Page 4 - The Islander - March '25

Page 4, The Islander

SPotlight

Roll The Dice For A Good Cause: The Arc Of Palm Beach

County To Host Casino-Themed ‘Show Us Your Hearts’ Gala

Hit the jackpot for a night
of giving at The Arc of Palm
Beach County’s Show Us
Your Hearts Gala! Join us
on Saturday, April 5, for
an unforgettable evening
of charitable gaming and
glamour. The casino-chic
event will take place from
6 to 11 p.m. at the Cohen
Pavilion at the Kravis Center
for the Performing Arts in
West Palm Beach.
All donations and proceeds
from the gala will raise money
for The Arc’s vital services Breanna Evans Tara and daughter Breanna Cochairs Tara and Brian
Evans Evans

and programs, which are improving the lives of people with
disabilities and their families. Guests will enjoy an open bar,
hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner, professional casino-style
gambling, and fabulous gaming prizes, along with silent and The Evans Family
live auctions. The event’s charitable gaming features poker,
blackjack, roulette, craps, and slot machines. Whether you are the first time with a communication device, two incredible
a seasoned player or new to the games, gracious croupiers will milestones that will forever be cherished.
ensure an enjoyable experience for all. “The Arc of Palm Beach County cares about helping
“We invite the community to attend out biggest event of the individuals with disabilities from birth to old age,” said Tara
year to help support our groundbreaking community programs Evans. “We are celebrating The Arc’s 19 unique programs
that challenge expectations and inspire new possibilities,” said dedicated to empowering children and adults with disabilities
Charlotte Gill, chief development officer of The Arc of Palm across the county. The gala allows us to present our mission
Beach County. “Join us in creating a world where every person, to a large audience and showcase the high-quality care and
no matter their ability, is not only included but honored and commitment we bring to individuals and families.
celebrated. The best part of the evening is that everyone leaves Tickets for the Show Us Your Hearts Gala are $550 per
a winner having made an impact on so many lives.” person, with tables starting at $5,500. Sponsorship and
This year’s cochairs, Tara and Brian Evans, began their underwriting opportunities are available.
journey with The Arc of Palm Beach County 18 years ago The casino gaming tables are provided for entertainment
when they sought specialized education and care for their purposes only by Casino Party Nights Florida, Inc. Players
daughter Brenna, who has disabilities. In 2006, Tara and must be age 18 or older to play and must be present to win
Brian enrolled Brenna in The Arc’s Potentials School, now prizes. For more information and to purchase tickets, please
Bodwell Academy. Through The Arc, Brenna was able to visit arcpbc.org/events or call (561) 842-3213.
Tara and Brian Evans with daughter Breanna take her first steps using a gait trainer and communicate for Photos courtesy of Jessica Lynn Photography

Community SPotlight

Entrepreneur And Treasure Hunter Carl Allen

Tapped As Keynote Speaker For Palm Beach

International Boat Show Business Luncheon

Renowned philanthropist, yachtsman, and treasure hunter
will share his high seas success stories at the boat show’s
“Charting the Course” Business Leadership Luncheon.
Celebrating 43 years of success, the Palm Beach
International Boat Show (PBIBS) is pleased to announce
Carl Allen, CEO of Allen Exploration, as the keynote
speaker for the “Charting the Course” Business Leadership
Luncheon. A renowned businessman, philanthropist,
yachtsman, and treasure hunter, Allen will share his
unique insights and experiences at The Ben, Autograph

Allen Exploration expedition
Allen Exploration artifacts
Collection in downtown West Palm Beach on Friday,
March 21, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. experiences with the Atlantic Ocean sparked a lifelong
The luncheon brings together leaders from both the interest in maritime exploration and the islands of the
public and private sectors to foster relationships and Bahamas. In addition to his marine endeavors, Allen
highlight the marine industry’s positive economic impact supports numerous philanthropic projects in education,
in Palm Beach County. Allen will discuss his restoration ecology, conservation, veterans’ affairs, and health
efforts on Walker’s Cay, a destination fishing island in research. To invest in future generations, Allen also
the Bahamas, as well as his treasure hunting expeditions supports youth programs across the globe.
to the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas, a 17th century The “Charting the Course” luncheon will benefit the
Spanish galleon wreck. Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program,
Allen’s passion for the sea began at age 12 during
Carl Allen and wife, Gigi Allen a fishing trip out of Florida’s St. Lucie Inlet. His early Community Spotlight on page 5