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Former U.S. Ambassador Named Honorar y Chair of Oc tober Gala

The Boca Raton-based nonprofit, the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), announced the return of its annual gala, Hearts & “Soles.” With a national reach, the AACY is dedicated to transforming the lives of middle and high school students who face the responsibilities of p r ov i d i n g c a r e for their elderly, chronically ill, injured, and/or disabled loved ones. In the absence of public dollars for this growing and hidden population of children, Hearts & “Soles” was born to raise funding and to help others understand what it is to walk in the shoes of a Caregiving Youth. This year, the gala has adopted an opulent Western theme.

The AACY team believes that it takes a community to raise a child. In that spirit, Robin Bernstein of Palm Beach, who is a former Caregiving Youth as well as former US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic is the Honorary Chair.

This one-of-a-kind event will be Cochaired by Jeff F. Gordon and his wife, Gay Gordon. Jeff is Vice Chair of the AACY Board and has been a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer since 1993. He practices law with the Lesser, Lesser, Landy, & Smith firm. He and Gay have been foster parents since 2010 for 19 children and remain active in numerous community ventures. Joining us as a special guest e m c e e w i l l b e Frank McKinney, a 7x best-selling author, real estate artist, and philanthro-capitalist. T his dream team, along with others from AACY, would like t o m e e t a n d have fun with at this year’s event on Friday, October 14th at Quail Ridge Country Club in Boynton Beach. In addition to contributing to the primary purpose of raising needed funds to continue and expand the work of AACY, you can ride a mechanical bull, line-dance, enjoy a medley of Southern fare, listen to contemporary and country music, and even get locked up in jail!

Florida S ugar Cane League Promotes Jessic a Clasby to Palm Beach County Direc tor

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, the Florida Sugar Cane League announced that Jessica Clasby has been promoted to Palm Beach County Director. Clasby’s new responsibilities include managing all of the league’s regional outreach efforts, p u b l i c e d u c a t i o n , a n d tours of the South Florida farming region.

“ S i n c e c o m i n g t o the Florida Sugar Cane League, Jessica has demonstrated a tremendous passion for local farming and an excitement for educating members of the public about sugarcane and vegetable farming in South Florida, and for this reason, she is a natural fit to lead our community outreach team,” said Ryan Weston, Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Sugar Cane League. “With our farmers set to begin another harvest this fall, we look forward to continuing our public engagement efforts with Jessica at the helm.”

Additionally, Clasby was recently named to the South Florida Fair Board of Directors. In this role, she will provide input on all matters related to the South Florida Fair, which brings together many different parts of South Florida’s agriculture community.

Prior to joining the Florida Sugar Cane League in 2018, Clasby owned her own business and held leadership positions in Palm Beach County ser vice organizations. She is a double alumnus of Palm Beach Atlantic University, ear ning her master’s in leadership and bachelor’s in organizational management. Currently, Jessica serves as President of the Palm Beach Atlantic University Alumni Association Board, Vice President of Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, Vice President for St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation, Board member for Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, Leadership Palm Beach County, and the South Florida Fair. Jessica is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2020, Boca Leadership Class of 2021, and is very active in numerous chambers and philanthropic organizations. She is a member of the current Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class 40.

K aye Communic ations PR & Marketing Wins Ninth Bernays Award for PR Excellence: 2022 Best Special Event Loc al Student Represents Florida at Americ an Legion Auxiliar y Girls Nation

Capping off 25 years of making indelible impacts and imprints in South Florida for its clients, Kaye Communications (KCOM-PR) has won a coveted Gold Coast Public Relations Council (GCPRC) 2022 Bernays Award for PR Excellence for Best Special Event. The firm was recognized for its event ideation, strategy, production, community relations and media relations for the sold-out inaugural Moms & Pups “Bark & Brunch” ‘fun, fan and fund’ raiser to benefit Tri-County Animal Rescue’s “Together Fur-ever” Medical Fund. Fund monies help to pay in full for or subsidize low-cost, full-service veterinary and animal hospital ser vices at TCAR’s on-site state-of-the-art vet clinic for pet owners who are financially challenged or experiencing other economic crises.

T h i s i s KCOM-PR’s ninth Bernays Award, named for the father of Public Relations Edward Bernays. Last year KCOM-PR was the only Palm Beach County entity to receive a 2021 Bernays Award; the firm won for the Best PR Campaign by a Small Company/Firm for its concepting and activating its “The New Way to Club” brand reinvention and repositioning campaign for Boca Lago Golf & Country Club.

GCPRC is the largest independent organization in South Florida of PR, marketing and communications professionals from Palm Beach, Broward, Martin and Dade counties.

Its prestigious Bernays Awards program serves as the “Regional Oscars” for the South Florida PR industry. The judges panel annually consists of journalists and former and current PR executives. To ensure impartiality, none are members of the GCPRC.

“The stature of the others in the special event nomination category this year made the win so much more coveted,” shared KCOMPR Founder, President & Chief Strategist Bonnie S. Kaye.

Contenders were the City of Boynton Beach, Discover the Palm Beaches and the

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Civic Association and Palm Tran public transportation system. “Their achievements too were stellar, so being on the slate with these public entities and then winning was even more gratifying.”

Special Event Focused Attention on Little Known COVID-19-Related Community Wellness Need

With so many other COVID-19 nonprofit needs taking priority at the time for 15+ months with extensive media attention, TCAR needed to create a news-generating springboard fundraiser to amplify awareness of yet another vulnerable population. These were families of pets who were desperately in need of vet care, but were financially forced to neglect care that could, if not treated, lead to unnecessary pain, death or even gut-wrenching pet surrenders.

Exceeding all its messaging, “fun, fan and fund” raising and awareness goals, the firsttime event helped heal and save the lives of the most vulnerable, generated zero surrenders of pets treated, and increased Medical Fund resources to serve 53 families. The event secured and engaged new donor and sponsorship relationships, laid the foundation for a for midable new branded annual TCAR fundraiser, and increased media coverage about TCAR, its non-rescue services at its Pet Clinic, its Medical Fund and how the nonprofit helps support the financially challenged within the community it serves.

KCOM-PR Delivers “The Perfect Afternoon for Dining ‘With and For’ Dogs”

As COVID-19 gathering restrictions reduced, people were starting to look forward to getting out again within safe “feel good, do good” environments to socialize and support community needs. Within a rapid six-week timeframe and in strict adherence to CDC guidelines, KCOM-PR conceptualized, branded, introduced, promoted and produced the inaugural Moms & Pups

“Bark & Brunch.”

Positioned as a news-generating kickoff for Mother’s Day week, more than 125 paw-loving advocates and dozens of pups enjoyed joyful open-air, courtyard brunch and themed festivities to celebrate pup rescue moms and raise funds. These included live music, free-flowing Bloody Mary and Bellini Bars, a doggie treat buffet, Mom & Pooch Photo Station, Mother’s Day boutique gift shopping, silent auction, “KARMA Luxur y Weekend” Chance-to-Win, pampering swag bags with donated items from Saks Fifth Avenue, Green Roads CBD and Protect My Shoes, as well as pet grooming kits, purse table hangers and pairs of pup-themed socks.

High-profile Boca Raton Pup Rescue Moms Marta Batmasian, Andrea Kline and Constance Scott who have long advocated for TCAR were honored. A host committee of well-connected Boca residents was recruited to help share the event, mission and Chance to Win ticket sales with their closest circles. Pup Star Host terrier Tamar Batmasian welcomed guests. Reach out to sponsors and donors offered various levels of themed sponsor categories: “Paws Up” Red Carpet, “Pet Protector” (ADT), “Tail-wagging” Valet, Beau’s “Bark” Bars, “Pupolicious Décor” and annual Healing Clinic Kennel dedications.

Charlotte Joseph, Boca Raton, is one of 100 young women selected to attend the 75th American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation session July 23-30 in Washington, D.C. As part of the premier ALA program, two outstanding high school seniors are selected to represent their respective state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation after participating in one of 50 ALA Girls State sessions held across the country. ALA Girls Nation is a seven-day leadership conference that provides aspiring young women leaders with practical insight into how the federal government operates, ins t i l l s a s e n s e o f pride in our country, and promotes youth civic eng agement. Many par ticipants of the program go on to have careers in public service at the local, state, and national level.

Joseph, a rising senior at Boca Raton Community High School, was active in many ways during her week at ALA Florida Girls State. She also participates in many activities in her school and community. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and co-founder and vice president of Boca High Boat Club.

Joseph is also a Civil Air Patrol flight sergeant and head student athletic trainer at Boca Raton.

At ALA Girls Nation, Joseph will participate in mock senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. Other activities on the agenda include a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a community service project, and a tour of the D.C. monuments. “ALA Girls Nation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation’s future leaders to learn about the inner workings of the federal government before they are of voting age,” said Nancy Magginnis, ALA Girls N a t i o n C o m m i ttee chairman. “After attending their local ALA Girls State program and then

Joseph, a rising ALA Girls Nation, senior at Boca Raton the girls return home ready to be engaged

Community High citizens at all levels School, was active in of government.” The American many ways during her L e g i o n Au x i l i a r y week at ALA Florida (ALA) is a community of volunteers

Girls State. s e r v i n g ve t e r a n s, militar y, and their families. Our members also suppor t the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. Proud sponsor of ALA Girls Nation, National Poppy Day® and recognized for advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, the more than 600,000 ALA members across the country volunteer millions of hours annually and raise millions of dollars in service to veterans, military, and their families. Founded in 1919, the ALA is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A. To learn more and to volunteer, join, and donate, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.