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Supporter Spotlight!
Our Light in the Shadows Luncheon Committee |
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We are honored to introduce the dedicated members of our Light in the Shadows Luncheon Committee, who are working tirelessly to make our 2nd Annual Anti-Human Trafficking Luncheon a success. Led by co-chairs Jill Gallagher and Jordan Brown, this committed team brings their passion and expertise to shine a light on the realities of human trafficking and rally our community’s support for those impacted.
Each member plays a vital role, from organizing the event, volunteering at the event, to raising awareness about Place of Hope’s mission to provide safe, stable housing, targeted therapy, and essential resources for survivors and at-risk youth. Their efforts help us offer life-changing support and pathways to healing, empowerment, and independence for those in need.
This year’s luncheon will bring together 700 guests, all standing united against trafficking and exploitation. We invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible strides being made towards fighting human trafficking. Together, we can continue to build a brighter, safer future for children, youth, and families in our community. |
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| Click below to learn how you can help us fight child exploitation and human trafficking: |
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| This Giving Tuesday Join the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation: A Legacy of Giving Back |
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As we enter the season of giving, we are reminded of the power of generosity to shape brighter futures. This Giving Tuesday, golf legend Gary Player and the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation wanted to inspire youth to be generous and learn how good it feels to give! The GVP Foundation is inviting junior golfers of all skill level to join the “Kids Helping Kids” Giving Tuesday challenge. Participants will take on an inspiring 90-hole golf challenge to support children in need. This initiative goes beyond golf – it is an opportunity for young leaders to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable youth.
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to generosity and giving back. This December 3rd, join Place of Hope in making a lasting impact on children and families in need. Whether by participating in our collaborative 90-hole golf challenge with the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation, or making an outright donation, your support will be a part of transforming lives.
By participating in this 90-hole challenge, young golfers across the nation are not only building their skills but also raising essential funds for the mission of Place of Hope and programs that support families in crisis, provides affordable housing, reduces food insecurity, and more. Together, we are fueling our "God’s Children. Our Future." Campaign, which brings stability and hope to those who need it most.
The time to act is now. With each swing and every contribution, you are helping create a legacy of hope and transformation. This Giving Tuesday, you have the chance to be part of something extraordinary. Support young golfers on their journey to make a difference and give children in need the support they deserve.
Not a golfer? You can still support Place of Hope this Giving Tuesday. Your donation helps provide the resources and support every child deserves.
To register or make your Giving Tuesday contribution, click below please note "Place of Hope" in your donation. Thank you for helping us build a stronger, hope-filled community – one child, one family, one swing at a time. |
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| Why Your End of Year Gift Matters |
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Meet Will
Will’s story is a testament to the resilience and transformation made possible by Place of Hope. At just 12 years old, Will and his brother, Dorson, faced the harsh reality of homelessness, often seeking shelter in abandoned buildings as their mother battled schizophrenia. Life was filled with uncertainty, with no school, no stability, and no sense of a safe future.
Then came a turning point. Will and Dorson were placed in foster care and found a new home at Place of Hope. For the first time, they experienced stability, structure, and the warmth of a supportive community. Surrounded by a neighborhood of cottages, caring mentors, and the chance to attend a private Christian school, Will began to see new possibilities for his life. He discovered friendships, excelled in sports, and found faith and purpose.
With the guidance, resources, and love he received at Place of Hope, Will’s life was transformed. He went on to earn his Master’s in Social Work and served as a mental health therapist and relief parent, dedicating his life to helping others and providing hope to children who are walking a path he knows all too well. Today, Will continues his journey with Place of Hope as a Direct Care Provider, focusing on health, wellness, and fitness to support youth in building healthy, fulfilling lives.
This year, we have been able to touch over 90,000 lives like Will's, thanks to the kindness and support of people like you. As 2024 comes to a close and we look toward the future, we invite you to join us in continuing this journey of hope and healing by making a year-end, tax-deductible gift.
Every year-end gift made today through December 31 will be generously matched by Place of Hope’s “God’s Children. Our Future.” Campaign End of Year Matching Fund!
Thank you for considering Place of Hope in your year-end giving. Together, we are building a brighter, stronger, and more hope-filled community for God's children, and our future. |
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| Runway of Hope: Meet Our Champions! |
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Angela Reynolds has a style that matches her personality— modern and chic, but also warm and playful. Her approachable and collaborative style puts her clients at ease and sets her apart from other designers. Angela’s client list includes Celine Dion, Elin Nordegren, Kid Rock, professional golfers, and CEO’s. She prides herself on offering everyone an intimate — not intimidating — design experience.
Her designs have been published in People Magazine, Florida Design, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, LA Times, Palm Beach Illustrated, and Florida Design. The Amazon Primes “Going Home with Tyler Cameron, HGTV, NBC’s Today Show, CNBC, and Oprah are just some of the outlets featuring Angela’s work.
Angela will be walking the runway on January 25 in support of Place of Hope. In the meantime, she is raising funds to be Place of Hope's top fundraising Champion for Children!
Click below to make a difference and support Angela today! |
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Barbara Gilbert serves as First Vice President, Market Manager, Business Development Officer of retail banking and commercial banking for Valley Bank, focusing on Palm Beach County and South Florida.
Gilbert drives the sales of the bank’s products and services to individuals, businesses, non profits and municipalities. She also partners with other Valley team members to develop new business opportunities throughout the area.
She brings 30 years of banking and wealth management experience to the role, with deep knowledge in institutional, investments, lending, corporate and personal banking services. Before joining Valley, Gilbert served in various national banking positions, handling high-net-worth wealth management, institutional management, estate planning and trusts as well as personal and corporate banking services like residential and commercial lines and loans. Gilbert became an expert in Family Offices.
She also has experience with mergers and acquisitions through roles at Wachovia, Wells Fargo Wealth Management, Commerce Private Bank/TD Bank and Bank of America, Private Bank.
Earlier in her career, Gilbert was national sales manager at Charles of the Ritz, a Fortune 500 cosmetic company owned by Squibb, where she earned the “Rookie of the Year” award for outstanding sales management.
Before entering finance, Barbara worked in the nonprofit sector as Director of Development for The Pennsylvania Ballet, and as Director of a Capital Campaign for the Philadelphia Orchestra, Kimmel Center. She then opened her own capital campaign company, BMG & Associates, where she handled a campaign for the The Arthur Ashe Education and Tennis Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Universities and Private schools.
Gilbert attended Bauder College and Miami Dade College, majoring in architecture and interior design. She later went on to Barry University in Miami to study business. She achieved her FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses as well as Life, Health and Variable Annuity licenses in Florida.
In keeping with Valley’s connection to the local communities it serves, Gilbert was co chairman of Wine Women and Shoes 2021, for Big Dog Ranch Rescue. She is on the committee for Cancer Alliance Help and Hope, 202, 22,23,24. She was previous two-year co-chair for KidSanctuary's Gala. She is an active member of the Development Committee for Palm Beach Symphony.
She is a sustainer for the Junior League of the Palm Beaches. Barbara is on the Board of Directors of Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Jefferson University Hospital Women’s Board. Barbara is a proud member of the Advisory Board for the Inez Andreas School of Business for Barry University.
She was most recently featured in Art Bodega Magazine, 2022, 2023,2024 in “Women to Know In Palm Beach”. Barbara is a Public Speaker on many topics and moderates panels in many industries.
Barbara is very active and generous in the community, but has a real passion for children. She will be walking the runway on January 25 in support of Place of Hope. In the meantime, she is raising funds to be Place of Hope's top fundraising Champion for Children!
Click here to make a difference and support Barbara today! |
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Supporting Children Facing the Burden of Homelessness
Homelessness places a tremendous burden on young hearts. Nearly half of homeless, school-age children experience anxiety, depression, or withdrawal, carrying unimaginable challenges each day. At Place of Hope, we are here to offer them stability, care, and a brighter future.
This November, as we observe National Homelessness Month, Place of Hope stands alongside vulnerable children, helping to break the cycle of homelessness. With your support, we can provide emotional support, safe shelter, and life-changing resources to those who need it most.
Your donation can create a path of hope and healing for homeless children and youth. Visit placeofhope.com/donate to be part of this mission and make a lasting impact on a child’s future.
All gifts from now through December 31 will be matched doubling its impact by Place of Hope's "God's Children. Our Future." Campaign Matching Challenge Fund! |
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For some children, this will be their first Christmas or Hanukkah ever!
You can give the gift of joy and wonderment as brighter traditions begin!
We love the holidays, and we want to make them special for those in our care and in our community. Place of Hope serves thousands of children, youth, and families throughout the year and during the holiday season. Many who call Place of Hope “home” will celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas for the very first time.
This holiday season is an opportunity for us provide them joy, faith, hope, and love. |
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For our children in our Neighborhood Foster Care cottages, they will celebrate the joy of the season in a safe and loving home with their foster siblings and Cottage parents making new traditions from cooking together to opening gifts together.
For our young adults, homeless youth and single moms, a warm bed surrounded by friends and new family is just the beginning. These youth will also experience learning how to make their own traditions as they grow into healthy independence, including how to make traditional holiday meals for their own future families!
Finally, for the families in our community in crisis, we are continuing to bring them hope and love through not only critical material support, but also holiday gifts, and food.
With full bellies and eyes bright, our families will experience a miraculous holiday thanks to your generosity.
Help fulfill a Christmas wish list for foster youth today! To shop our Christmas wish lists, click the button below. |
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Bringing Hope to Hurricane Impacted Families through our Shade Tree Family Outreach Program
Teamwork really does make the dream work! Our ShadeTree Family Outreach program is intended to help lift up families in crisis. This week we donated critical supplies toward relief efforts for those in Plant City, Florida and in Boone, North Carolina who were devastated by the recent hurricanes. Our friends at Our Community Table Stuart reached out and let us know they were preparing for another trip to both areas. We determined what was most needed, purchased the items and delivered them to their trailer.
This round of essentials included shovels, batteries, flash lights, wheel barrows, work gloves and more to help the families unbury and begin rebuilding their homes. Last month Place of Hope also provided essentials like baby swaddles, baby food and formula, and nonperishables for families in need.
You are a part of this with every gift you make to Place of Hope! Thank you! |
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In recognition of World Kindness Day, we are honored to highlight the generosity and compassion of Kaihden, a dedicated Girl Scout who has made a meaningful difference in our community. As part of her Girl Scouts project, Kaihden created and delivered 50 beautifully crafted self-care bags for the single mothers residing at Joann’s Cottage.
These thoughtful gifts are more than just items; they are a gesture of comfort and encouragement to the resilient women who are working hard to build brighter futures for themselves and their children. Each self-care bag is a reminder that they are supported and valued as they navigate their journeys toward independence and stability.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kaihden and the Girl Scouts for embodying the true spirit of kindness and choosing to support Place of Hope. Their compassion and dedication have made a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, spreading hope and inspiration within our community.
To learn more about how you, too, can make a difference and support initiatives like these, please visit placeofhope.com. |
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| Help us continue this vital work. To learn how you can get involved or host a drive to benefit families in need, please contact JoyT@placeofhope.com. |
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Passport to Hope
2025 LEXUS Hope Bash Kick-Off Celebration!
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Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
Paramount Theater Building | 139 N. County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480 |
Place of Hope's "Passport to Hope" is our 19th Annual Hope Bash kick-off celebration, and we want YOU to join us!
This kick-off event provides an opportunity to learn about our upcoming Hope Bash gala in March 2025, meet our incredible Event Chairs: Marla Paxson, Nicole Paxson, and Dr. Arghavan Welch, and celebrate the transformational work impacting the lives of thousands of children, youth, and families in our care at Place of Hope.
Be a part of HOPE! Join the committee, become a sponsor, or simply come to learn more about how you can make a difference. RSVP to HopeBash@placeofhope.com. |
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Runway of Hope: Fashion + Philanthropy
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Location: The Royal Poinciana Plaza, Palm Beach
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Chaired by Emily Pantelides
Event Attire: Chic Fashion (Come dressed to impress!) |
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Place of Hope invites you to join us for the 2025 Runway of Hope, an unforgettable evening where fashion and philanthropy unite to make a powerful impact. Chaired by Emily Pantelides, this star-studded runway fashion show will take place at The Royal Poinciana Plaza on Saturday, January 25, from 3 PM to 6 PM. Our "Champions for Children"—comprised of influential community leaders, local celebrities, and models—will come together in a fundraising challenge to support children, youth, and families in care at Place of Hope.
Guests will enjoy an afternoon of high-end fashion, gourmet treats, and the chance to participate in a lively silent auction, all while being inspired by the incredible mission of Place of Hope. After the show, attendees are invited to shop The Royal's boutiques to take home a bit of runway magic for themselves.
Proceeds from this event will directly support Place of Hope's Anti-Human Trafficking initiatives, providing life-changing resources such as targeted therapy for survivors, support services for at-risk youth, prevention and intervention programs, and comprehensive community education. With your support, we can continue our work to empower those affected by human trafficking and help break the cycle of exploitation.
Join us on January 25 for an afternoon that combines elegance and compassion, creating a brighter future for those in need. Sponsorships and VIP packages are available! To reserve yours, contact Jamie at JamieB@placeofhope.com. |
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Place of Hope's 13th Annual Sporting Clays Fun Shoot
Friday, January 17, 2025
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Quail Creek Northeast 224th Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Co-Chairs Bob Bell, Mike Burke, Mike Ellis |
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Place of Hope’s 13th Annual Sporting Clays Fun Shoot is the largest charity fun shoot in the state, bringing together nearly 400 shooters to raise essential funds for local foster children, homeless youth, single mothers with children, and survivors of human trafficking. Recognized as one of the best-organized shoots, this event offers participants of all ages and skill levels a memorable day filled with camaraderie, friendly competition, and an exciting lineup of activities including breakfast, lunch, awards, raffles, and a live auction.
We are thrilled to return to the beautiful Quail Creek Sporting Ranch, where both morning and afternoon shooting sessions will be available. Morning shooters will start their day with a delicious breakfast, followed by 70 clays on one of five courses, and then enjoy lunch, an awards ceremony, raffles, and an exhilarating live auction. Afternoon shooters will join the morning participants for lunch, raffles, and the live auction before heading out for an afternoon of sporting clays on one of the scenic courses. |
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Mark Your Calendars and Reserve your Table Today!
Saturday, March 1, 2025
6PM - 11PM
Trump National Jupiter | 115 Eagle Terrace, Jupiter
Attire: Cocktail, semi-formal, black tie optional
Our 2025 LEXUS Hope Bash is an unforgettable evening raising critical friends, funds, and awareness to benefit South Florida’s largest and most comprehensive children and family’s organization, serving foster children, aged-out foster youth, homeless youth, single moms with dependent children, and human trafficking survivors - Place of Hope!
As we embark on our 25th year as an organization (May 2025 is our 25th anniversary!), we are in awe of the selfless and incredible generosity of our supporters and friends. Because of you, Place of Hope has been able to care for our community's most vulnerable, hurting, homeless, and hopeless.
Together we have been able to impact, lift up, brighten, and rewrite over 100,000 lives like these. Click the links below to watch three inspiring stories of hope.
We are honored to present our 2025 LEXUS Hope Bash Chairs! |
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Marla Paxson, Chair
“When I donated the funding for the Paxson Campus, I could not have imagined what Place of Hope would become and the impact it would have on so many helpless children. It is a sincere honor and privilege to work with such a dynamic, innovative, trustworthy, and transparent organization. I am so proud to be a part of this journey and thank you for the ability to serve as Chair of Place of Hope’s 2025 Lexus Hope Bash.”
Nicole Paxson, Co-Chair
"Place of Hope is just that for vulnerable children caught in the devastating cycle of abuse, neglect, and trafficking - hope. They have created an incredible model that works. I am honored to be a part of continuing the legacy my family planted over 25 years ago. Together, we can champion compassion and protect our children's innocence."
Dr. Arghavan Welch, Co-Chair
"I support Place of Hope because it stands as a beacon of hope and they have an unwavering commitment to rescue, rehabilitate, and empower children fostering long-term healing and reintegration into society. Place of Hope is transforming lives and restoring dignity. Together, we can create a future where every child is safe, valued, and free."
These inspiring women bring passion, dedication, and a shared vision for a brighter future. Marla Paxson, a founding force behind our Paxson Campus, has spent 25 years championing safe spaces for children, youth, and families in need. Her daughter, Nicole, joins her in continuing this legacy of compassion and resilience. Together with Arghavan Welch, a devoted advocate for breaking cycles of abuse and neglect, they are committed to empowering and lifting up vulnerable children and families.
Mark your calendars for March 1, 2025, at Trump National Jupiter. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating hope and transformation. This event is limited to just 430 guests and sells out every year!
Together we have been able to impact, lift up, brighten and rewrite over 100,000 lives like these. Click the links below to watch three inspiring stories of hope. |
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