14th annual Family Luncheon raises $155,000 for Hanley Center
Wellington, Florida, February 18, 2009 – Once again, the emphasis was on fun for the whole family while helping to raise money for a great cause as Hanley Center Foundation held it 14th annual Family Luncheon on Sunday, February 15 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. More than $155,000 was raised for Hanley Center, one of the country’s most innovative chemical dependency treatment facilities located in West Palm Beach.
Nancy Hooker, of Wellington and a competitive show jumper, and Robert Debbs of West Palm Beach served as Co-Chairmen for the event. Along with Hooker and Debbs, Norberto Azqueta and Dinah Fulton served as Vice Chairmen. Neil S. Hirsch was Title Sponsor. Proceeds from the luncheon will support Hanley Center’s campus expansion and its Lifesaver Patient Aid Fund. This special fund provides vital financial assistance to those seeking treatment for alcoholism or chemical dependency but are unable to afford treatment due to limited financial resources or restrictions on insurance coverage.
Close to 300 people attended this year’s Family Luncheon which has become known as one of the only social events of the season that offers a whole day of fun for the entire family, from mom, dad and the kids to grandma, grandpa and nieces and nephews. The day’s activities began with a delicious luncheon buffet and silent auctions for the “big kids” and the little kids. As the adults enjoyed exclusive ringside seating for the featured show jumping event, the children were treated to a special animal encounter courtesy of the Palm Beach Zoo, a young artist’s workshop and magic by David Berardi.
“It was a beautiful day and a wonderful event with a nice turnout given the state of our economy right now,” said Terry Lehman, executive vice president of Development for Hanley Center. “There are not many social events that cater to kids and families and we have built up a loyal following over the years. Many families have been coming to this event since their children were tiny babies and we have watched them grow up each year.”
This year’s luncheon also honored Henry (Hank) and Kitty Price of Palm Beach, who have been longtime supporters of Hanley Center and its treatment programs that have helped thousands of individuals and families struggling with addiction find their way from hopelessness to hope.
Platinum Sponsors for the 14th annual Family Luncheon were: the late Leo Albert, Hanley Family Foundation, Inc., The Mary Alice Fortin Foundation, Inc., Proforma Sunshine State and Wells Family Foundation. Gold Medal Sponsors included: The Marvin H. Davidson Foundation Inc., Florida Crystals Corporation, Senator Philip D. and Maryellen Lewis, Henry and Kitty Price, Thomas C. Quick and the Sunny & Abe Rosenberg Foundation. Silver Medal Sponsors were: Hanley Center, Brownlee and Agneta Currey, Mrs. Seymour Fleisher, Nancy and Timothy Hooker, The McCarthy Family, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare and the Warner Family. Bronze Medal Sponsors included: Caron Treatment Centers, Mrs. William l. Matheson, Judith Morrell, John and Monika Preston, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey Sory and 1st United Bank.
In-kind contributors included Creations of Earth, the Palm Beach Zoo and Starbucks Coffee.
Committee members for the 14th annual Family Luncheon were: Robin Azqueta, Lyanne Azqueta, Dr. and Mrs. Joel Berman, Lori and Michael Bernstein, Andrea Botur, Tim Boulton, Eric and Whitney Bylin, John Campbell, Amy and Jay Crompton, Merrill Debbs, Kay and Russ Finsness, Robin Grubman, Paul Hamblin, Lou and Susanna Hagar, Heather Harris, Guy and Michelle Henderson, Margaret and Patrick Horgan, Eric and Millie Levine, Jessica Linehan, Helene and Mathew Lorentzen, Michael McCarty, Larry McCarthy, Dede and George Merck, Kelly and Danielle Moore, Ally and Judge Moss, David and Laurie Perry, Kourtney Pulitzer, Stuart Putnam and Susan Leas, Tom Quick, Richard and Suebelle Robbins, Todd and Missy Savage, Brewer and Chris Schoeller, Laura and Marc Sherman, Percy Steinhart, Amanda Taylor and Kerry and Roger Warwick. Junior Committee members were Liza Finsness, Olivia Gotwald, Heather Hooker, Emma McCarthy and Lilly Schoeller.
