Page 21 - PGA Community News - February '24

February 2024 February 2024 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 21

Community News

Section B

Leeds Endowment’s Annual Party With The Pack Event

Celebrates 15 Years Of Helping People Living With Disabilities

The Leeds Endowment, a local nonprofit that raises
money to support individuals living with disabilities in
Palm Beach County, celebrated the 15th anniversary of
its annual Party with the Pack fundraising event on Nov.
17, 2023, which drew more than 500 people. To date, the
Leeds Endowment has raised nearly $3 million, most of
which has been through the Party with the Pack event,
which is held annually at the Leeds Custom Design
showroom in West Palm Beach.
“Each year the party gets bigger, more money is raised
and we’re able to help more people,” said George Ford,
cofounder of Leeds Endowment. “It started out as a
grassroots initiative and has really become a community-
wide philanthropic cause.” Matthew Hedrick, Danielle Ford and Keith Hedrick, Esq.

Carter and Meghan Taylor, Katie and Billy Benjamin

Amber Hopkins Grow,
Bruce Helander, Arlette Gordon, Bruce Sutka Keith and Nicole Williams Meghan Monteiro

Tyler Sargent, Camilla Helander Sargent, Nicole Kirchhoff
Sargent, Nick Sargent

The Leeds Endowment supports individuals and local
charities in Palm Beach County that support people living
with disabilities through special programming, equipment
and individuals’ specific needs, and encourages personal
purpose, improvement, and accomplishment. Each
nonprofit that receives financial support from the Leeds
Endowment is fully vetted to make sure 100 percent of the
funds goes directly to support people in the community.
Notable guests who attended include: Cochairs
Arlette Gordon, Bruce Helander and Bruce Sutka; Kevin
Brooklyn Tralongo and Joe Nadine Costigan, Chaitanya
Todger Strunk, Devin Kirvin, George Ford, Tanner Strunk Tralongo “Chai” Banthia Leeds Endowment’s Annual Party on page 22
Abstract Painter Aaron Reed Selected As The 39th

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival Commemorative Poster Artist

The ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival presented by Tampa along life’s journey, leading to a remarkable evolution in his work over the years.
General Hospital is thrilled to announce that Aaron Reed, a accompanied by Describing his artistic evolution, Reed shares, “I’m always
talented painter hailing from Albany, Ga., has been selected as the myriad of learning from each piece. Over the last 20 years, my art has
the official poster artist for this year’s highly anticipated event. experiences that become more abstract. I like the direction my art is taking now
With over a decade of dedicated participation in ArtiGras, shape our paths. and making someone ask, ‘What is the artist trying to say?’”
Reed’s artistic contributions have left a lasting impact on both The use of vibrant ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival is proud to showcase the
attendees and organizers alike. colors in Artistic work of an artist whose journey mirrors the festival’s
Reed’s captivating piece, titled Artistic Journey, perfectly Journey poignantly dedication to fostering creativity, diversity, and artistic
aligns with the festival’s theme for this year. The artwork serves expresses the range exploration. Reed’s Artistic Journey promises to be a visual
as a visual representation of the diverse individuals encountered of emotions one feels feast that resonates with attendees, encouraging reflection
while navigating the pursuit of contentment and fulfillment. on their own unique paths.
Tucked to the side of the painting are palm trees, The ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival is set to take place Feb. 17
symbolizing the essence of Florida with its idyllic weather and to 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at the Gardens North
breathtaking landscapes. Reed’s choice of elements reflects a County District Park in Palm Beach Gardens. Reed’s exclusive
keen appreciation for the beauty and inspiration derived from poster, featuring Artistic Journey, will be available for purchase
the festival’s host state. during the festival, offering attendees an opportunity to take
Aaron Reed’s artistic journey began unexpectedly during home a piece of this extraordinary artistic celebration.
high school when he enrolled in an advanced art class to ArtiGras showcases a juried exhibition of outstanding
enhance his GPA while pursuing a passion for basketball. Little fine art along with activities which include artist and chef
did he know that this decision would lead him to discover demonstrations, the Hanley Foundation Youth Art Competition
his love for art and a latent talent for creative expression. In Gallery and the Amazon ArtiKids Zone. Tickets are only $15
2005, Reed was named the artist of the year at Valdosta State per day with advance purchase and children 12 and under are
University. Post-college, he continued to hone his artistic skills, free. More information can be found at artigras.org.