The Palm Beach Habilitation Center's 21st annual Hab-a-Hearts luncheon brought together 261 guests, down from 305 in 2011, at Mar-a-Lago on February 6 to help raise money for the center and programs for disabled adults. For this year's installment, the Hab-a-Hearts steering chairs wanted to refresh the look of the event's invite and program and called on local artist Salvatore Principe to create a design with a heart to "fill the world with love."
Principe donated his heart artwork called "Chloe" to be included as one of the 300 items in the live auction. Other items auctioned off by Jim Accursio included a round of golf for four at the Trump International Golf Course, a week-long stay at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho, and four New York Yankee Tickets. More than $50,000 was raised from the live auction, with proceeds going to the food service training program at the center. To raise additional funds, guests also had the opportunity to purchase orchid centerpieces and bid on around 300 items in a silent auction.
Aside from committee members planning the luncheon, volunteers from Palm Beach State College also helped out, staffing the event. "I attribute the success of this luncheon to the many dedicated and hardworking Hab-a-Hearts steering committee members," said Roxanne Jacobs, director of development for the center. "They work diligently for months using their creative energy and expertise to make this event a fund-raiser and a friend-raiser."
The luncheon also included a catered meal by the venue with petite filet mignon and flourless chocolate cake, music by Valerie White, and "Hab-a-Tinis" supplied by vodka brand Perfect 1864 of Legacy Imports. Guests also took home nature-themed notecards donated by John Rinker, which staffers put on the Atlas Party Rental-dressed tables as part of the place settings.
