PGA National hosts initial Cancer Research Golf Challenge

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For 11 years, PGA National Resort & Spa have been substantial supporters in benefits for cancer research. Through various efforts, this organization has been able to support this life-saving research. For the first time, PGA National created a way for members, golfers and sponsors to come together in a fun and philanthropic manner. On April 16, the inaugural PGA National Scripps Florida Cancer Research Golf Challenge was held to continue their fundraising efforts. Two courses were available for participants, including the world-famous Champion course and the Fazio course for the Cancer Research Golf Challenge.In addition to the fun, yet competitive, golf event, dinner, an auction with fabulous prizes, a helicopter ball drop and an awards ceremony were held. This exciting and prosperous event included chairmen Brenda Diuro, Pat Gelardi and Marsha Boyes. Maria Marino was an honorary chair.

Not only was the event a lovely outing on a Saturday, it benefitted such a wonderful and important cause. Proceeds from the event went towards support for cutting-edge research in cancer biology and funding for fellowships for postdoctoral scientists.

“It is important to support cancer research, because statistically speaking, one in three Americans will be touched by the disease,” said Jane Broderick, Director of Golf Operations at PGA National. “On the human side, it is a devastating disease that can ravage the human body, and causes emotional suffering for all involved.”

In total, the accumulative PGA National initiatives have raised over $1 million. This has supported six years of clinical trials, Women’s Cancer Awareness Day (WCAD) fellowships launched by the PGA National WCAD Committee, totaling over $700,000.

Such positive feedback came from this event. Because this was such a success, the PGA National’s senior management team and members have decided to continue this event for years to come. The second annual PGA National Scripps Florida Cancer Research Golf Challenge is scheduled for April 1, 2017. Guests can expect nothing but the best for this growing event. For more information on the event and PGA National Resort & Spa, visit www.pgaresort.com. To learn more about The Scripps Research Institute, visit www.scripps.edu.

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue receives $15,000 donation

Sun-Sentinel

April 25, 2016

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League received a $15,000 check from Schumacher Auto Group. The donation has helped rewrap the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League PetMobile.

“Schumacher Auto Group is very pleased to continue our partnership with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League,” said Chuck Schumacher. “Not only do our customers love their vehicles; they love their pets, too.”

The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League PetMobile serves the community as a mobile adoption unit. The PetMobile travels throughout Palm Beach County almost every day. The unit has up to 15 adoptable dogs and cats on board each time it travels into the community. The PetMobile brings pets to people with the hope of increasing the number of animals Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League finds forever homes for each year.

“We are very grateful for Schumacher’s continued support,” said Rich Anderson, CEO and executive director of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.  “They have partnered with us for years by sponsoring the PetMobile, donating vehicles, and serving as a drop off location for pet food/supply drives.”

Copyright © 2016, Sun Sentinel

What’s Brewing with Stephanie Berzinski: Vita Nova

What’s Brewing with Stephanie Berzinski: Vita Nova

Stephanie Berzinski spotlights Vita Nova, an organization that helps young adults who have aged out of the foster care system transition into independence.

April 22, 2016

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Vita Nova builds bright futures for young adults

by Camber Clemence

PBG Lifestyle Magazine

The first time I ever stopped to consider what happened to foster children when they legally became adults was in 2000 – I was 14 and picked up “White Oleander” at Barnes & Noble; I remember being outraged and filled with questions… I sought out my cousin, who worked as a social worker in the foster community at the time, to have those questions answered.

I was stunned to learn that the kids who are never adopted were essentially let loose into the wild, like an animal kept in conservation (except these kids don’t get tagged so someone can check in on them later) for too long.

In fact, nearly 26,000 young adults “age out” of the system every year; it should come as no surprise, when you consider how helpless they must feel – left to fend for themselves, that after four years, 25 percent of them have been homeless, less than half completed high school, and more that 80 percent are unable to care for themselves.

Thankfully, for young adults fresh out of the system, Vita Nova will happily step in to assist. Latin for “new life,” Vita Nova helps young adults, ages 18 to 25, transition to independence by providing a stable, nurturing environment (which includes Vita Nova Village in West Palm Beach). Through an array of unique programs and services, Vita Nova is able to help ensure every person through their door succeeds in school, is safe, and is able to obtain a job; they have had a huge impact on hundreds of young adults over the last decade.

“Everyone of us can remember being 18 years-old and the challenges that arise with growing up; when these challenges occur simultaneously with transition from foster care, with no one to rely on, they become overwhelming,” explained Jeff DeMario, CEO (and driving force) of Vita Nova for ten years. “As a community, we must do everything we can to help former foster children shift successfully into adulthood, enabling them to become happy, productive, successful adults.”

Vita Nova, which is located in West Palm Beach, is made up of four parts: Vita Nova Life Coaches, the Oasis Center (OASIS: Outreach, Advocacy, and Support for Independence and Self-Sufficiency), Vita Nova Village, and last, but not least, the Vita Nova Thrift Store.

The Thrift Store is of much importance to the Vita Nova mission; the shop provides vocational support for Vita Nov residents, offers high quality merchandise at significantly reduced prices, provides fun volunteer opportunities to the community, and 100 percent of the income from the Thrift Store supports Vita Nova’s other programs.

The Thrift Store is located at 3129 S Congress Ave. in Palm Springs. For hours or other information, please call (561) 434-2754. To learn more about Vita Nova, their programs, how to donate, or how to get involved, please visit www.vitanovainc.org.

Hero dogs honored at Mar-a-Lago event

BY:  PBDN- March 27, 2016

Hero dogs honored at Mar-a-Lago event

Beth Stern and Dr. Robin Ganzert: photo by Meghan McCarthy

More than 400 people gathered at The Mar-a-Lago Club to salute America’s bravest heroes on both ends of the leash, including Harley, a 15-year-old, one-eyed Chihuahua who was named American Humane Association’s 2015 American Hero Dog. Harley served as a “voice” for the thousands of dogs confined to puppy mills across the country.

Two other American Humane Association Hero Dogs also were honored March 1 at the luncheon: Axel, a German Shepherd and the 2015 Service Dog of the Year, who works side by side with (retired) U.S. Marine Capt. Jason Haag; and JJ, the 2014 Service Dog of the Year, who works every day to safeguard a young girl with a very rare medical condition.

The luncheon, hosted by Lois Pope and the American Humane Association, also featured Beth Stern, who serves as co-host of the Hero Dog Awards ceremony on the Hallmark Channel; TV personality, restaurateur, and author Donatella Arpaia; andDave Konig, a three-time Emmy Award winning comedian and TV actor.

The National Humanitarian Medal, American Humane Association’s highest honor, was presented to New York Posteditor and reporter Maureen Callahan, whose writing championed the reunion of military working dog Matty and Army Specialist Brent Grommet after bureaucratic mishaps originally prevented Grommet from adopting his former canine partner now in retirement.

“For thousands of years, mankind has had a special relationship with dogs, and the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards are our way of honoring our best friends,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, the organization’s president and chief executive officer and executive producer of the Hero Dog Awards on Hallmark Channel.

14 dogs brought to West Palm Beach after raid in Arkansas

Fourteen dogs arrived Thursday night in Palm Beach County when the puppy mill was raided by authorities earlier this month.

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League  said 295 animals in total were seized from the suspected puppy mill in Madison County, Ark. on March 3.

It’s unclear when the 14 dogs that arrived in West Palm Beach will be available for adoption.