Global Glow Of Earth Day Message Continues At Sklar Furnishings With First "All That's Green" Sunday, May 18th

Media Contact:

Kaye Communications, (561) 392-5166
Bonnie S. Kaye, bkaye@kcompr.com – (561) 756-3099 (cell) 
Jon A. Kaye, jkaye@kcompr.com – (561) 756-3097 (cell)

CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE INDUSTRY LEADER
SKLAR FURNISHINGS INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO ITS FIRST 

“ALL THAT’S GREEN” SUNDAY ON MAY 18^TH

 Fun & Free Event Shares Advantages of Eco-Smart Living
While Benefiting Habitat For Humanity of South Palm Beach County

BOCA RATON, Fla. (April 28, 2014) – Continuing the global glow of the 44^th Annual Earth Day, Sklar Furnishings (Sklarfurnishings.com) announces its hosting of its first “ALL THAT’S GREEN” SUNDAY, a free community event to share the advantages of embracing and enjoying a “natural” eco-smart lifestyle while benefiting Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County on May 18^th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at its 22,000–square–foot contemporary furniture showroom and design center.  An industry leader in green advocacy that forges furniture alliances around the globe with designers and manufacturers that share its strong commitment to the environment, Sklar Furnishings is bringing Tesla, Environmental Strategist Yalmaz Siddiqui of Office Depot, Inc., Shred Trust, eBikes On Demand powered by the Electric Bike Store, Organic Cellar Plus, American Fine Wine Competition, Gourmet Truck Expo (serving up plant-based and organic foods), Eat The Truth with Coco Frey, Cristino Fine Jewelry, and Habitat For Humanity’s ReStores to join its team of credentialed home and office designers and space planners to help drive the year ‘round message of building a greater eco-community.

In addition to having the opportunity to tour its variety of custom furniture lines that are invested in heavily reducing the environmental impact of its operations and use of reclaimed natural materials, event-goers will enjoy a host of green lifestyle showcases, demos, ebike test drives, healthy food samplings, organic and sustainable wine tastings, energy efficiency seminars, onsite estate jewelry re-sales, live entertainment by vocalist Kendra Erika, and special offers, giveaways and chances-to-win. 

While Sklar will donate a percentage of sales on event day to Habitat for Humanity of South PBC plus two trees to a Florida forest for each purchase of a wood product, event-goers also have the opportunity to do their part in “repurposing, recycling and shredding” for a cause. To help raise vital funds for Habitat For Humanity, Sklar encourages the community do some serious “Spring Cleaning” and then donate their gently used household discards on event day for resale at Habitat for Humanity ReStores (www.bocadelrayboynton.habitatrestores.org). They can also bring their old tax and other personal documents to be securely shredded onsite by Shred Trust -- for a $5 donation per container -- during event hours. Scheduling pick-ups of large appliances, furniture, doors, hurricane shutters and more can also be made at the Habitat for Humanity tent.

Sklar Leads As A Responsible Citizen and Tenant of the Planet At
"ALL THAT'S GREEN" SUNDAY Event and Year 'Round

“Even though Earth Day comes just once a year, it is critical that environmental awareness and advocacy be a continuous all-year mission,” adds Sklar Co-Owner Rick Howard, who is also president of the North American Home Furnishings Association that champions the independent home furnishings retailer -- the nation’s largest organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers, with more than 1,800 members representing more than 7,000 storefronts across all 50 states and several foreign countries.

Sklar’s green commitment started with joining the Sustainable Furnishings Council, a nonprofit balance coalition of industry players founded at High Point, NC that promotes sustainable practices among manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike. Thus, Sklar does its part both in business operations of being as eco-efficient as possible and community initiatives such as ‘All That’s Green’ Sunday to raise awareness and encourage reductions in carbon emission, waste stream pollutants, un-recyclable content and primary materials from unsustainable sources.

“As a citizen and tenant of the planet, Sklar Furnishings pledges to continually work toward becoming ‘greener’,” reports Sklar Co-Owner Pat Howard. “Going beyond the obvious best practices, our company partners in creating forests via the National Forest Initiative by donating a tree to one of Florida’s four natural forests for each purchase of a wood product. On event day we will be doubling that donation for each purchase."

She reported that a significant array of Sklar vendors are also responsible stewards of the planet, as event-goers will find as they tour through galleries featuring American Leather, Huppé, Jesse Furniture, Tonelli Design, Copeland Furniture, Phillips Furniture. All of Sklar’s leather line tanneries now use the eco-friendly method, all wood manufacturers use water-based stains, and several vendors offer selections of organic cottons, and several of its rug vendors use scraps from other industries (i.e. silk tie remnants, nylon hosiery wastes).  There are plentiful design applications in glass – from tabletops and shelving to art and accessories – that in itself is “green”.

Committed To Building & Bettering Community
Through Support of Habitat For Humanity

Since Sklar Furnishings opened its doors by the entrepreneurial husband and wife team in November 2002, the only independent furniture showroom of its kind in the region has had a strong partnership with Habitat for Humanity that provides "simple, decent, and affordable" housing for low-income families. Sklar donates thousands of dollars in merchandise to the organization that in turn is sold in ReStores, thus being recognized as a recipient of the “I Gave at the House” Award for six consecutive years. With Rick Howard serving on the Habitat for Humanity board of directors, Sklar’s support escalated to underwriting the construction of its first Habitat For Humanity home that was completed and dedicated in October 2013.

"Helping to not just provide shelter, but also instill pride of ownership and a true ‘sense of community’ to those working hard to become first-time homeowners is both gratifying and inspiring as our entire team looks forward to beginning efforts for a second Habitat For Humanity home,” noted Pat Howard, who with Rick Howard will be honored on May 22nd as the 2014 Small Business Leaders of the Year by the Greater Boca Raton Chamber for their professionalism, business leadership, entrepreneurism and community “give back”.  

Open seven days a week with showroom hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays 12 Noon to 6 p.m., Sklar Furnishings is located at 6300 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487. For more information on its furniture and accessory lines or the “All That's Green” Sunday community event, call (561) 862-0800.

About Sklar Furnishings
Complete with a full team of credentialed home and office designers and space planners, Sklar provides high levels of design and service with customization at the foundation of its philosophy. As an industry leader committed to “Your Space, Your Lifestyle, Your Choice,” Sklar works with selected high-end furniture, accessory and lighting suppliers from North America, Italy, Scandinavia and the Far East to offer customers maximum freedom in expressing their personal style by specifying the exact color, fabric, wood finish, shape and size of their furnishings. From sofas to dining tables, chairs and wall units, clients can literally design themselves by choosing the colors, finishes, fabrics, size and configurations to fit their requirements.  Also committed to being a good neighbor, Sklar works to make a positive difference in its immediate community and beyond while being a good steward to the planet in its day-to-day operations and personally, in its team’s personal lives.
                                                                             

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The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards Headlines Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. GENERATIONS Concert, Raising $110,000 For Music Education In South Florida Schools

It was “Some Enchanted Evening” as a crowd of 400+ was treated to a “upclose and personal” performance by The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards at the third 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 $110,000 for music education through Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. (NKCGH).

Twin daughters of music legend Nat King Cole, Timolin and Casey Cole of Boca Raton, launched 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 in excess of $500,000 have benefited thousands of children with “the greatest need and fewest resources” in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Coles 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 – was emceed by Toni May, host of WXEL’s Growing Up Strong began with students from the NKCGH “Summer Strings” music mentoring program at Lynn University and twin vocalists Tashad and Rashad Gardenhire performing during the pre-concert reception. The concert opened with with performances by talented local youth performers, including violinists Sons of Mystro and Michaela Paige, known for her Season 3 performance on NBC’s The Voice. Guests were then on “Cloud Nine” as The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards took the stage by storm. Dressed in gold, dancing their signature moves and performing songs that brought back memories for all, they had attendees dancing in the aisles. A highlight of the event was when Dennis Edwards, an eight-time GRAMMY winner during his time performing with the original Temptations, called up NKCGH founders Casey and Timolin Cole out onstage and remarked how their father had “started it all” and then included them in the final song of the night: “My Girl”.

GENERATIONS Concert sponsors include Platinum Sponsor Patriot National Insurance Group/Mariano Foundation; Bronze Sponsor Thomas Produce Company; Patron Sponsors CBM of America, Excel Services Corporation, Florida Power & Light, Frankino Family Foundation, Lee and Peg Greenspon, Nancy Over-Conley, West Boca Medical Center; Underwriter Florida Public Utilities; and Partners Boca Raton Marriott Boca Center, Dawn of Designs, Kaye Communications, Inc., Lynn University; and Media sponsors The Boca Raton Tribune, Life Publications and LivingFLA.com.

Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. funds music education programs that provide instruction, mentoring and resources. Its 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 information on NKCGH, visit natkingcolegenhope.org, call 561-213-8209 or email info@natkingcolegenhope.org.

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At Tri County Humane Society’s 12th Annual Doggie Ball There Was Plenty Of Paw-Tying, Fundraising, And Celebration For Organization’s New Name And Expansion Plans

More than 550 board members, staff, volunteers, donors and advocates donned in their finest Western fashions, cowboy boots and hats and diamonds and pearls corralled at Tri County Humane Society’s 12^th Annual Doggie Ball at Boca West Country Club to raise $400,000 to support the mission of the region’s largest 100% no-kill regional 501(c)3 animal rescue nonprofit that operates 100% on donations. According to Doggie Ball Co-Chairs Harriet-Lewis Mooney and Sharon DiPietro, the significant funds raised enable Tri County to continue its life-saving work and restoring wholeness on a daily basis to puppies, kittens, dogs and cats in need, providing a safe home, comfort, nutritious food, lots of tender loving care and veterinary treatment until they can be adopted.

In addition to several rooms filled with 412 items available in a silent auction, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw served as auctioneer for a live auction including one-of-a-kind vacation experiences and a chance to be “sheriff for a day”. A highlight of the evening was when TCAR presented a Purple Heart Award to Police K-9 Kenzo, a black German Shepherd for taking two bullets in 2012 to save the life of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Lt. Richard Burdick.

The evening program opened with a high energy, fun-filled music video of board members, staff, and volunteers singing and dancing through the Tri County rescue center and Board Chair Harriet Lewis Mooney unveiled a new name: Tri County Animal Rescue (TCAR) and a new logo plus plans for campus expansion. The new name and visual re-branding was launched to best reflect the distinctive brand promise, critical mission, and expansive reach of the organization.

“Our new name now accurately defines our organization’s brand promise of rescuing animals and preserving lives,” noted TCAR Chair and Doggie Ball Co-Chair Harriet Lewis-Mooney, Esq. “We have spent a great deal of time strategizing on a re-freshened branding that effectively communicates ‘what we do’ and ‘what drives us’ and determined that Tri County Animal Rescue achieves that.”

She added that the new logo design is symbolic in both color and elements. “It is a dramatic departure from the rescue organization’s previous branding mark that featured an umbrella and a variety of animals, including ducks, bunnies, hamsters and birds, that are not rescued by Tri County for adoption.” 

The new TCAR logo features:

• Colors of red, yellow and orange, each evoking their own meaning while vibrantly blending to reflect a shared relationship and relevancy that has evolved into today’s TCAR brand. The choice of:
• red reflects the action and passion of its Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors and advocates who support and champion the TCAR mission and vision
• yellow infusion emulates the warm Florida sun, happiness and cheer awaiting the thousands of abandoned, abused or neglected dogs and cats, puppies and kittens rescued by TCAR each year, and
• orange awakens social communication of and within community to join and advocate for TCAR and those it protects and saves, AND stimulates the optimism of finding loving “furever homes”, either on campus or through carefully vetted adoptions.

·         A more accurate representation of the today’s Tri County Animal Rescue mission and services, with only a dog and cat (a canine and feline) are featured living in harmony in a protective haven with the brand promise of “100% no kill” arched above their heads.  A Florida Palm Tree, with generous frowns, provides a sense of geographical place with added protection to dogs and cats in need — near and far.

TCAR Co-Founder and Executive Director Suzi Goldsmith reported that the new nearly 9,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Animal Rescue Center has been a dream for more than seven years and in development by TCAR board leadership for 18 months. With input from staff and volunteers, the center has been designed to boost TCAR’s ability to expand quality intake services, including veterinary health assessments and medical treatment, inoculations and grooming. The center will house an examination room, a treatment room, and isolation facilities for rescues with contagious illnesses and conditions. 

Lewis-Mooney noted that “if a dog or cat is in need of medical care, it will receive it at the new center if level of care is possible. Once cleared medically, and as disease-free and non-contagious, only then will it join the other animals at the main facility for adoption.”

“The dedicated Tri County Animal Rescue staff, volunteers and advocates witness first-hand the rough, lonesome road many furry paws have traveled to its doors, not understanding why they’ve been abandoned or surrendered by their owners,” added Lewis-Mooney. “These animals long to be loved and yearn for acts of loving kindness. Their stories and resilient spirits inspire us to help write a new chapter in their lives, one with a happy ‘furever home’ ending!”

“TCAR’s compassion for homeless animals has no boundaries or borders,” reports Sharon DiPietro, TCAR board member and co-chair of this year’s Doggie Ball that annually raises significant funds to enable TCAR to continue its life-saving work and restoring wholeness on a daily basis to animals in need, providing a safe home, comfort, nutritious food, lots of tender loving care and veterinary treatment until they can be adopted.

Doggie Ball Honorary Chairs included Lois Pope, Ari Rifkin, Andrea Kline, Herme de Wyman Miro, and Richard Schechter, and were supported by Ambassadors Jay DiPietro and Jerry Kramer.  Encouraging pet lovers to support the great work of TCAR were the adorable 2014 “Rescue Set” Grand Marshals: the “chirping” Maine Coon/Scottish Fold Mix feline Merlin Mooney, Chihuahua Chloe Green and Pomeranian Snowball Godin.

Event committee members include Mia Brattan, Pam Casanave, Anita Caston, Amanda Chussler, Stephanie Deutsch, Julia Eastman, Gayle Elliott, Julie Godin*, Suzi Goldsmith, Sandi Greenblatt, Debra Kramer, Jodi Levy, Annette Mesa, Susan P. Merkel, Roberta Mizrachi, Marie Occhigrossi, Orrine Orlando, Laura Sabbatino, Barbara Seward, Jennifer Schiavone, Barbara Sneider, Nancy Stroud and Laurie Udine. (*deceased)

Saving lives in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade and Martin counties and beyond, the TCAR is a protective haven to thousands of abandoned, abused or neglected dogs and cats from other facilities in South Florida, Treasure Coast and as far as Sarasota, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Louisiana. A top-rated 501(c)3 animal rescue center, TCAR has rescued more than 42,000 animals since its inception, offering homeless pets a welcoming forever home, either on campus or through carefully vetted adoptions that total more than 3,000 per year.

Located at 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, TCAR is open for adoptions Tuesday-Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (561) 482-8110.

Important Links:

ADOPTABLE DOGS: http://tricountyhumane.org/dogs-for-adoption/

ADOPTABLE CATS: http://tricountyhumane.org/cats-for-adoption/

DONATIONS: http://tricountyhumane.org/donate/

VOLUNTEER: http://tricountyhumane.org/volunteer/

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2014 DOGGIE BALL PHOTO GALLERY!

American Fine Wine Competition Unveils Visiting Winemakers Pouring This Year’s Winning Varietals, Gourmet Menu And Rare Experiences For Live Auction At This Friday’s AFWC Charity Wine Gala At Boca Raton Resort & Club April 4, 2014

Announcer of The Late Show With
David Letterman Alan Kalter

To Emcee The Evening and Serve
As Auctioneer For Live Auction 

BOCA RATON, FL (March 30, 2014) -- A night of indulgence (700+ awesome wines, see the menu below, amazing entertainment, wine country trips, Paris, Cruises and more), discovery (30 Winemaker tasting Rooms), and giving (Benefit for Deliver the Dream) awaits this Friday, April 4^th at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, as more than 350 South Florida’s top business professionals, philanthropists, wine enthusiasts and collectors indulge at the 7^th Annual American Fine Wine Competition Charity Wine Gala (AFWC) to benefit Deliver the Dream.  The not-for-profit hosts retreats that enable families who are experiencing serious illness or crisis to regain strength, mend spirits, and just be families and kids again.

Celebrating the finest wines produced in the U.S., the AFWC hosts the annual gala to showcase this year’s record 766 wines that entered its 2014 competition, the largest and most prestigious All-American Invitational in the country. All available for tasting, the wines will be poured table-side by 50 wine angels as guests dine on a five-course gourmet meal, enjoy live entertainment by renowned Jazz vocalist Hilary Kole and take a spin or a few on the dance floor.

Alan Kalter, announcer for The Late Show with David Letterman will emcee the evening and serve as auctioneer for the live auction of 10 rare wine and travel experiences. These include a three-night stay for up to five couples at the 60-acre Winner’s Circle Estate on Vine Hill Ranch (featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with 360 degree views of the Russian River Valley) in Napa with DuMol wine tours, tasting and lunch with owners; 10-day Oceania cruise with balcony stateroom aboard the Riviera, its newest ship; Paris trip with cooking classes, New York trip with VIP treatment at The Late Show; Puerto Rico Rum experience sponsored by the Serrealles Family of Puerto Rico (the owners of Don Q Rums) that includes a trip to Puerto Rico with stay at private resort plus an in-home six-course spirit-infused dinner prepared by their private executive chef Jon Meisler and a mixologist for up to 12 guests; Napa experience for 2; a luxury staycation at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, and more.

From their tasting booths, visiting winemakers and vintners will be pouring AFWC’s top award-winning wines. These include, Best of Show White: Maldonado Chardonnay; Best of Show Red: St Supery Cab Sauv;  Best of Show Sparkling: Mumm Napa; Best of Show Dessert: Ceja, Best of Class: Ferrante, and 2013 Best of Show: Lafollette. Those with GG honors include Fulcrum, Deerfield Ranch, Reynolds Family, Shadow Box, Red Mare, Handley Cellars, Hilliard Bruce, Frank Family, Saddleback Cellars, Sol Rouge, Rocca, VIE, The Winery SF, Papapietro and Donum. Gold medal pours include Silver Trident, Black Rock and Toquade. Silver medal pour Fort Ross will be joined by Heron Hill and more. This year, there will also feature rum and vodka, with a Don Q Rum Bar (Rums from Puerto Rico) and a Cooranbong Vodka Bar (Vodka from Australia). 

Special Guest At This Year’s Gala On Anniversary of Boston Marathon Bombing

President and Co-Founder Shari Gherman has invited Roseann Sdoia, one of the Boston Marathon Bombing victims to attend the gala.

“I invited Roseann to the Gala after seeing her story in People magazine last year”, noted Gherman.  “She has been through so much in the past year and is really excited to be coming to Boca Raton, and being out of Boston on what will be the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing.” The Puerto Rico Rum trip in the evening’s live auction will benefit the Boston Strong charity, “The One Fund” (www.onefundboston.org).

An Impeccable Combination: A Five-Course Gourmet Meal Created For The Evening

The five-course gourmet feast for guests, prepared by the chefs of the Boca Raton Resort & Club created to pair with the 766 wines from the 2014 AFWC, will include:

·         Hors d'oeuvres of Hawaiian Seared Tuna on Japanese, Steamed Cucumber with Wasabi Cream, Mini Caprese Spiedini, Crisp White Truffled Risotto Pearls, and Shau-Mai ·         Cabot Cheese Display with Fresh Fruits, Crack Olive Tapanade, Gourmet Nuts, Dried Apricots, Figs and Fruit Chutneys,Artisan Breads and Cracker Flats,Tipped Dipped Crudite ·         Dinner: ·         Organic Beet Vegetable Apple Salad, Candied Walnuts, Dried Cherries, Maytag Blue, Bibb, Lolla Rosa and Endive Greens, Tarragon Vinaigrette,Tri-colored Carrots and Roasted Cauliflower ·         Garden Vegetable and Herbed Risotto ·         Sea Salt Roasted Filet Mignon, Herbed Butter, Wood Roasted, Mushroom Jus And Zucchini Ribbon Yellowtail Snapper, Citrus-Basil Butter, Broccolini, Orange Essence Carrots, Cipollini Onion, Toasted Quinoa Florentine ·          Dessert: Mirrored Dark Chocolate Bombe, Grand Marnier Truffle Center, nougat Ice Cream, Fresh Raspberries, Sauternes Sauce Gala sponsors of the event include Jim Kar, Financial Advisor at Principal Financial; Florida Fresh Meat; Northstar Seafood, FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality; Air Around the Clock; Coventry Health Care; Total Wine & More; The Produce Connection and Aqua Panna S. Pellegrino, Rod Coleman & Associates, Scott Roberts Assoc., Wells Fargo and Bank of America. Individual tickets for the event are available for $310 per person; corporate tables also available which include a table of ten, VIP seating, and a “Concierge Wine Angel”. RedCap, a personal car driver membership service, is offering a special AFWC rate available for rides home. To purchase ticket or learn more about the gala and sponsorship/volunteer opportunities, visit www.AmericanFineWineCompetition.org, LIKE American Fine Wine Competition on Facebook, follow @afwcandgala on Twitter, or call (305) 627-3409, (561) 504-0206 or email shari@americanfinewinecompetition.org.  #####