Page 14 - Southern Exposure- April '24

Page 14, Southern Exposure

NoNprofit NEwS

Vita Nova’s Seventh Annual Mallets & Martinis

Benefitted Homeless Youth In Palm Beach County

Dressed in chic croquet whites, over 300 guests
attended Vita Nova’s sold-out Seventh Annual Mallets &
Martinis event on March 2 at the National Croquet Center.
This annual affair is the nonprofit’s signature
fundraising event that raised money to support the
homeless youth Vita Nova serves in Palm Beach County
and goes directly towards Vita Nova’s Housing Program
and Independent Living Services.
The guests had a wonderful evening amidst the palms,
where they played croquet, sipped on martinis, and Mayor Keith James, Lorna Grier and Kristy Pressly Nina and Brian Bowden
enjoyed dinner and live music. The event also featured a James and Jeff DeMario Rand Hoch and Wayne Lewis
live auction conducted by Jay Zeager, where guests had for youth ages 18 to 25 in Palm Beach County, Vita Nova
the opportunity to bid on unique experiences, items and acts as an advocate and support system for homeless
trips. Emily Pantelides emceed the lively evening, which young adults.
included brief remarks from Kate Cotner, the director Katrina Long-Robinson, a former city commissioner
of community engagement at Florida Power and Light, and affordable housing supporter, was the honorary
one of the event’s Platinum sponsors, and Jeff DeMario, chair of the event. “I am so thankful for Vita Nova for
the CEO of Vita Nova. DeMario expressed his heartfelt collaborating and working tirelessly to help find solutions
thanks to everyone who supported the youth they serve and for our young adults in Palm Beach County,” said Long-
introduced Sophia Coffey, a Vita Nova alumni youth and Robinson. They continue creating homes for the homeless
Miss Palm Beach County. Sophia talked about her unique youth, and this event was just one way to support their
experience and what brought her to Vita Nova at 16 years work.”
of age. She found family, light and voice at Vita Nova and Sponsors included Florida Power & Light, Dex
is now an advocate for other foster youth. DeMario also Imaging, Sunshine Health, The Spear Group, Valley Bank,
mentioned that although Pink Bird and Hospital for Special Surgery.
they are making enormous To learn more about Vita Nova or to donate, visit
strides in helping hundreds vitanovainc.org or call (561) 689-0035.
of youth each year, there is Photos by Palm Beach Photo Concierge
much work left to do. Katrina Long-Robinson, Katherine Murphy, Rick
Serving over 650 youth Christina and Monte Lambert Asnani, Julia Murphy
annually in Palm Beach
County, Vita Nova is a safe
bridge to independence for
former foster care, LGBTQ
and other homeless youth
through supportive housing,
education, employment and
life skills training. Working
to eliminate homelessness Emily Pantelides, Jay Zeager

Carling Pinckney, Jack and Shannon Middlebrooks, Jack
Monte and Sheri Resnick, Jessica Cecere, Anne Messer Cooney and Neil Elliott

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