, LLC

Winston Harton Holdings, LLC (WHH) was established by Russell Flicker and Jonathan Rosenfeld to acquire distressed, value-added and operationally intensive real estate assets through equity and debt. Its principals have extensive experience and complementary skill sets in the real estate sector, including acquisitions (private transactions and public securities), capital markets and asset management and asset repositioning. WHH will partner with both traditional institutional capital as well as private pools of capital to pursue transactions ranging from $10-$250mm.  For more information, visit www.whhllc.com.

About The Lane Organization LLC

The Lane Organization LLC (“Lane Organization”) was founded by Clifford P. Lane and his son Matthew in 2011. Focusing on luxury hotels, the Lane Organization enters into cities to reposition assets and team up with management firms who can assimilate to their locations while standing out amongst the competition. The Lane Organization emphasizes building strong partnerships while maintaining the company’s core ideas, beliefs, and values to ensure the success of all of its properties. For more information please visit www.thelaneorganization.com.

About Lane Hospitality

Lane Hospitality offers expertise in all facets of hospitality management and is committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the value of hotel real estate. For more information, visit www.lanehospitality.com.

#####