Wellington Today – A Community Working Together Wellington’s Community Partners Roundtable Helps In Building A Stronger Community Together

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Wellington’s aspiration to create a thriving, safe and compassionate community isn’t unique, but it does require a coordinated effort. Recognizing that local government can’t address all community needs alone, the Community Partners Roundtable emerged. The village’s Community Services Department spearheaded this initiative, recognizing the value of a centralized effort. The goal was clear: to streamline efforts, reduce duplication and ensure that everyone is working in sync to provide support to individuals and families in need. What began as a small group of staff and local nonprofits has blossomed into a collaborative force for good that has quietly been shaping the way our community comes together.

Our Shared Goals 
Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

In 2017, the Village of Wellington initiated the Community Partners Roundtable as a platform to connect with like-minded local organizations. The first meeting, held at the Wellington Community Center, set the stage for a new kind of community collaboration.

Representatives from various nonprofits assembled to discuss shared visions and the collective pursuit of community improvement. Now, six years later, the Community Partners Roundtable initiative is more than just a series of meetings — it’s a testament to the power of unity and shared goals. This effort, launched with the aim of enhancing positive change and fostering inclusivity, has successfully brought local organizations and nonprofits onto the same page.

Amplifying Impact
Through collaboration, Wellington can accomplish much more than working alone. As Hellen Keller once said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

The outcomes of the Community Partners Roundtable meetings are tangible and impactful. Collaboration has led to a more efficient use of resources, the development of better programs and the enhancement of services.

Key partners like Christ Fellowship Church, the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, the Rotary Club of Wellington, the Kiwanis Club of Wellington, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Temple Beth Torah, the Wellington Community Foundation, the Great Charity Challenge and Wellington Regional Medical Center have consistently participated, with many organizations now proactively seeking engagement due to the initiative’s success.

Beyond meetings, the Community Partners Roundtable has spurred impactful stories that highlight the strength of unity. Last year, Wellington High School’s effort to provide bicycles to Rosenwald Elementary School students extended its reach when Christ Fellowship’s food truck joined the endeavor, offering ice cream and joy to the students. This seamless cooperation illustrated how partnerships amplify the positive impact of individual actions.

Another compelling example unfolded during the All-American City Competition. Wellington was selected as a finalist, presenting an opportunity to showcase our community youth programs. The challenge was twofold: extending representation beyond the village’s immediate members and overcoming geographic distance. Our community partners stepped in, contributing both resources and support to make the journey to Denver, Colorado, a reality.

Building Our Future
Looking ahead, the Community Partners Roundtable aims to grow further by welcoming partners who share a commitment to enhancing our “Great Hometown.” The initiative’s momentum is a testament to the collective spirit and shared vision of the community. While we’ve come far, we know that we have only scratched the surface of what can be achieved together.

In Wellington, the importance of unity is undeniable. The Community Partners Roundtable exemplifies this notion, reinforcing the idea that creating a thriving “Great Hometown” relies on a collective effort. It’s about diverse entities uniting their strengths to build a resilient, prosperous and caring community. As Wellington continues to evolve, it does so with the understanding that today’s collaborative endeavors will lay the foundation for an even brighter tomorrow.

Supporting The Local Community
Brooke USA Donates $10,000 To The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center

The Brooke USA Foundation, an international equine welfare organization headquartered in the United States, recently presented a $10,000 donation to the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in honor of hosting the Wellington area’s first Divertimentos & Dressage, a part of Brooke USA’s annual Paint Wellington Orange campaign. The event, which took place in March, featured a one-of-a-kind evening of live symphony music and freestyle dressage.

Held at Vinceremos, Divertimentos & Dressage attracted the participation of leading riders and their Grand Prix horses, including Todd Flettrich, Rebecca Hart, Sahar Daniel Hirosh, Allison Kavey, Jim Koford and JJ Tate. Throughout the program, the audience was captivated by the classical repertoire performed by the Palm Beach Symphony with works by Beethoven, Brahms, Holst, Mozart, Sousa and Strauss II. Brooke USA ambassador and Paralympian Hart closed the evening with a standing ovation as she performed to the music of John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes.”

Thanks to those in attendance, and a matching gift from event chair and Brooke USA founding ambassador Margaret H. Duprey, the board of directors of Brooke USA designated $10,000 in support of Vinceremos’ mission and work.

“We are thrilled to support Vinceremos and their important work,” Duprey said. “Vinceremos provides equine-assisted activities to children and adults with disabilities, and their programs have a profound impact on the lives of those they serve. We are proud to be a part of their mission and to make an impact in the western communities of Palm Beach County.”

Ruth Menor founded Vinceremos in 1982. The center’s programs use horseback riding to help people with disabilities improve their physical, emotional and social well-being. Vinceremos serves more than 500 people each year, and its programs are offered at no cost to participants.

“We are so grateful to Brooke USA for this generous donation,” said Susan Guinan, executive director of the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. “This donation will help us continue to provide our life-changing programs to people with disabilities. We are truly honored to be a part of Brooke USA’s mission to improve the lives of horses and people around the world.”

Vinceremos is located at 13300 6th Court North in Loxahatchee Groves. Learn more about its programs at www.vinceremos.org.

Divertimentos & Dressage raised more than $80,000 toward programs across the developing world and here in the United States. The Brooke USA volunteer-created event aligns the nonprofit with the equestrian community by entertaining and engaging supporters, while raising funds to alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people they serve in vulnerable communities worldwide.

The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival. Brooke USA is committed to sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education and raising basic standards of living through improved equine health and welfare.

Brooke USA strives to alleviate the suffering and vulnerability of developing communities by funding and implementing programs that improve the quality of life and health of working equines and thereby positively impacting their economic sustainability, protecting the planet, ensuring gender equality and guaranteeing life on land resilience.

To learn more about Brooke USA’s mission, or to attend future events, visit www.brookeusa.org.

40 Years Of Superior Service Buckeye Plumbing Marks Four Decades Serving The Western Communities And Beyond

Story by Mike May  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman

It’s time to cut the cake and break out the champagne. Buckeye Plumbing is celebrating its 40th anniversary serving clients in the western communities and beyond.

If you look at how this longtime Royal Palm Beach-based business has grown in the last 40 years, the changes have been meteoric.

“In 1983, we started with two people and two trucks,” recalled Cindy Gillum, lead administrator at Buckeye Plumbing and wife of the founder and president, Kevin Gillum. “At first, we just worked on plumbing jobs associated with new construction. Now, we have a fleet of 70 trucks.”

While Buckeye Plumbing now has many plumbers on staff, the expansion has been pragmatic and calculated.

“We won’t hire a plumber to visit a customer’s home who we would not be comfortable making a repair in our own home,” Cindy said.

On a day-to-day basis, Kevin operates the business side of the operation, while Cindy oversees human resources, insurances, marketing, social media and the computer systems.

While Kevin and Cindy remain involved in running the company’s daily affairs, they have help from their now-expanded family. Daughters Jennifer and Sara are on the payroll.

“Jennifer manages water services, and Sara works in human resources,” Cindy said. “Sara’s husband Casey is a manager who has worked here for 23 years.”

A third daughter, Kimberly, used to work for Buckeye Plumbing, but she’s now a teacher. A fourth daughter, Melanie, is married and lives in Orlando. She also started her career at Buckeye Plumbing.

Not surprisingly, there have been a few employees who have worked for Buckeye Plumbing for 30-plus years. Two of the longest-serving employees are Ron Quintal, who has worked at the firm for more than 35 years, and Calvin Haylas, who has been at Buckeye Plumbing for more than 30 years.

Over the past four decades, the folks at Buckeye Plumbing have worked hard to become known across the region as experienced plumbing experts committed to maintaining a rock-solid reputation. More than 80 percent of its business is returning customers and referrals.

“We really do care about each client,” Cindy said. “We are committed to taking care of people. We want our customers to call us the next time.”

As for the company’s name, it’s connected with Kevin and Cindy Gillum’s roots in the Buckeye State. “We are both from Ohio, specifically Brunswick, which is just south of Cleveland,” Cindy said.

The both graduated from high school in 1978, got married in 1980 and moved to South Florida in 1981, where Kevin started working for Seppala & Aho, a Canadian-owned construction company operating out of Lantana. Before too long, Kevin decided to go out on his own and formed his plumbing company.

If you need a plumbing specialist for general plumbing issues, water filtration issues or backflow issues, Buckeye Plumbing is ready to respond, repair or replace. Its team of plumbers is available 24/7/365.

“We will respond at any time if there is a true emergency, such as no water in the home or a home without a working toilet,” Cindy said.

If your home has no water on Christmas morning, Buckeye Plumbing is ready. If there’s a plumbing emergency on New Year’s Eve, Buckeye Plumbing can get the problem solved before the ball drops. “We have had to respond to those kinds of emergencies in the past,” Cindy said.

Top-notch service is all part of the Buckeye Plumbing experience.

“Our technicians are fully prepared and trained, our trucks are fully stocked with all the necessary parts and supplies, and our office staff is experienced to handle any client’s plumbing emergency,” Cindy said. “Although times, technology and the trade have changed, Buckeye Plumbing has continued to evolve through the years. We provide up-to-date services and techniques that assist our customers with today’s demands and challenges.”

While Buckeye Plumbing is based just off State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach, the company has clients throughout the region — across Palm Beach County and into northern Broward, and north into Martin and St. Lucies counties. A quick analysis of Google reviews contains a series of testimonials from clients that are indebted to Buckeye Plumbing’s highly rated professional services.

While Buckeye Plumbing is a for-profit entity, the company is well aware of the costs of its services. In order to provide some cost savings to customers, there is a section on its web site that provides a discount coupon for the next time you call for plumbing help.

Buckeye Plumbing is also a big supporter of local charities and nonprofit causes in Palm Beach County.

“We support local food banks, homeless programs, Habitat for Humanity, Urban Youth and local high school graduation programs,” Cindy said. “We support community programs because we are part of the community.”

As for the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations, Buckeye Plumbing hosted a company picnic at the Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach in mid-June for its employees and their families. And a four-hour cruise is planned for December, which will travel up and down the Intracoastal Waterway near Delray Beach. But don’t worry. Even if you call during the cruise, Buckeye Plumbing will still be ready to help a customer in need.

“There are always people who won’t be on the cruise, so they volunteer to be available to respond to a plumbing emergency,” Cindy said.

Buckeye Plumbing is located at 310 Business Park Way in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 282-5393, e-mail service@callbuckeye.com or visit www.buckeyeplmg.com.

Youth Of The Year Award Winner Wellington’s Alonza Lloyd Honored By The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Palm Beach County

By Mike May

Resilient, determined, passionate and a true leader. These adjectives accurately describe 18-year-old Wellington resident Alonza Lloyd, who was named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County earlier this year.

During a banquet dinner at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Lloyd was honored with the organization’s highest award for club members. It was an evening that he will remember as one of the most pivotal and impactful moments of his young life.

Lloyd, 18, a member of Wellington’s Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club, is a great example of how the Boys & Girls Club experience can help young people learn valuable life lessons and reach their full potential.

Lloyd, a 2023 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School, was named the Palm Beach County winner after several rounds of essays, interviews and speeches. All seven Palm Beach County finalists received a four-year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship, while Lloyd also received a four-year university scholarship with room and board from the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation.

In addition to honoring Lloyd as the overall winner of the 2023 Youth of the Year Award, Coke Florida presented all the finalists with new Chromebook laptops. The finalists were also given brand-new tablets, courtesy of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation and K12 Print.

In addition to Lloyd, the 2023 finalists also included Kelvin Rolle from the Florence De George Boys & Girls Club of West Palm Beach, Kimberly Pierre from the Marjorie S. Fisher Boys & Girls Club of West Palm Beach, Eric Wilson from the Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club of Rivera Beach, Frank Zamor from the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach, Lynnshelsie Antoine from the Boys & Girls Club of Boca Raton and Jada Lovely from Smith & Moore Family Teen Center of Belle Glade.

The seven finalists were selected to represent their Boys & Girls Club location after a preliminary competition that included a comprehensive application, three essays, three letters of recommendation and an interview in front of a panel of judges. The three-minute speeches were presented live at the awards dinner at the Hilton. The speeches were the final scoring factor used to determine the overall winner of the ninth annual Palm Beach County Youth of the Year Award.

By winning the award, Lloyd earned the right to compete for the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Award.

“The Youth of the Year Award dinner is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s mission-defining moment, and it is our most cherished occasion,” said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “Were it not for the devoted staff and premier programs, many of our teenage members would never have the encouragement to graduate from high school on time with a plan for the future.”

Miranda said that Lloyd is a very deserving recipient of this recent honor.

“From the first moment I met him, I could tell that he’s a very special person,” Miranda said. “He has been very involved in his local club in Wellington. He spoke about his ability to connect with an audience. Clearly, he speaks from the heart, and he has a very positive outlook on life. He’s determined to fulfill his dreams.”

As the Palm Beach County representative, Lloyd advanced to the Florida statewide competition held in Port St. Lucie. In that statewide competition, which featured more than 30 other finalists, Lloyd finished second.

The key part of that program was Lloyd’s speech, where he began by stating that “the most beautiful things in this world cannot be heard or seen or even touched, for they must be felt through the heart.”

Lloyd knows a little bit about the value of “heart,” since he was born with a congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). He required two heart operations, although he is now in good health.

“I had one operation at six months and another one when I was 10, but I have been cleared to play sports and work out at the gym since I have been 13,” Lloyd said. “I feel great now, with lots of energy.”

Lloyd’s presence at the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club has impacted both the staff and the other club members.

According to Anthony Davis Sr., the director of operations at the Wellington facility, Lloyd is an example of how the Boys & Girls Club can influence academic success, character, leadership and healthy lifestyles.

“Alonza has made an amazing transition from his sophomore year to his senior year of high school,” Davis said. “He is now a paid part of our staff, and he’s mentoring, counseling and providing guidance to 5- to 12-year-olds.”

As a result of being named one of the top Florida winners, Lloyd was one of nearly 50 students from Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the United States who were given an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy from July 9 through July 17. There, they participated in group discussions geared at building better relationships, being a better person and learning how to respect others.

Lloyd is now focused on college. He is currently enrolled at Florida International University in Miami, where he plans to major in biological sciences. If he continues being a true leader who is resilient, determined and passionate, his life will continue to be positively influenced by many more pivotal and impactful moments.

Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County at www.bgcpbc.org.

Preparing Students For Success The Village Of Wellington Has A Deep Commitment To Education And Community

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

As summer fades away, it’s time to gear up for an exciting new academic year in our great hometown. Wellington takes pride in its top-notch schools, known for educational excellence, offering a welcoming environment for students of all ages. With an array of recreational opportunities, programs and community support, Wellington continues to be an ideal place for families with school-age children.

High-Quality Education 
Wellington’s public schools consistently rank among the best in the county and state, providing exceptional learning environments and dedicated educators who are committed to their students’ success. The Palm Beach County School District serves the community, ensuring a high-quality education for students. Additionally, private and charter schools in the area cater to diverse educational needs.
Our schools and village facilities are modern spaces that encourage interactive learning and innovation, providing students with resources that foster their creativity and intellectual growth. But education extends beyond the classroom. Wellington offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, music and arts programs, and community service projects. These options promote holistic development and enrich students’ educational experiences.

A strong sense of community is another key aspect of Wellington’s educational landscape. Parents, teachers and local community partners collaborate to create a supportive environment that nurtures student success. The community actively participates in school events and volunteer programs, reinforcing the notion that education is a collective effort. Wellington’s residents understand the importance of investing in their youth and working together to provide opportunities that shape the next generation.

Summer Programs
Over the summer, Wellington has been bustling with programs and activities to support our students’ academic and personal growth. One notable program was the New Horizons academic summer camp. Certified teachers educated small groups, helping students stay academically sharp and prepare for the upcoming school year, while our community services staff engaged them with various activities and organized field trips. From swimming at the Wellington Aquatics Complex to showcasing their artistic skills and enjoying Adrenaline Entertainment, the camp offered a well-rounded experience.

The Students Working to Achieve Greatness (SWAG) internship program provided students with the opportunity to develop their professional identity and experience new career opportunities. They interned at local organizations such as the State Attorney’s Office, Art Cellar, Wellington All Stars, Premier Family Health, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center and Health Insurance Solutions. These internships allowed students to grow as young adults and gain valuable insights into various fields.

Fostering Partnerships
Wellington’s Community Services Department works closely with community groups and organizations to provide ongoing opportunities for our youth to stay active and academically engaged throughout the school year. By fostering partnerships, we ensure that our students have access to a wide range of resources and support, both during the summer months and beyond.
As students prepare to head back to school, they can look forward to an enriching and supportive educational experience in Wellington. With excellent schools, engaging extracurricular activities, and a strong community spirit, our village provides a nurturing environment that fosters academic and personal growth. From dedicated educators to passionate community members, Wellington stands united in its commitment to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.
The new school year holds great promise for our students, and Wellington is proud to be at the forefront of educational excellence. Together, let’s celebrate the achievements of our students and continue to support their journey toward a bright future.

A Talented Team Of Local Dancers The Wellington Royals Dance Team Looks To Continue The Magic After A Successful Season

By Mike May

One of the many Wellington High School teams that had an excellent season of competition this past year was the school’s dance squad, the Wellington Royals.

Led by head coach Alex Snyder, the squad produced great results when it finished first in the pom division and second in the hip-hop division in the regional competition at Jupiter High School in January. That propelled them to the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Florida State Championship held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. There, against statewide competition, the Royals finished fourth in the hip-hop division and sixth in the pom division.

The success of last year’s team laid the foundation for what is expected to be another great season for the Royals.

“There are 22 amazing young ladies on the Wellington Royals Dance Team,” Snyder said. “They are super-talented, but more importantly, they are sweet, respectful, loving, kind, encouraging to one another, great friends, hard workers, passionate about dance, focused to improve, and extremely crazy, wacky and goofy!”

The 22 members of the Wellington Royals for the 2023-24 school year are: Abby Kitlas, Adriana Maranto, Alexa Iannone, Ava Alessi, Bri Maida, Daniella Iglesias, Erika Braswell, Gabrielle Torre, Helen Mossberg, Jade Barnett, Jayden Smith, Kennedy Smith, Lilly Simpson-Gay, Lola Simpson-Gay, Mackenzie Sauers, Mariana Villafane, McKelle Rhodes, Morgan Myers, Nailah Grullon, Sabrina Lucca, Sasha Campbell and Sofia Alessi.

For the upcoming Royals squad to be successful, Snyder needs leadership from within the team. To that end, she has named Kennedy Smith and Jade Barnett as the team’s captains.

“I need my captains to encourage everyone on the team, keep spirits high, be responsible for helping make team decisions and lead the warm-ups,” Snyder said.

Smith is delighted to be on the team, and she wants the upcoming season to be memorable.

“To me, being a Wellington Royal is an incredible honor,” Smith said. “Last year, my main focus was really pushing myself to improve. My inspiration is my teammates, and I want to do the best I can for them. My main goal for this year is to bond with the new team and have the most amazing season.”

Barnett takes her role as a captain seriously.

“It’s an honor and a huge privilege to get to be a part of this team and help lead our girls this year,” Barnett said. “I am pumped for this season and can’t wait to see what we accomplish.”

They agreed that the team’s camaraderie is one of its strengths.

“I love hanging out with girls from the team outside of school. It helps us connect better in things other than dance,” Smith said. “The best part of being on a team is the support system. One of our main goals is to really uplift each other. This helps during competitions because I know that we’re in this together.”

“The connection between all the girls is extremely close,” Barnett added. “We don’t just dance for the betterment of ourselves, but truly for each other.”

The Royals are a closely knit unit.

“One of my favorite parts of the dance team is the family aspect,” Smith explained. “I never feel alone, and I know that no matter what, I have 21 best friends by my side. The best part about being on a team is that you do everything together. You practice hard together, you cry, laugh and bond as one.”

“This team is a family,” Barnett agreed. “We are honest with one another, and we also are each other’s hype sisters. To be on the Wellington Royals team is a blessing for which I am truly grateful.”

Smith feels blessed to be on the team and to follow in her mom’s footsteps.

“My mother was on the Wellington High School dance team, so I love that I get to dance for this team,” she said.

The Wellington Royals will practice twice a week during the school year as they prepare for regional and state competitions. They also have other performances that allow them to hone their dance routines.

“We perform at every Wellington High School home football game and at any away football game where the band also travels to play,” Snyder said. “We also perform at a few boys and girls home basketball games, plus all the student pep rallies.”

When the squad practices, the team works on synchronization, which is a key component of their two-minute routines, which involve leaping, jumping, lifting and turning.

The Wellington Royals’ first dance competition of the new season will be in early December.

“We hope to host a dance competition on Dec. 2 for local high school dance teams,” Snyder said.

The regional competition will be on Jan. 6, 2024, and the UDA Florida State Championships are scheduled for Jan. 16, 2024, in Orlando.

If the squad is going to repeat the success that last year’s team had, it will all come down to preparation.

“As a team, if we all continue to give 110 percent at practice, I have no doubt how far we can go and what we can achieve,” Barnett said.

According to Barnett, the experience of competing at the UDA Florida State Championship this past January made a big impression on the entire team.

“Exposing ourselves to higher-level competition really allowed us to see how we could push ourselves to be better,” she said. “Other dance teams who compete every year were a huge inspiration to us. We have grown tremendously by challenging ourselves with more intricate choreography.”

In addition to focusing on the team’s immediate goals, the group also sets aside time to focus on the program’s future.

“We do two clinics for kids — kindergarten through eighth grade — in our community,” Snyder added. “Our dancers love investing in the kids, and it’s a great opportunity for younger kids to see if it’s something they may be interested in pursuing. The first clinic will be Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The junior dancers will get to perform at a Wellington High School football game.”

For more information about the Wellington Royals and the junior clinics, contact Snyder at wellingtondanceteam@gmail.com.

Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Hundreds Enjoy A Special Night To Support A Cure For Paralysis

By Sydney Jones 

The National Polo Center-Wellington played host to a memorable event — the Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match & Gala — on Saturday, April 29. Presented by Valentino to benefit the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, the special evening featured a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, as guests witnessed an equestrian demonstration from Olympians and world champions in the disciplines of show jumping, dressage and polo. The equestrian demonstration was followed by an elegant sit-down dinner.

In 1985, world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Barth A. Green and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti joined forces and founded the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after Buoniconti’s son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game. Since then, research at the Miami Project has changed the landscape of knowledge and therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.

Committed to finding a cure for paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury and to seeing millions worldwide walk again, the Buoniconti family established the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in 1992. The Buoniconti Fund is a nonprofit organization with a mission is to raise funds and awareness to help the Miami Project achieve its primary focus — to repair and restore function to the injured and diseased nervous system, thereby improving the quality of life of patients throughout the world.

On a night set to raise funds and awareness for paralysis, several honorees were recognized for their influence in equestrian sport. Among those honored were Event Chair Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, who received the Buoniconti Fund Award. Philanthropist and two-time U.S. Open champion and game MVP Dawn Jones received the Philanthropy Award, and Irish Olympic show jumping legend Kevin Babington received the Inspiration Award, which was accepted by his wife Dianna.

The three Equestrian Legend awardees were Robert Jeffrey Dover, the most honored dressage rider in the United States, as well as Jeff Hall, who has won every high-goal trophy in U.S. Polo, including the prestigious U.S. Open, and Kris Kampsen, a three-time U.S. Arena Open champion, who has played polo for more than 25 years and is still playing competitive polo at the highest level, maintaining his handicap of six goals for more than 20 years.

Along with the honorees, many celebrities were also in attendance to witness the spectacular evening. Some of them included polo players Michael Armour, Charles Fridge, Chris Gannon, Stephen Orthwein and Martin Valent, U.S. show jumping star Todd Minikus, Olympic long jump champion Bob Beamon, NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson, polo announcer and UPSA President Tony Coppola, Indianapolis 500 winner and CART Champion Gil deFerran, former Miami Dolphins lineman Jeff Dellenbach, actor Colin Egglesfield, World Series champion pitcher Scott Erickson, NHRA and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America member Darrell Gwynn, world renowned Australian show jumper Ben Meredith, Olympic and world cup jumping course designer Leopoldo Palacios, Emmy-nominated actor Aiden Turner, Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Lesley Visser, and former Dolphins and Patriots lineman Jed Weaver.

Not only was a great time had by all, but the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and the Miami Project can continue their research to better serve those who have been impacted by paralysis with the money raised and recognition received at the Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match & Gala. In a sport where major injuries can happen, that is money and time well spent.

Visit www.thebuonicontifund.com to learn more about the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and the Miami Project.

The Best Place For Families Recent Magazine Ranking Just Confirmed What We Already Knew

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Wellington was recently ranked among the top ten “Best Places to Live for Families” by Fortune magazine. This year’s ranking showcases communities across the nation where multigenerational families are most likely to have access to critical resources, community support and financial well-being. To select the “Best Places to Live for Families,” Fortune evaluated nearly 1,900 cities, towns, suburbs, exurbs, villages and townships that had approximately 20,000 residents across all 50 states. This range provided a broad universe of places that offered high-quality amenities in communities with a hometown feel. To help thoroughly analyze each place, Fortune reviewed more than 200,000 unique data points across five broad categories: education, aging resources, general wellness, financial health and livability.

Wellington In The Top 10
Wellington broke into the top ten, coming in 8th in the rankings overall — and the only community in Florida on this year’s list. Many of the indicators used for these rankings align with the village’s strategic focus areas, so making the top of this list validates our commitment toward success in the areas in which we are most invested.

This ranking is just one of the many accolades we earned recently. Wellington’s success in this ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. By continuously delivering best-in-class services, we have made Wellington a great hometown that meets the diverse needs of our residents. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone involved for their vision and commitment to making Wellington a community of choice for all.

National Civic League Award
Our efforts to engage residents, particularly our youth, in decision-making and strategic initiatives recently garnered recognition from the National Civic League. Wellington ranked as a finalist for the prestigious 2023 All-America City Award, recognized among the top communities in the nation for civic engagement. We assembled a dynamic team of “All-America City Representatives,” composed of students, education and government leaders, as well as community advocates, who traveled recently to Denver, Colorado, to present the inspiring story of their work to a jury of esteemed national civic leaders.

The heart of Wellington’s compelling presentation revolved around the success of three key programs: the HYPE tutoring program, the Tom Atkins Civics 101 civic engagement program and the SWAG internship program. These initiatives showcased Wellington’s dedication to nurturing youth voices and empowering residents, including young individuals, to address crucial issues such as diversity and inclusion, and college and career readiness.
The recognition as a finalist for the 2023 All-America City Award is a testament to the remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication of our community. While we did not secure the top award this year, we take immense pride in the progress we have made in building the civic capacity of our young people and fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment.
Wellington remains committed to empowering our residents and strengthening our community for a brighter future.

Taking Stock Of Our Community
As we work on next year’s budget, it is time to take stock of everything we accomplished so far this year. Recently, the village earned Moody’s highest Aaa rating, which is an improvement from the village’s previous rating of Aa1. The upgrade to Aaa reflects a growing and high-wealth economic base, robust financial position and strong financial policies. Wellington’s financial position is healthy given its fund balance and liquidity, tax base and exceptional budgetary management. The rating agency recognized the village’s tax base, conservative budgeting, strong and proactive management team, and operating fund balance as proof of the community’s financial stability.

Other Awards For Wellington
The village’s Public Works Department once again earned reaccreditation through the American Public Works Association (APWA). Reaccreditation recognizes a commitment to the highest level of service to the community. As part of this process, the APWA evaluated 265 of our policies and procedures and awarded the village 100 percent full compliance on all of them. Our public works team underwent this rigorous process all while managing new challenges presented by evolving work conditions.
Similarly, Wellington’s Administrative & Financial Services Department earned several awards and acknowledgments, including the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

More Than Just The Awards
As you can see, the past year has been a great year for us. But it’s not about winning trophies or plaques; we value these awards and recognitions because they serve as third-party validation that we are delivering on our commitments to the residents of this great community. I hope you join me in feeling the immense pride that comes from building a better community through strategic planning, community engagement and accountability. Our village has demonstrated remarkable resilience over the past few years, and we will continue to strive for excellence as we propose a budget for Wellington Village Council consideration for fiscal year 2024. Our promise to you is that we will continue to deliver best-in-class services and amenities for our residents, businesses, workforce and visitors. We are hopeful that the future will bring more achievements, accolades and experiences of which we can all be proud.

Adams Scholarship Recipients, Foundation Supporters, Donors And Volunteers Honored At WCF’s Annual Thank You Soirée

By Shannon Anastasio

The Wellington Community Foundation hosted its annual Thank You Soirée on Thursday, May 18 at the Boynton Financial Group offices in Wellington. The event celebrated this year’s Arle and Ken Adams Scholarship recipients, embodying the foundation’s commitment to supporting educational endeavors within the community.

The soirée, which featured a vibrant tropical theme, was made possible by the generous hosting of Ben and Joanna Boynton and the dedicated team at the Boynton Financial Group. With catering by Nosh Catering and an array of wine selections provided by Star Wine & Spirits, the evening was a resounding success.

Recognizing and honoring the foundation’s supporters, donors and volunteers was the top priority at the event. The annual Thank You Soirée was conceived as an opportunity for the Wellington Community Foundation to express gratitude to the individuals whose crucial support enables the nonprofit’s efforts. These sponsors, donors and volunteers play a pivotal role in empowering the foundation’s work. In his opening remarks, Wellington Community Foundation Chair Barry Manning emphasized their invaluable contributions and the importance of their continued support.

Also honored were the winners of the 2023 Arle and Ken Adams Scholarships. Scholarship Committee chairs James Seder, Joanna Boynton and Don Gross recommended the winners to the WCF Board of Directors at the May meeting. After meticulous review of numerous applications, the committee unanimously chose three outstanding candidates — Marlena Hutchinson, Abigail Lofstead and Victoria Loredan, whose achievements and dedication shine brightly.

The Arle and Ken Adams Scholarship recipients impressed the committee, the board and attendees as their accomplishments were read aloud.

Marlena Hutchinson, a student at Wellington High School, finished with a weighted GPA of 5.09 and has amassed 281 hours of community service. Her involvement as a leader in the Florida Future Educators of America club and her dedication to volunteering with the Best Buddies program highlight her commitment to education and inclusivity. Hutchinson aspires to be a pediatric occupational therapist, and she will be attending the University of Florida to pursue her dreams.

Abigail Lofstead, a student at Palm Beach Central High School, has demonstrated exceptional academic prowess with a weighted GPA of 5.27, ranking fifth in her class. With 253 hours of community service, she has exemplified a strong sense of civic duty. Lofstead’s passion for empowering women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math led her to found the Women in STEM club at Palm Beach Central. She will attend the University of Florida, aspiring to become a pediatrician. When not studying, Lofstead also enjoys snorkeling.

Victoria Loredan, a student at Wellington High School, stands out as an exceptional leader with a weighted GPA of 5.38, ranking second in her class. Alongside her 192 hours of community service, Loredan’s involvement in various organizations like the Black Leadership Achievement Student Team (BLAST) showcases her dedication to empowering her peers. Her goal is to become a pediatric psychiatrist. Loredan, like the other winners, is headed to the University of Florida to continue her education.

The legacy of late Wellington philanthropists Arle and Ken Adams live on through their many efforts throughout the village, and the foundation continues to honor their tremendous contributions to the community through its first scholarship program. These remarkable individuals, longtime residents of Wellington, dedicated their lives to serving the community.

Ken Adams, a former Palm Beach County commissioner and supporter of the village’s incorporation, believed that Wellington’s accomplishments were made possible by great people and leaders who care about future generations. He enthusiastically joined the foundation’s inaugural board of directors when it became an independent nonprofit organization, and the scholarship created in honor of both him and his late wife Arle brought him great pride, which he expressed prior his passing in 2020.

The Arle and Ken Adams Scholarship is just one of the many ways that the Wellington Community Foundation demonstrates its commitment to supporting Wellington students in their pursuit of educational success. The scholarship program serves as a beacon of hope for those in need of a helping hand to become tomorrow’s leaders.

In addition to the scholarship program, the Wellington Community Foundation remains dedicated to providing ongoing support to local students. This year, the foundation will be distributing 600 new school uniforms and 600 backpacks filled with essential school supplies. These foundation initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that every child has the necessary tools to thrive academically.

The Thank You Soirée provided a joyous occasion to celebrate the Arle and Ken Adams Scholarship recipients and express gratitude to the foundation’s dedicated supporters. The evening was filled with appreciation, camaraderie and the shared vision of creating a brighter future for Wellington’s students. Through scholarships, uniform donations and school supply provisions, the foundation continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed. Through these efforts, the Wellington Community Foundation helps foster a thriving educational environment that empowers students and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

To learn more about the Wellington Community Foundation, or if you would like to contribute to the nonprofit’s many ongoing initiatives, visit online at www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org. By getting involved, you can play an active role in building a stronger community and empowering future generations to achieve their educational goals.

Protect Yourself And Your Future
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Lou LoFranco Enjoys Helping Local Residents With Investments And More

By Callie Sharkey

The world of finance and investing is constantly changing. Opportunities arise, and trends emerge and disappear without much warning. It can all be overwhelming. This is why finding the right financial advisor is worth the time and effort. Lou LoFranco, who works with the financial firm Edward Jones, enjoys investing his expertise as a financial advisor to help people in the Wellington area.

“The best thing about our office is we answer the phone,” LoFranco said. “We are a private company. We don’t sell a specific product or fiduciary, and it’s not about what we can make off our clients.”

LoFranco has worked in different sectors of the finance industry since the 1980s. He began working on the budget management side with UPS and shifted to a consultant role for GE, managing logistics for wind energy. Then he found FPL and took a position, also in wind industry management. After commuting from Fort Myers to Philadelphia, he realized that his family wasn’t happy, and they soon moved to South Florida permanently.

With six children being homeschooled by his wife Maria, LoFranco knew that there had to be a better way to take care of his family.

“I called my financial advisor, and he said that it’s time to come on board. I’ve been in Wellington since 2015, and what started as temporary work, well, it’s now nine years later,” LoFranco said. “It has been a great experience and a blessing to be working with the community and helping a lot of the elderly — that I really enjoy.”

He has a deep concern for senior care and quality of life, especially after being a caretaker for his own mother for more than four years. LoFranco worries when he learns of people taking advantage of the elderly.

“I just want to make sure they never run out of money and can live the life, have the lifestyle that they need, and they’ve worked all their life for,” he said. “I like to teach clients that it is more than just looking at the financial picture. We look at health insurance, life insurance or umbrella insurance. If we don’t have the whole picture, we can’t give a good plan for success. We try to do the deep dive; it’s building that relationship, personally getting to know their families, their kids, their grandkids. It’s a long-life process of legacy planning.”

Whether clients are looking for retirement and estate planning, or just trying to figure out where to begin, LoFranco and Edward Jones are there with research and data backing their plans. The company does not deal with any investments that are not federally approved, such as cryptocurrencies.

“I’m a faith-based advisor. We do everything ethically and morally,” he said. “I think we have a good client base that trusts us.”

LoFranco has clients who get more than just financial advice. He has helped them set up bill pay and is even helping a client get a new roof.

“It’s not about making money, it’s about comfort. We go car shopping with clients, too. ‘Can you help me find a boat?’ they’ll ask. We helped a client find a house,” LoFranco said. “So, that’s what I love about it — it’s more than the investments. Being a financial advisor has been a blessing because it gives you work-life balance. You can make all the money in the world, but if you don’t have time for family, it doesn’t matter. Now I’m living the dream of helping people.”

When asked his top advice on where to begin, LoFranco made it clear that it is important to tackle and manage debt. Clients may walk in with crippling credit card and student loan debt, but he has a strategy to help.

“I lay out a plan. If they have four or five credit cards, depending on the balance, we can help them pay it off within 24 to 36 months. If they don’t have debt, we look at their goals. What is important to you? We do a three-minute ‘priority’ quiz,” he said. “We’ve found that for clients, family is the most important, then travel and then retirement.”

LoFranco and his team of Yara Gonsalves and Tito Lopez have an office in Wellington that is open to walk-ins from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Gonsalves is also available to assist clients who speak Spanish. They are happy to work with clients and potential clients. Not only that, but the consultations are free.

“Appointments are an hour, and it usually takes two or three appointments because they might not be ready,” LoFranco explained. “There is no cost for the consultations, we don’t believe in that. We believe in finding out what’s important for them. It’s all about the long-term relationships because you become family. The trust factor is the most critical thing.”

Lou LoFranco’s Edward Jones office is located at 12020 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100, in Wellington. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 798-4106 or e-mail lou.lofranco@edwardjones.com.