Page 7 - The Islander - March '25

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Palm Beach International Boat Show

Gives Back Awards $500,000 To Local Nonprofits

At Second Annual Grant Reception

Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back,
the Palm Beach International Boat Show’s official grant
program, awarded $500,000 across 29 local nonprofit
organizations for the program’s second year. The Marine
Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC)
and Informa celebrated the grant program’s 2025 recipients
at a cocktail reception on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Lake
Pavilion in downtown West Palm Beach.
The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back is
a collaboration between MIAPBC, the owner of the Palm
Beach International Boat Show, and Informa, the producer
of the show, to support environmental and marine education
programs, as well as waterfront projects in Palm Beach
County that serve residents and visitors. This includes
Amy Scandrett, Brett Larson, Kathy Benson, Anne Messer

educational activities, curriculum development, field trips,
outreach, in-house programs, and cultural events. Stephanie Button, Rena Blades, Alyssa Freeman, Paola Pineros
“Through Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives
Back, we’re fostering marine education and environmental made a major economic impact on the region. It is a much-
stewardship by supporting the nonprofits that make a loved, annual tradition for residents and visitors to South
difference in our community,” said Alyssa Freeman, Florida, and is widely known to be among a handful of
executive director of the MIAPBC. “This grant strengthens must-attend, major boating events in the world.
our commitment to preserving the environment and “The Palm Beach International Boat Show not only
supporting programs that educate future generations about bolsters the economy but also supports philanthropic
our oceans and waterways.” efforts that strengthen and sustain the local community,
Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back is demonstrating how prosperity and generosity go hand
funded through proceeds from the annual Palm Beach in hand,” said Rena Blades, director of Community and
International Boat Show (PBIBS), which include ticket Government Affairs for the boat show.
Jason Norcross, Cathleen Ward, Katrina Long Robinson, sales, optional add-on donations, and other boat show-
John Baldwin related endeavors. PBIBS has a 44-year history and has Nonprofit News on page 8