Page 1 - Martin Downs Bulletin - November '23

VOL. 25 NO. 11 www.seabreezepublications.com NOVEMBER 2023

12th Anniversary Of Dancing With The Martin Stars

Raises Over $200,000

Driving rhythms, fast-paced footwork, and sky-high enthusiasm enthralled the audience Dmitriy Kuzmenko, owner Carol Briseno
at the 2023 Dancing with the Martin Stars, the signature fundraising event of the Martin and professional ballroom and Jang Don
County Healthy Start Coalition. instructor at In Motion danced their way
Healthy Start, which offers support and education to pregnant women and infants, Ballroom served as judges. to a resounding
celebrated its 12th anniversary of the popular event on Sept. 23 at the Lyric Theatre in Mike Gonzalez, a 2018 Star championship at
downtown Stuart. alumni, emceed the event for the 2023 Dancing
The sellout event was a resounding success, raising more than $200,000 to support essential the third year in a row. with the Martin
programs in Martin County that help ensure every baby is born healthy, every mother is Carol Briseno of Martin Stars competition
supported, and every father is involved. County Parks & Recreation to benefit Martin
The format for the evening included a dynamic, local cast of nine Martin County and her dancing partner County’s Healthy
“celebrities,” each paired with a professional dance instructor. These brave, novice dancers Jang Don walked away with Start Coalition.
not only put their best foot forward to shine on the dance floor, but were also tasked with top honors and the coveted The event raised
raising funds from friends, neighbors and business colleagues through sponsorships, ticket trophy for highest combined mor e t han
sales and contributions. scores in both dancing and $200,000 for the
The goal was to win enough votes from a judges’ panel to claim bragging rights as the fundraising. Healthy Start
Dancing with the Martin Stars Champion 2023. Coalition and its
Dr. Brian Moriarty, owner and president of Loving Chiropractic of Stuart; Megan Dancing With The Martin mission to ensure that every baby is born healthy, every
Acosta, former ballroom dancer and instructor turned realtor for Brokers Choice Realty; and Stars on page 4 mother is supported, and every father is involved.
Zweben Law Group Embarks On A Decade Of Generosity:

10th Annual Bike Drive To Benefit United Way Holiday Project

In a remarkable milestone of a decade-long commitment to helping Martin County our event sponsors: Zweben Law
families, the Zweben Law Group proudly announces its 10th annual partnership with Group and Dolphin Bar & Shrimp
United Way of Martin County for the Zweben Law Group Bike Drive. This cherished House, and our early significant
initiative aims to bring extra holiday joy to local families facing financial challenges by donors, Treasure Coast Running
gifting 300 brand-new bikes to children in need through the United Way Holiday Project. and IBEW LOCAL 627.
Launch Event: Bike Drive Kickoff Party United Way’s Holiday Project:
To kick off this heartwarming endeavor, Zweben Law Group invites the community Spreading Joy Across Martin
to join them at the Bike Drive Kickoff Party on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at County
Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House in Jensen Beach. Tickets for this magical evening are $40 The United Way Holiday
in advance and $50 at the door, covering one drink and delectable appetizers. Secure Project unites the community to
your tickets online at UnitedWayMartin.org/Bike. provide toys for Martin County
Gene Zweben, founder of Zweben Law Group, expressed the significance of this children in need, serving as the
initiative, stating, “Every child remembers their first new bike because it represents official coordinating organization
more than just a gift – it embodies freedom, marks a rite of passage, and enables for the Marine Corps Reserve
transportation to school for some children.” Toys for Tots in Martin County. For the 10th year in a row, Zweben Law Group is
Supporting The Cause For more information or partnering with United Way of Martin County on the
The kickoff party serves as a vital fundraising event for the bike drive. Contributions, to make a donation, visit Zweben Law Group Bike Drive to make the holidays
both big and small, can be made through ticket sales and direct donations until Monday, UnitedWayMartin.org/Bike. extra special for local families struggling to make
Dec. 11 at UnitedWayMartin.org/Bike. One hundred percent of every dollar raised ends meet. Pictured left to right, Tara Zweben and
directly funds the purchase of bikes and helmets. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Zweben Law Group on page 4 Gene Zweben
Loxa-Lucie Initiative Secures Second Parcel

For Protected Ecological Corridor In Hobe Sound

An innovative and ambitious plan to create a permanently protected ecological corridor “We’re especially proud that the
in south Martin County between the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie rivers has taken a significant land purchase was made possible
step forward with a second land acquisition along Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. solely through the generosity of the
The Conservation Fund, a member of the Loxa-Lucie Headwaters Initiative, has closed community,” said Matt Sexton, senior
on a 20-acre tract on the south side of Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. This piece of land is vice president and southeast regional
another critical component to the Loxa-Lucie vision for conserving a landscape spanning director for the Conservation Fund
nearly 70,000 acres between and including Jonathan Dickinson State Park and the Atlantic and a Loxa-Lucie Steering Committee
Ridge Preserve State Park. member. “The fundraising campaign we
launched last December to purchase this
piece of land was a great success. The
$1.2 million raised enabled us to acquire
the land with private donations. We
didn’t need to draw on any governmental
funds.” The headwaters of the Loxahatchee River are
The first parcel purchased by the beautiful but need attention if we are to preserve
Loxa-Lucie Initiative was a two-mile their environmental importance.
long stretch along the north side of
Bridge Road that was acquired in Loxa-Lucie Initiative on page 4