Festive “friendraisers” help brighten holidays for foster youth

West Palm Beach, Fla. – Close to 700 Palm Beach County foster children and teens rang in 2012 with fond memories of receiving holiday toys and gift cards, thanks to three pre-season events held by Child and Family Connections, Inc. (CFC). Many attendees donated gift cards for teens, along with toys and direct contributions, to help CFC buy items for the children. During the mixers people also had the opportunity to learn more about CFC and its goal of promoting safety, permanency and stability for at-risk children and their families in Palm Beach County.

The events included “Networking for Children” through IPRE Charities/David Chirico at Russell’s Blue Water Grill in Palm Beach Gardens; “Foster a Teen’s Holiday Wish” at Studio E Gallery in PGA Commons and a holiday mixer at Pistache French Bistro in West Palm Beach hosted by the Angel Forum of Florida. Dozens of CFC supporters attended these events, all of which included fabulous food and prize give-aways.

CFC thanks the following organizations and individuals for sponsoring and contributing to our event, donating toys and gift cards, supplying us with festive fare and overall helping make the season a brighter one for the children in our care:

Mrs. Robin Abedon; Mr. Thomas B. Andres; Angel Forum of Florida; The Residents and Staff at Arbor Oaks at Greenacres; Ms. Yvonne Belmont and Prosecco Café; Mr. Russell Beverstein and Blue Water Grill; Celebration Cruise Line and Ms. Allinson De La Flor; The Community Alliance and Ms. Pamela Dunston; The Palm Beach Gardens Marriott and Ms. Juliana Corder; Mr. Chris Curtin; Miss Gabrielle DelBene; Mr. Phil DiComo; Mr. & Mrs. Steven Figiel; Captain Carol Gregg; Mr. and Mrs. Evan Griffith/Studio E Gallery; Ms. Ruth Guerra of Bamboo Clothiers; Ms. Vikki Lauren Ho-Shing of Sunshine Health; Ms. C. Rosie Hylton and Improv Comedy Clubs; Mr. David Chirico and IPRE Charities (Illustrated Properties); Mr. & Mrs. David Knight; Mr. Ferris H. Lander; Mr. & Mrs. Lowell Levine; Macy’s Fig’s Restaurant and Ms. Caroline Mantel; Ms. Jennifer Martin; Mr. Tom Mastromarino; Ms. Shelley Numa; Ms. Kathleen O’Sullivan-Petcoff; Mr. Larry Pesin and Cyclo Industries; Mr. Nick Pironne and Vic & Angelo’s PGA; The Reverend Astley Rhoden of Liberty Movement Ministry; The River House Restaurant; Ms. Lindy Rome with It Works; Mr. & Mrs. Michael Salnick; Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sandrini; Ms. Jacqueline Schuller of Top Drawer; Mr. Mike Siegel and Pistache French Bistro; Mr. John Spoto and Water Bar; Ms. Ellen Daly and Spoto’s Oyster Bar; Ms. Angela Vagell; Ms. Kathryn Weller; Mr. & Mrs. Elijah Wilde and W2 Enterprises, and Mr. Charlie Wolowitz of Cashflow Direct .