Page 10 - Boca Club News - December '24

Page 10, Boca Club News

Happenings Outside Boca
Happenings Outside Boca

Resource Depot Earns 2024 “Hats Off”

Arts & Culture Impact Award

Resource Depot, a creative reuse center in West Palm Depot,” said Jennifer O’Brien, Executive Director of Resource Kits to students at Palm Beach County Title 1 schools.
Beach, was granted the 2024 “Hats Off”Arts & Cultural Depot. “This recognition underscores our commitment to Resource Depot’s annual Catwalk Student Fashion
Impact Award by Nonprofits First , an organization that inspiring sustainable practices through art and education, Show, in collaboration with Loggerhead Marinelife Center,
®
accredits and provides resources to nonprofits in Palm transforming discarded materials—and perspectives—into has become a signature community event by challenging
Beach County. something truly impactful for our community.” students to create wearable art from various materials.
The Award was sponsored by the Cultural Council for Resource Depot was recognized for the nonprofit’s Since 2005, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the
Palm Beach County. It celebrates and honors nonprofit dedication to promoting environmental stewardship and leading resource for strengthening the administrative
organizations and individuals in Palm Beach County that community education. Specifically, in the past year, and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in
dedicate themselves to making the community a better the company has welcomed over 13,000 visitors to its the community. Comprised of experienced professionals,
place to live and work. This year’s Eighth Annual “Hats West Palm Beach locations and engaged over 11,000 consultants and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is
Off” Nonprofit Awards were presented on October 30th participants in its various reuse and education programs. a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest
at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The organization’s GalleRE exhibits served more than level of desired impact. For more information, visit www.
“Receiving the Arts & Culture Impact Award is an 9,000 community members, including 67 artists. Grant nonprofitsfirst.org.
incredible honor that celebrates the creative heart of Resource funding enabled the nonprofit to distribute 500 stARTer
Government
Government

Mayor’s Update: Happy Holidays and

10 Reasons to Be Happy About Boca Raton

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of programs and certifications that can enhance the world-class recognize. This year we will celebrate 100 years of Boca
Boca Raton and was re-elected city we strive to maintain. Raton. I am excited to remember our roots and plant the
in 2023. A South Florida native, 7. Strong Economics: The continued attractiveness of seeds for the next 100 years. With a concert, drone show
attorney and small business owner, Boca Raton is keeping property values high and taxes low, and community celebrations planned for all year I look
Scott and his wife Bella live in Broken which we can be thankful continued in 2024. Our city’s forward to participating in a year-long bash. The events
Sound with their two children. tax rate had another small decrease–to 3.67 mils. It is a kick off with BocaFest, a new festival at Mizner Park on
The holiday season and new year testament to our strong planning, careful investment and Jan. 25th. The city will soon debut a website dedicated to
provide extra reminders of the many outstanding city staff that we can maintain world-class city all centennial happenings so you can stay informed.
reasons we can be grateful for what services and keep the tax rate the lowest of any full-service 10. Downtown government campus: After many years
we have in Boca Raton. Here are a few points of gratitude city in Palm Beach County, and about 60% less than larger of discussing the redevelopment of the city’s downtown
for our wonderful community. cities like Miami. government campus, ideas for transforming the roughly 30
1. Caring Residents: Boca Raton residents remain the 8. Big Business Presence: With over 13,000 businesses in acres are in the works. In early 2025 the city will begin to
best neighbors. Our residents are known for their strong Boca Raton it is evident that the business community wants review bids for plans to bring a new city hall, community
sense of community and commitment to helping others. Their to be in our city, too. There were many new ribbon cuttings center, public facilities and other amenities to a key part
deep-rooted love for Boca Raton is always on full display in 2024 and I look forward to welcoming more businesses in of Boca Raton.
whether they are volunteering at local charities, participating 2025. Highlights include the Innovative Solutions corporate As always, I’m grateful to serve the people of Boca
in neighborhood events or supporting local businesses. Boca headquarter relocation to Boca Raton, New York’s famed Raton! You can share any thoughts you have at ssinger@
Raton’s residents consistently demonstrate their caring H&H Bagels opening their first Florida outpost in Boca myboca.com, and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter
nature, which fosters a sense of belonging and makes our Raton, Wells Fargo Advisors’ office expansion, Withum’s and Instagram at @scottsingerusa.
city not only a vibrant but nurturing place to live. new larger Boca Raton office, and Ocean Bank opening its Wishing you and yours a safe, happy and healthy New
2. Veterans & Servicemembers: After dedicating the first Palm Beach County branch in Boca Raton. Year!
entire month of November to recognizing our veterans it is 9. Centennial: While it is exciting to reflect on the past
important to remember their service all year round. During year, the anticipation of the future is also something to
the city’s recent Red, White and Boca Veterans Day ceremony
we heard from veterans from the Marine Corps, Navy and
Air Force. We are thankful for their service and for the Boca
Raton-based organizations dedicated to helping our veterans.
3. Public Safety: We continue to have the finest public
safety professionals safeguarding us. Our crime rate has Going Away?
continued to decrease, building on already low figures. When
crime does occur our police department’s preparedness shows
in their swift and decisive action.
4. City Employees: While our first responders are highly
visible members of the city’s staff it’s easy to forget that they Let us manage your home
are just some of the nearly 2,000 city employees. So many
unseen employees work 365 days to make sure our water
is clean and safe, our roads and traffic signals work, and so
much more. I’m grateful to be one member of a group of
professionals who serve us all every day.
5. Nonprofits and City Help: As dedicated as our staff JDF House Management Services
is to ensure that our residents have the best services, the
city’s nonprofits fill in the gaps in many areas. The City
of Boca Raton continued its funding for more than 70
nonprofits in our annual budget. These organizations provide Family Owned
meaningful services to our community. The dedication of
our residents to the many nonprofits that provide an array
of services was evident during Junior League’s 37th Annual One Call, We Do It All!
Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon where 43 women
were nominated for this illustrious award. Every nominee
demonstrated her devotion to a worthy cause and, through
her dedicated efforts, has made our community a stronger and 561.386.4630
better place. This was just one of many events showcasing
the volunteer work in our community. After 3 months
6. Access to Great Minds: Through my roles with the
U.S. Conference of Mayors and Bloomberg Philanthropies, One Month
the City of Boca Raton is able to tap into a global network
of best practices. Our participation in these organizations
opens various opportunities, such as becoming a designated FREE
Better Cities for Pets. We continue to search for additional FAley@JDFHousesitting.com with coupon JDF